Catering Manager

Michigan Dining comprises eighteen on-campus cafes and markets, ten residential dining halls, a line of Blue to Go foods, the Campus Bakeshop, and the Michigan Catering unit. Our 700 professional and 1,600 student employees are committed to creative, healthy, and nutritious foods, international cuisines, and sustainability throughout all dining operations.

About the role

Under the administrative direction of the Director of Catering, this position coordinates and oversees the daily operations of several catering and event operations with events both on- and off-premise.

Responsibilities

• Manage catering operations including preparing menus, costing out beverage menus, pricing of alcoholic beverages, coordination of staff and equipment.
• Complete a weekly catering schedule ensuring adequate staff coverage to meet special event needs and monitoring labor costs.
• Communicate with all the partners to respond to guest needs including building managers, custodial staff and support staff.
• Work with chefs, and partners with chefs on product development, striving for unique and on-trend items.
• Oversee personnel matters including hiring, training, performance reviews, promotions and disciplinary action up to and including termination.
• Ensure Due Diligence of alcohol services in accordance with our liquor license, university policies and state laws.
• Serve as a member of the unit leadership team, collaborate on program enhancements and promote University of Michigan Sustainability.
• Ensure use of CBORD Eventmaster and EMS to manage event operations and finalize billing. Complete regular audits to ensure billing accuracy with sales and events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in food related field or restaurant management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two or more year's supervisory experience in the food-related field.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods and equipment used in the preparation and distribution of food.

Benefits

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expense

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment.

This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery. Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas. Selected candidates whose start date is between 4/1/2026 - 9/1/2026 will not be eligible for the university FY26-27 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.