Catering Manager

NEXDINE Hospitality’s family of brands provides dining, hospitality, fitness center, and facility management services to businesses, independent schools, higher education, senior living, and hospitals nationwide. We prioritize our people to deliver finely tailored, expertly managed programs with responsiveness, transparency, and authenticity.

About the Role

The Catering Manager reports to the Chef or General Manager and is responsible for the oversight, delivery, and execution of client catering events. This role involves managing catering staff, ensuring exemplary customer service, and overseeing the final presentation of food and service.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and coordinate various catering events according to specific client standards in conjunction with the Chef or General Manager.
• Provide direct oversight of catering services to ensure client and customer satisfaction.
• Meet with prospective clients to review event requirements, including menu creation, set-up/breakdown, and scheduling.
• Manage and assist in the set-up and breakdown of catering events, including seating arrangements, decorations, and food displays.
• Direct and supervise staff in the execution of events.
• Inspect supplies, equipment, or work areas to ensure conformance to established standards; arrange for equipment purchases or repairs.
• Purchase food and/or other supplies needed for efficient operation while ensuring quality control practices for receiving all products.
• Maintain vendor relationships.
• Determine staff requirements and scheduling to ensure timely delivery of services.
• Ensure company standards for safety, proper food handling practices, sanitation, uniform guidelines, and productivity are maintained.
• Assist with event menu writing and cost control utilizing appropriate recipes and costing measures.
• Oversee food quality and standards for all catering events.
• Assist with the production of food for all events.
• Manage all department expenses, including food costs, labor, supplies, uniforms, and equipment while adhering to budgetary guidelines.
• Record production or operational data on specified forms; compile and maintain records of food use and expenditures.
• Determine event pricing in conjunction with the Chef or General Manager, including food, labor, and other direct/indirect costs.
• Handle all aspects of payroll processing and recording.
• Maintain accurate financial recordkeeping for all aspects of catering operations.
• Assist with inventory management.
• Recruit, hire, review, and manage staff.
• Instruct, train, and supervise cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.
• Provide excellent customer service, including being attentive, approachable, greeting, and thanking customers.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

• Leadership
• Team-oriented
• Project management
• Communication proficiency
• Customer/client focus
• Ability to coach and develop others
• Ability to work under pressure
• Problem-solving and analysis

Work Environment

This job operates in a kitchen environment with exposure to equipment such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers, slicers, coffee machines, steamers, mixers, and chef’s knives. The employee is frequently exposed to heat, steam, fire, and noise. The role also includes operating in an office environment using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Physical Demands

The physical demands include sitting, reaching, bending, kneeling, stooping, climbing, pushing, pulling, and lifting items weighing 40 pounds or less. The employee may be required to stand for long periods and must have manual dexterity, auditory and visual skills, and the ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree
• 3–5 years’ experience in a similar position
• ServSafe Certification
• Choke Safety Certification
• Allergen Awareness Certification (MA)
• TIPS Alcohol Certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Culinary school certificate or degree
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Benefits

• Generous compensation and benefits package
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• 401(k) savings plan
• Paid time off: vacation, holiday, sick time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career growth opportunities
• Various employee perks and rewards

Pay

$100,000/year, paid weekly via direct deposit.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday–Friday with some nights and weekends.