Catering & Events Manager

Job Title: Catering & Events Manager Status: Exempt, Full-time, 12 month Reports To: Director of Auxiliary Services Overview The Catering & Events Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and direct daily execution of catering and event services at Augustana College. The position oversees and personally performs the operational functions required to deliver high‑quality catering services supporting academic departments, administrative offices, institutional events, and summer conference programs. Working primarily out of Westerlin Hall while production is executed in the Gerber Dining Center Kitchen, the manager supports on‑campus events of up to approximately 300 guests, including delivery, buffet, reception, and formal table service. Primary Duties Client Communication & Event Planning Serve as the primary point of contact for campus departments, student organizations, conference programs, and approved external clients. Consult with clients to determine event objectives, menus, service styles, timelines, room setups, and special accommodations. Plan and coordinate recurring annual campus events and institutional functions. Provide professional guidance regarding service options aligned with operational capacity. Maintain proactive communication and follow‑up to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction. Event Administration & Coordination Develop and maintain detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) using CaterEase catering management software. Ensure accuracy of all event documentation—including menus, quantities, delivery locations, staffing needs, equipment requirements, and dietary accommodations. Communicate finalized event information clearly and timely to culinary production teams. Coordinate event updates or changes between clients, Dining Services teams, and service staff. Maintain organized electronic records supporting billing, reporting, and operational planning. Support Dining Services operations during peak service periods or major campus events as needed. Hands‑On Catering Operations Prepare and stage catering orders for execution. Pull, organize, load, transport, and return catering equipment and supplies. Deliver food and equipment to campus locations. Set up buffet lines, receptions, meeting services, and formal dining events. Assist with food presentation, replenishment, and guest interaction during events. Supervise while actively working alongside student and temporary staff. Monitor event execution and resolve operational issues in real time. Perform event breakdown, cleanup, equipment retrieval, and reset activities. Maintain organization and readiness of catering equipment and storage areas. Support coordination between catering operations and culinary production teams. Staff Supervision & Leadership Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise student employees and temporary catering staff. Provide direct, on‑site leadership during catered events through coaching and operational guidance. Train staff in service techniques, food safety standards, and customer service expectations. Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive hospitality culture. Workload Management & Service Prioritization Align service levels with staffing and operational capacity. Prioritize events based on institutional importance and complexity. Communicate proactively with clients when service adjustments are necessary. Collaborate with Dining Services leadership when demand exceeds available resources. Establish reasonable deadlines for event confirmations and changes. Financial & Administrative Responsibilities Assist with menu pricing and event costing to support responsible fiscal management. Maintain catering records and documentation necessary for billing and reporting. Support effective labor utilization aligned with departmental resources. Monitor inventory levels of catering equipment, linens, and supplies. Compliance & Safety Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards. Maintain adherence to college policies and applicable local and state regulations. Oversee alcohol service compliance when applicable. Skills & Experience Strong customer service skills. Demonstrated event coordination and logistical planning ability. Experience supervising student or part‑time employees preferred. Knowledge of catering operations including buffet and table service techniques. Strong organizational and multitasking skills. Proficiency in computer applications and catering management software systems. Ability to work collaboratively within a team‑oriented campus environment. Flexible, service‑oriented approach to changing operational demands. Minimum 2–3 years of catering, hospitality, or food service operations experience. Event planning or supervisory experience preferred. ServSafe certification required within three months of employment. Education High School Diploma or GED required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred. Pay and Benefits Salary range: $46,500 – $52,500 per year. Medical, dental, vision insurance Flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts Life insurance, disability insurance, and supplemental insurance programs Retirement plan with a generous company contribution Excellent paid time off/holiday benefits Tuition benefits for employees and their family members Access to company facilities (gym, pool, health center, etc.) Work Environment The role operates in a professional food service environment, routinely using commercial catering equipment and basic office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers. A valid driver’s license and MVR check are required for on‑campus food deliveries. Physical Demands Must be able to lift 50 pounds on a frequent basis and perform tasks such as listening, hearing, speaking, reading, writing, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, and standing for intermittent long periods. Use of a computer for job tasks is required. Expected Hours of Work Minimum 40 hours per week; shifts may include evenings and weekends depending on catering orders and operational demand, with fewer late‑night and weekend requirements than comparable positions in other settings. EEO Statement Augustana is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Augustana College’s policy is to provide equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, and any other category protected by federal, state or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr