Catering Supervisor

Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs.

About the role

The Catering Supervisor will organize, set up, and deliver requested catering services to specific locations. Under general supervision, this role plans and supervises food service for special events such as banquets, receptions, conference luncheons, and dinners.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and discusses plans for each function with dignitaries and appropriate personnel, working directly with chefs (including pastry chef), service managers, and floral designers to estimate menu costs, ingredients, and supplies for catered events.
• Oversees and executes catered events by arranging cost menus, estimates, bids, set-ups, floral arrangements, decorations, and transportation; serves as the primary contact and liaison throughout events, ensuring adherence to client expectations and established standards.
• Assists in controlling overhead and labor costs, requisitioning food, equipment, and supplies to ensure fiscal management and timely service delivery.
• Assigns and supervises personnel during designated duties.
• Advises on best catering options, including menu planning and sanitation.
• Maintains records such as accident reports, event reports, alcoholic beverage forms, work schedules, and procedures.
• Recommends new methods, techniques, and procedures to improve operations; conducts research for new concepts and themes.
• Ensures proper repair of kitchen equipment and machinery; reviews contracts, correspondence, and catering arrangements.
• Hires and trains service, production, and clerical staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Two (2) years (24 months) of responsible work experience in food service, including event planning within a catering environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Food handler License.

Skills

• Knowledge of food service organization and operation.
• Knowledge of techniques and equipment for food preparation, storage, and handling.
• Knowledge of high-end cuisine and event coordination.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics, statistics, and their applications.
• Knowledge of computer office applications and catering program applications.
• Knowledge of business and management principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership.
• Knowledge of customer service principles, including needs assessment and quality standards.
• Knowledge of training design, teaching methods, and measurement of training effects.
• Knowledge of personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation, and labor relations.
• Skill in motivating, developing, and directing people.
• Skill in monitoring and assessing performance to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Skill in teaching others.
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of solutions or approaches.
• Ability to understand written work-related documents.
• Ability to supervise the work of others.
• Ability to pass the State of Illinois Sanitation Certification exam.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and multitask.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relations with staff and students.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service.

Physical Demands

• Frequently: standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motions, eye/hand/foot coordination, taste/smell, performing manual tasks.
• Occasionally: extreme cold, extreme heat, hazards, temperature changes, atmospheric conditions, vibration.
• Frequently: humid, wet, and noisy environments.

Pay

Minimum starting salary: $15.96 - $17.55 per hour for a 7.5-hour workday.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• Retirement Plan (State University Retirement System, not covered by Social Security).
• Paid Time Off.
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.