Assistant Catering Manager

Davidson College; Davidson (NC); On-site; USD 27,552 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vis

Retirement benefits with employer-math

Paid time off, holidays, vacation, and

Free shift meals on campus

Athletic tickets and campus access

Job summary

Davidson College is seeking an organized, collaborative Assistant Catering Manager to join our campus catering team. Operating under Much Ado Catering, this role coordinates the logistical details and execution for a diverse portfolio of campus events, ranging from presidential dinners to large-scale student celebrations and smaller departmental functions.

The ideal candidate brings supervisory experience, proactive problem-solving, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of progressive supervisory experience in high-volume catering or related operations.
• Strong administrative competency including staff scheduling and supplies management.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Active ServSafe Manager Certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license required for operating department vehicles.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or related field or equivalent leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee on-site event operations: setup, service, breakdown across campus.
• Coordinate logistics like equipment layout, assets, and timing with the Catering Chef and partners.
• Act as the primary manager on duty during events and resolve issues on the fly.
• Supervise transport logistics and vehicle fleet for safe loading/unloading.

Skills

Staff supervision

Administrative skills

Communication

ServSafe Manager Certification

Driver's license

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management

Tools

Catertrax

Jamix

Job description

Assistant Catering Manager – Dining Services

Department: Dining Services / Much Ado Catering

Location: Davidson, NC (On Campus)

Position Type: Full-Time, Hourly

Job Summary

Davidson College is seeking an organized, collaborative, and service-oriented Assistant Catering Manager to join our campus catering team. Operating under our signature brand, Much Ado Catering, this role is critical to the daily success of our front-of-house operations. The Assistant Catering Manager coordinates the logistical details and execution for a diverse portfolio of campus events, ranging from high-profile presidential dinners to large-scale student celebrations and smaller departmental functions.

The ideal candidate brings strong supervisory experience, exceptional communication skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a positive attitude. Reporting directly to the Catering Manager, you will help lead a dedicated team to deliver seamless hospitality and maintain Davidson’s high standards of service.

Key Responsibilities

Event Operations & Execution

• Supervise on-site event operations, including the complete setup, service execution, and breakdown of catered events across campus.
• Coordinate logistical elements such as equipment layout, physical assets, and venue timing, working closely with the Catering Chef and campus partners
• Act as the primary manager on duty during events, maintaining a calm, professional demeanor while troubleshooting and resolving operational issues on the fly.
• Oversee transport logistics and vehicle fleet ensuring the safe loading, delivery, and unloading of food and equipment using departmental vehicles.

Staff Leadership & Management

• Help manage the daily administration of the catering office, directly supporting the Catering Manager with essential tasks as assigned
• Create and manage weekly schedules for catering student workers, the Assistant Manager serves as the primary point of communication and contact for student workers
• Train, supervise, and mentor a diverse team of full-time catering staff, temporary labor, and student workers, ensuring strict adherence to hospitality standards and safety protocols.

Quality Control & Compliance

• Maintain accurate inventory counts for front-of-house assets, including specialized linens, serving equipment, china, and event décor.
• Enforce food safety and allergy compliance, ensuring service lines are clearly labeled and staff are well-trained on guest dietary restrictions.
• Audit compliance regarding local health regulations, campus safety protocols, and state laws.
• Coaching and correctionto make sure all Much Ado staff are consistently following policy and procedure, and the Davidson College mission

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 2+ years of progressive supervisory experience in high-volume catering, corporate hospitality, hotel banquets, or higher-education food service operations.
• Skills: Strong administrative competency, including experience managing staff schedules, ordering supplies, and utilizing event booking software (e.g., Catertrax or Jamix).
• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate professionally with student workers, culinary teams, and high-level college executives alike.
• Certifications: Active ServSafe Manager Certification, or the ability to obtain it within 30 days of hire.
• License: Valid state-issued driver’s license required to safely operate departmental vehicles.
• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Food Service Management, or a related field (equivalent hands-on professional leadership experience will be considered).

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Mobility: Ability to stand, walk, and remain on your feet for extended shifts of 8+ hours per day, up to 12 hours during busy event cycles.
• Strength: Ability to safely lift, push, pull, and carry catering equipment, heavy trays, and event supplies weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Environment: Ability to work comfortably outdoors in various weather conditions and temperatures

Benefits & Perks

Davidson College offers a highly competitive benefits package for full-time associates, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plan designs.
• Generous retirement benefits with an institutional employer match.
• Paid time off, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Free shift meals at on campus dining hall
• Access to athletic tickets, campus facilities, and institutional discounts.