ABOUT THE STUDENTS’ UNION
The Students’ Union (SU) is one of the leading undergraduate student associations in Canada. We are a not-for-profit organization that supports University of Calgary students through advocacy, representation, and practical on-campus services and programs.
We also operate several businesses in the MacEwan Student Centre, including The Den & Black Lounge, two concert venues, a convenience store, a used bookstore and copy centre, and the MacEwan Conference & Event Centre. SU staff coach, mentor, and work alongside elected student leaders to help them build skills and make sound decisions. The organization adapts quickly and responds to emerging student needs.
We offer competitive, market-based pay and benefits that exceed the norm, including:
- Five weeks of paid vacation to start
- Unlimited paid sick time
- Six percent RRSP matching
- Full health and dental coverage plus a health spending account
Turnover is low, and our team is proud of the work we do. If you want meaningful work without sacrificing your home life, the Students’ Union is a strong place to build your career.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Manager, Restaurants oversees the operational facets of The Den & Black Lounge and the future Black Lounge Café, including financial targets and performance, service standards, marketing and promotional plans, and management of staffing, security, and safety. The position reports directly to the Executive Chef.
The position regularly interacts with customers to gauge service levels, responds to and resolves complaints or concerns, and manages security and safety in partnership with external organizations such as Campus Security, the Calgary Police Service, the Calgary Fire Department, and the Alberta Liquor Gaming Commission (AGLC).
This role is expected to contribute to the development of strategic initiatives for the Den & Black Lounge, including:
- business plan development and review.
- implementing production, productivity, quality, and customer service standards and identifying trends and action plans for improvements.
- financial objectives including forecasting requirements, food and liquor ordering, inventory, controlling and reviewing costs of goods, loss management, labour and expenses, and analyzing variances.
- creating an inclusive, safe, and welcoming workplace culture for all employees and customers.
SALARY
For this position, the hiring range is $60,000 to $73,000. As a not-for-profit organization, it is extremely unlikely that we will be able to offer a successful candidate a salary outside of this range.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Recruit, train, and develop staff on guest service principles and practices, including organizing and running new hire orientations, providing coaching and feedback, outlining performance expectations, and conducting annual performance reviews
- Schedule staff in alignment with the annual budget to ensure proper coverage during peak times; monitor and process payroll information
- Provide ongoing training and coaching to improve customer service and staff knowledge in alcohol awareness, server intervention, and safety procedures
- Ensure restaurant opening and closing requirements are met, including daily reporting tasks
- Delegate tasks and follow up to ensure staff meet operational expectations for food preparation, service times, cleanliness, and customer service
- Maintain high-quality standards by monitoring and improving FOH procedures and execution
- Develop liquor menus and provide accurate costing for each item
- Update the POS system as required
- Manage and account for cash floats and shortages
- Communicate operational concerns and changes to management and kitchen teams
- Lead month-end inventory and reconciliation for liquor and restaurant supplies
- Communicate with prospective clients to book and coordinate Den events and work with other departments on external events held in the Den
- Develop relationships with community members, student clubs, and staff to promote in-house events
- Create and maintain preventative maintenance programs and coordinate repairs with the Students’ Union Facilities team
- Act as a fire warden and member of the evacuation team in the event of an emergency; complete detailed reports related to security and medical incidents
- Coordinate staff training and maintain up-to-date records for programs such as WHMIS, ProServe, ProTect, bystander intervention, safe food handling, and other Students’ Union–mandated courses
- Complete the annual Best Bar None program application and inspection process and ensure requirements are upheld throughout the year
- Promote and adhere to all SU policies and procedures
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
- Strong team player with the ability to lead and motivate
- Confident, self-motivated, and enthusiastic
- Strong communication, organizational, and financial skills
- Outstanding customer service orientation
- Sales and marketing knowledge, including familiarity with social media strategies
- Ability to work under pressure and manage busy periods effectively
- Physically able to stand or walk for extended periods and lift or move objects up to 40 lbs
- Available to work day and night shifts, including weekends and holidays, as required
QUALIFICATIONS
- A diploma or degree in food and beverage or hospitality management is preferred; a combination of education and experience will be considered
- Three or more years of supervisory experience in a high-volume restaurant or bar environment
- Familiarity with coordinating deliveries and take-out using third-party platforms and/or a restaurant website
- Experience organizing live music events and managing basic audio equipment is an asset
- Valid ProServe, CPR, emergency first aid, and WHMIS certification required
For more information, check out the position description.
Please send a resume and cover letter to resumes@su.ucalgary.ca. We are accepting applications until February 15, 2026, or until we find the right person. We’re hoping to interview candidates and make a decision in mid-February.
STATEMENT ON EMPLOYMENT EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
The Students’ Union is committed to ensuring that members of equity-deserving groups, from a broad range of communities, feel empowered to apply for positions within the organization. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Black, Indigenous, and/or other racialized communities to apply. Qualified candidates who identify as 2Spirit and/or LGBTQIA+ or are otherwise marginalized on the grounds of gender expression, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation are also strongly encouraged to apply.
The Students’ Union welcomes applications from people with disabilities and believes strongly in accessibility in the work we do. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process – please advise us at any point and we will work with you to meet your needs while respecting your privacy as much as possible.
The Students’ Union is grateful to work on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikuni, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. The University of Calgary is situated on land adjacent to where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, and the traditional Blackfoot name of this place is Moh’kins’tsis, which we now call the City of Calgary. The Students’ Union also recognizes that land acknowledgments are not enough. We need to pursue truth, reconciliation, decolonization, and allyship in an ongoing effort to make right with all our relations.