Director of Finance, Procurement and Systems, Campus Dining
Overview
University Services focuses on providing high-quality, integrated services to the University community. The departments of Campus Dining, Campus Support Services (AV Services, Performing Arts Services, Venue Services), Conference and Event Services, Housing and Real Estate Services, Mail Services, The Service Point (integrated customer service center), Talent and Organizational Development, Trademark Licensing, Transportation and Parking Services (which includes the fleet program), and University Services Administration (which includes Business Services, Finance, and Information Technology) are housed within University Services.
University Services employs over 500 staff and has annual revenue and expense operating budgets of approximately $150 million and $80 million, respectively. The estimated capital spend by the division over the next 10 years is expected to be approximately $150 million. These budgets are diverse and complex, with some departments using a cost-recovery model and the remainder funded through general fund allocations.
The scale of the programs offered by Campus Dining is large and complex. In addition to the large number of venues operated by the department, portions of the portfolio are outsourced to third-party providers. Campus Dining’s annual revenue and expense budgets exceed 45 million each.
Many of the staff (approximately 275-300 FT employees) in the department are paid on an hourly basis and are represented by a union (S.E.I.U. - Service Employees International Union). The number of staff, along with the need to ensure adherence to the union agreement and the complex technology, makes payroll processing additionally complex.
The Director of Finance, Procurement & Systems is a key member of the Campus Dining senior leadership team, providing leadership, direction, and oversight for financial administration, procurement, and systems management. The Director is responsible for advancing financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, procurement excellence, data integrity, and technology capabilities of Campus Dining. This role develops and implements strategies that strengthen financial performance, optimize resource utilization, enhance internal controls, modernize business processes, and support data-informed decision-making aligned with University priorities.
Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President of Finance & Administration, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Assistant Vice President of Campus Dining, the Director leads Campus Dining's Finance, Procurement, and Systems Administration functions. The position oversees a team of three direct reports and approximately eight FTEs and provides financial leadership across multiple operational units within Campus Dining.
The Director collaborates closely with Campus Dining senior leadership and key University partners, including Finance and Treasury, the Provost's Office, University Services IT, and the Office of Information Technology. The Finance, Procurement, and Systems teams support the division's operational and strategic priorities through budget development and management, financial planning and analysis, procurement operations, systems administration, transaction processing, financial reporting, resource allocation, and ongoing financial
A cover letter is required for full consideration.
Responsibilities
Leadership/Management
- Ensure finance, procurement and systems staff’s participation in training and professional development programs.
- Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and professional development to direct reports.
- Conduct performance management process and establish accountability measures for supervised staff and departments.
- Lead financial strategies, technology modernization, and business process improvement initiatives in Campus Dining.
Financial Management
- Serve as a senior leader within Campus Dining, contributing to departmental strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, and achievement of University priorities.
- Develop and implement long-range financial, procurement, and technology strategies that support operational excellence, financial sustainability, and continuous improvement.
- Advise the Assistant Vice President and senior leadership team on financial performance, resource allocation, technology investments, capital planning, operational efficiencies, and strategic initiatives.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance measurement systems to evaluate the effectiveness of finance, procurement, and systems.
- Provide oversight of annual and multi-year financial planning, operating and capital budgeting, forecasting, reporting, internal controls, personnel budget management, and resource allocation activities.
- Ensure accurate financial reporting, reconciliation, and compliance with University accounting standards, and effective financial risk management.
- Review and approve significant financial analyses, business plans, and investment recommendations.
- Serve as the reviewer of the Campus Dining PRIME planning tool.
- Oversee meal plan administration and collaborate with The Service Point to ensure meal plan options and selections are accurately reflected within University systems.
- Lead financial planning and analysis related to asset management and capital investments by partnering with operational leaders to assess current and future equipment needs, develop replacement schedules, project capital requirements, and align funding strategies with organizational priorities and long-term operational goals.
- Ensure appropriate stewardship of departmental revenues, expenditures, reserves, assets, and other financial resources.
- Oversee outsourced vendor financial relationships and contract performance, including annual budgeting, financial reporting, fee administration, and equipment funding requirements.
- Collect, analyze, and evaluate information required to support annual recommendations to the Priorities Committee and identify additional data requirements to support decision-making.
- Prepare reports and provide data analysis to senior leadership in support of strategic financial initiatives and planning.
- Design, develop, and maintain financial models to support business planning and strategic decision-making.
- Manage and support new organizational initiatives and systems related to finance and budget operations.
- Lead and participate in long-term projects that improve financial, administrative, and reporting systems.
Procurement and Supply Chain Oversight
- Provide direction for procurement operations and sourcing activities.
- Oversee supplier relationship management, strategic sourcing initiatives, and contract administration.
- Ensure procurement, financial, and operational activities align with University priorities, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
- Establish procurement performance metrics and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Provide support/direction on RFP processes.
- Assist in negotiations for significant Campus Dining contracts.
Systems, Technology and Data Analytics
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the business systems that support Campus Dining operations.
- Partner with University Services IT and the Office of Information Technology on system implementations, upgrades, integrations, and technology initiatives.
- Ensure technology investments, budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships are managed effectively to maximize value, mitigate risk, and support University Services strategic priorities.
- Champion automation, process improvement, and digital transformation initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, data integrity, customer service, and user experience.
- Lead the use of data analytics, business intelligence, dashboards, automation, and AI-enabled solutions to improve decision-making, forecasting, operational performance, and service delivery across Campus Dining.
Qualifications
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field or bachelor’s degree in another field with eight to ten years relevant experience
- Extensive financial acumen with demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and resource allocation.
- Knowledge of sound accounting principles (GAAP)
- Proficiency with financial systems, business applications, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement internal controls, policies, and processes that support a strong and compliant financial environment.
- Excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collect, synthesize, organize, and interpret complex financial and operational data.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to design and improve workflows, business processes, and operational procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Proven ability to lead projects and manage multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and long-term initiatives.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments and with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong leadership and managerial skills, with a proven ability to lead, develop, mentor, and evaluate staff and project teams.
- Demonstrated adaptability, initiative, and commitment to continuous learning in a dynamic and changing environment.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain high ethical standards, and handle confidential information with discretion.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with a complex financial accounting system, such as Prime, Oracle, Workday, etc.
- Experience with data analysis and related applications (i.e.- Tableau software)
- Knowledge of procurement best practices.
- Experience within higher education, food management or university business divisions within hospitality/service industry
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Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.
If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.