Catering and Operations Manager - Soka University of America

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $73,000 - $78,000 / year

 

Our Passion is Food!

At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries, instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translates into exciting opportunities for our people!

Short Description

At Bon Appétit Management Company, we are committed to creating exceptional dining experiences through fresh, sustainable food and outstanding hospitality. Located on the beautiful campus of Soka University of America, the Catering & Operations Manager plays a vital role in delivering memorable events while supporting the success of the university's dining program.

 

We are seeking a seasoned, hands-on leader with a strong background in catering and food service operations. The ideal candidate is passionate about hospitality, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and leads by example. This individual is willing to roll up their sleeves, support the team wherever needed, solve problems in real time, and ensure every event and daily operation is executed with excellence.

Job Summary

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of all catering events and daily food service operations, ensuring exceptional hospitality and flawless event execution.
• Oversee event logistics, staffing, scheduling, setup, service, breakdown, and invoicing while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Recruit, train, coach, schedule, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.
• Lead by example by remaining actively involved in day-to-day operations, stepping in wherever needed to support the team and ensure operational success.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, clients, faculty, staff, and guests while serving as the primary point of contact throughout the event planning process.
• Partner with culinary leadership to deliver high-quality food, exceptional service, and memorable guest experiences.
• Manage labor, purchasing, inventory, catering revenue, and operating expenses to achieve financial and operational goals.
• Utilize catering management systems to process event orders, maintain client information, manage reporting, and ensure accurate billing.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, sustainability, and company standards while identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency and service quality.
• Resolve operational challenges proactively, balancing multiple deadlines with professionalism, sound judgment, and a commitment to exceeding client expectations.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Business, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of progressive leadership experience managing catering, hospitality, or food service operations.
• Proven success leading high-volume catering programs and complex event execution.
• Strong leadership skills with experience coaching, developing, and motivating teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and client relationship management skills.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, labor management, cost controls, and operational reporting.
• Highly organized with exceptional multitasking, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based catering or event management systems.
• Customer-focused with a commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining a collaborative, team-first approach.
• Flexible schedule with the ability to work evenings, weekends, and special events as business needs require.
• Knowledge of sustainable food practices and a passion for hospitality is highly preferred.

 

What You'll Bring:

Success in this role requires a leader who is visible, approachable, and willing to do whatever it takes to support the team. You'll thrive if you:

• Lead from the front and aren't afraid to jump in wherever needed.
• Stay calm under pressure while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Build trust with clients and associates through strong communication and follow-through.
• Inspire teams through coaching, accountability, and a positive attitude.
• Take ownership of challenges, solve problems quickly, and focus on delivering exceptional results every day.

 

If you're an experienced hospitality leader who enjoys creating memorable experiences, developing teams, and making a meaningful impact through service excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

 

Apply to Bon Appetit today!

Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA.

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Bon Appetit  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)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

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 or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

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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. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID: 1554588

Bon Appetit 

BRYAN GONI