Catering Manager – University Dining & High-Volume Events

Overview
We are seeking an experienced Catering Manager to lead high-volume catering operations at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in Johnson City TN. This role oversees a complex fast-paced catering program generating over $1.5M in annual volume across campus dining retail conferences VIP events and university functions.

The Catering Manager will be responsible for end-to-end catering operations client event execution team leadership and financial performance within a dynamic university dining environment. This position plays a key role in delivering exceptional guest experiences while ensuring operational excellence cost control and compliance with food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily catering operations including food production inventory procurement deliveries invoicing and event execution
• Manage high-volume catering and conference services including VIP and multi-event days
• Partner with clients to design plan and execute catering events aligned with expectations and budgets
• Oversee catering sales coordination and ensure timely accurate fulfillment of all event orders
• Supervise schedule and develop catering staff ensuring effective delegation and performance management
• Maintain labor scheduling and timekeeping (e.g. Kronos or equivalent systems) and ensure labor cost control
• Monitor budgets and control costs across labor food equipment and materials
• Ensure compliance with all food safety physical safety and regulatory standards promoting a Zero Harm culture
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including culinary front-of-house and sales to ensure seamless service delivery
• Maintain accurate reporting documentation and operational tracking for catering activities

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience required
• Minimum 3 years of experience in catering food service management or food production
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory/management experience in a high-volume catering or hospitality environment
• Proven experience managing catering operations at or above $1.5M in annual volume (or equivalent scale)
• Strong background in high-volume event execution including VIP and multi-event coordination
• Experience with labor scheduling payroll/timekeeping systems (e.g. Kronos or similar)
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets cost controls procurement and inventory
• Strong leadership communication and client relationship management skills

Preferred Experience

• University dining corporate dining hospital food service convention centers or large-scale catering operations
• Experience coordinating sales and operations for institutional or multi-stakeholder environments

What Were Looking For

• Strong operational leadership in fast-paced high-volume catering environments
• Ability to manage competing priorities and last-minute event changes
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on service quality and execution accuracy
• Collaborative leader who can align culinary FOH and sales teams effectively

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $80000 $90000 annually
• Sign-on bonus eligible (details provided during interview process)
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical Dental Vision and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
• Career development and tuition reimbursement opportunities

Why Join Us
This is an opportunity to lead a high-impact catering program within a respected university dining operation delivering exceptional experiences across academic athletic and community events while driving operational excellence and growth.