Catering Production and Events Manager - Cabrini Campus

Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others. Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, and tuition assistance.

About the role

Reporting directly to the Director of Catering, the Catering Production & Events Manager is responsible for coordinating, selling, and executing catering and event services for Villanova University’s internal departments and external clients. This position is crucial to ensuring high-quality service standards, supporting campus events and conferences, and driving revenue growth through proactive sales and relationship management. The Catering Production & Events Manager will work closely with various teams to plan, organize, and execute events successfully while maintaining a high level of customer service and satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Sales & Client Relations: Act as the contact for catering/event inquiries from internal departments, student organizations, faculty, staff, and external clients. Conduct sales calls, site tours, and client meetings to secure bookings for university event spaces and catering services. Prepare customized catering proposals, pricing estimates, and event contracts in accordance with university policies. Collaborate with clients to understand event objectives, dietary needs, timelines, and budget constraints.
• Operations/Event Planning & Execution: Work closely with culinary and production teams to create event pull sheets. Assist with bar pull sheets. Manage event logistics, and provide on-site support when needed. Work with customers for event timelines. Build and maintain strong relationships with university departments and external vendors. Promote university dining services at campus events, orientations, and outreach opportunities.
• Administrative & Financial Management: Complete and maintain temporary wait staff and student waitstaff payroll timecards. Assist with entering contracts and Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) as needed. Maintain accurate records of sales activities, contracts, payments, and invoices. Ensure all events are billed accurately and payments are collected in a timely manner. Assist with annual budgeting, forecasting, and event revenue tracking.
• Compliance & University Engagement: Ensure all events comply with campus policies, food safety regulations, and licensing requirements.
• Additional Duties: Assist with other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Catering, including special projects, event support, and marketing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Communications, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in catering sales, event planning, or hospitality, preferably in an educational or institutional setting.
• Strong knowledge of catering sales, event planning, and client management.
• Familiarity with event management software (e.g., CaterTrax, Tripleseat) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and event compliance standards.
• Proficiency with event management software and standard office technology (Microsoft Office, email, etc).

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, based on event needs.
• Comfortable with walking, standing, and attending events in various indoor and outdoor settings.

Schedule

Full-time, 12-month position. Schedule will vary weekly depending on event needs. Must be flexible.

Pay

This position falls within salaried grade 13 and the range is $51,000–$63,800. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate’s qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.