Catering Manager

Catering Manager

Position Title: Catering Manager
Job Category: Academic Staff
Employment Type: Regular

About the role

This role is responsible for elevating the campus catering program through service excellence, brand development, operational innovation, and relationship-driven engagement across the University.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership to continuously elevate the UWM Catering program, positioning it as the preferred and trusted catering provider for UWM events.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase catering engagement, revenue, and client retention through service innovation, menu development, and relationship management.
• Serve as the lead campus ambassador for UWM Catering, building strong, collaborative relationships with academic departments, administrative units, student organizations, and external partners.
• Act as the primary escalation point for complex or high-profile events, ensuring expectations are exceeded from booking through execution.
• Promote transparent communication regarding pricing, policies, service standards, timelines, and logistics.
• Directly supervise two professional Catering Coordinators, providing coaching, goal setting, performance management, and professional development.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, and evaluation of full-time staff and student employees.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable team culture focused on service excellence and continuous improvement.
• Maintain full responsibility for catering budgets, billing accuracy, cost controls, inventory management, and labor optimization.
• Monitor and analyze food, labor, and supply expenses to ensure financial sustainability and alignment with departmental goals.
• Provide visible leadership and operational support for catered events as needed, ensuring seamless execution and service consistency.
• Ensure all food and beverage services meet established standards for quality, safety, presentation, temperature control, and sanitation.
• Oversee equipment readiness, preventive maintenance, and coordination with facilities and maintenance partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, culinary arts, organizational leadership, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience-associate’s degree plus 8 years of catering management experience in a higher education setting.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive foodservice management experience, preferably in a catering environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to qualify to operate State of Wisconsin vehicles.
• Experience supervising managers and leading multi-layered teams.
• Experience in university or college catering operations.
• Knowledge of institutional food purchasing, inventory systems, and POS platforms.
• Experience with standardized recipes, menu development, and production systems.
• ServSafe Manager Certification or ability to obtain within required timeframe.

Skills

Not specified

Benefits

Not specified

Pay

$67,000 - $75,000 Annually

Schedule

Not specified