SENIOR CATERING MANAGER

Salary: $75,000
Pay Grade: 12

At Gourmet Dining & Chartwells Higher Education, people are at the core of our business. Together we build innovative food service concepts and serve fresh, local and nutritious meals at over 270 college campuses across the country. Twice named the Fastest Growing Brand by Nation’s Restaurant News, at Gourmet Dining & Chartwells we take pride in creating opportunities for associates to grow their careers and achieve their development goals within the company.

Senior Catering Manager (Sales & Operations)

Location: Rowan University - Glassboro, NJ

Join our dynamic team as a Senior Catering Manager at Rowan University, where you will play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional catering experiences across the Glassboro, Camden, Sewell, and Stratford campuses (all within 30 minutes, with travel around 1-2 times a month). This leadership position oversees both the sales and operations aspects of the catering program, ensuring seamless event execution while driving client satisfaction and business growth. This is a boots-on-the-ground position, requiring hands-on involvement in daily catering operations. If you're a results-driven professional with a passion for hospitality, we invite you to bring your expertise to our campus community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Event Operations Management: Oversee all aspects of daily catering events, including planning, delivery, setup, service, and post-event cleanup, ensuring flawless execution.
• Team Leadership & Development: Supervise, train, and inspire a team of 3 catering supervisors, 8-10 union associates, and a large student workforce (mix of union and non union), fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional growth.
• Culinary Collaboration: Partner closely with the culinary team to ensure exceptional menu quality, presentation, and consistency that aligns with client expectations.
• Client Relations & Experience: Build strong relationships with clients, providing personalized service and ensuring complete satisfaction from initial contact through event completion.
• Financial Oversight: Manage budgets, control expenses, and oversee accurate invoicing, contributing to the financial success of the catering program.
• Sales & Business Development: Drive catering sales growth by actively promoting services, identifying new business opportunities, and expanding client relationships.
• Special Event Coordination: Lead the planning and execution of high-profile and large-scale events, leading logistics and staff coordination to ensure success.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree (A.S.) in hospitality management, culinary arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of catering management experience in a high-volume setting.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring staff.
• Passion for sustainability and knowledge of sustainable food practices.
• Exceptional client service skills and ability to engage diverse clientele professionally.
• Proficiency in web-based catering software, including order management and menu updates.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for professional correspondence and client interaction.
• Ability to work independently with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Apply to Gourmet Dining today

Gourmet Dining is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Gourmet Dining maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates at Gourmet Dining are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here for paid time off benefits information.

Req ID: 1385190

Gourmet

KRISTEN STROHMYER