Full Time - Campus Catering Operations Manager

About the role

This position supports the daily execution of campus catering operations, with primary responsibility for event readiness, equipment logistics, inventory control, staffing coordination, vehicle/fleet readiness, and operational communication. It supervises catering operations, ensures events are properly pulled, packed, staged, and supported, and works closely with the Senior Event Manager, General Manager, Event Managers, culinary team, sales team, vendors, and campus partners to deliver consistent, high-quality catering service.

Responsibilities

• Manages and develops catering staff, which includes disciplining of employees, setting work priorities, coordinating training, evaluating performance and directing work assignments to ensure effective operations.
• Works with Senior Manager to research, formulate and recommend new or upgraded policies and procedures.
• Plans and prepares work schedules based on employee availability.
• Keeps the daily tracker up to date of all events, assignments and staffing.
• Ensures that the operations event book is up to date with current event orders.
• Reviews load lists to make sure that the proper equipment is on hand and in working condition as well as having all necessary supplies available.
• Ensures proper inventory levels of linens, disposables are maintained.
• Orders appropriate amounts, sizes, flavors and brands of all bottled beverages including water, juices, sodas and alcohol.
• Makes sure equipment inventory is available and clean for the events taking place.
• Supervises the polishing and prepping of equipment and supplies for catering events.
• Communicates effectively with the management team and staff with regards to specific needs, requirements or issues relating to events.
• Assigns employees to specific duties and tasks to provide needed support for events.
• Responsible for ensuring that events are ready to go for event staff upon arrival to include having all needed supplies requisitioned and available.
• Manages daily operations to ensure that proper procedures and guidelines are in place and followed for provision of quality products and services.
• Maintains catering fleet making sure that vehicles are cleaned, available, fueled and serviced regularly.
• Resolves internal customer issues and complaints to ensure customer satisfaction and reports any incidents to the Senior Manager in a timely manner.
• Ensures/maintains security/internal controls and sanitation.
• Recommends capital budget items.
• Supervises and trains employees in event pulls/break downs, taking of inventories and keeping operating records.
• Ensures laundry equipment is properly maintained, trains staff on proper utilization, and occasionally, will operate laundry machines to clean catering linen and uniform items.
• Acts as a backup on the occasion for the Sr. Event Manager and Event Manager.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with customers, coworkers, vendors, student organizations, faculty, staff, and university personnel.
• Maintains compliance with company policies and relevant laws and regulations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma; plus at least two years or more of experience in high volume catering including high-end catering experience and at least two years of supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong communications, customer service and computer literacy are required.
• ServSafe Certification and/or Food Handlers Certification from the County of San Diego preferred.
• The position may involve operating a company vehicle and/or golf cart on university or company property. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and meet specific eligibility criteria.

Skills

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and regulations.
• Experience with inventory management and ordering systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and more.

Pay

Pay Rate: $28.00–$32.00 per hour

Schedule

Flexible schedule based on operational needs, including opening, mid-day, and closing shifts, as well as night shifts, weekends, and holidays throughout the year.