Assistant Manager Catering Operations

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Amherst is seeking an Assistant Manager Catering Operations to lead logistics and daily catering activities on campus. You will supervise staff, coordinate event planning, and ensure efficient delivery, setup, and breakdown for events, while collaborating with Sales, Culinary Operations, and campus partners.

The role emphasizes strong organizational and communication skills, with on-site leadership during events and ongoing process improvement to support campus dining services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with 7+ years of related experience, or an Associate's/Bachelor's degree with progressive responsibilities.
• Experience coordinating schedules, logistics, inventory, and operational support functions.
• Demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains catering schedules under the Catering Manager.
• Coordinates staffing assignments for daily events, deliveries, setups, and breakdowns.
• Supervises staff, event personnel, and drivers; ensures on-site leadership during events.
• Monitors service standards and resolves operational issues during events.
• Liaises with Catering Sales, Operations, and clients to ensure smooth execution.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Time management

Communication skills

Customer service

Collaboration

Documentation & reporting

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma + 7+ years experience

Associate's degree + 5 years experience

Bachelor's degree + 1 year experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Workforce management software

Job description

Title: Assistant Manager Catering Operations

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Auxiliary Enterprises

Department: Catering Food

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: FullTime

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Assistant Catering Manager of Logistics & Operations serves as the primary operational support and right-hand partner to the Catering Manager, ensuring the successful planning, coordination, and execution of all catering logistics and daily operations. This position oversees scheduling, transportation logistics, special event support, supply coordination, Banquet Event Order (BEO) preparation, and day-to-day operational administration in the absence of the Catering Manager. Working collaboratively with Catering Sales, Culinary Operations, Front-of-House Catering Staff, Assistant Catering Managers, Drivers, and campus partners, this position plays a critical role in translating catering plans into efficient operational execution. The Assistant Catering Manager provides direct supervision of staff, monitors event readiness, manages logistical challenges, and assumes operational leadership in the absence of the Catering Manager. The successful candidate must possess exceptional organizational skills, strong leadership abilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a customer-focused environment.

Essential Functions

• Develops, implements, and continuously evaluates systems and procedures that enhance efficiency and streamline catering logistics across all operational functions. Serves as the operational lead for catering delivery, recommending strategic improvements based on event outcomes, stakeholder feedback, and operational data. Functions as the strategic operational partner to the Catering Manager.
• Reviews upcoming events and identify logistical requirements, staffing needs, equipment requirements, and potential operational challenges; Coordinates special orders for events including floral arrangements, specialty rentals, decorations, and other customer-requested items.
• Participates in and assist with Banquet Event Order (BEO) review meetings and operational planning sessions.
• Develops and maintains catering schedules under the direction of the Catering Manager, coordinates staffing assignments to support daily events, deliveries, setups, breakdowns, and special functions, assists with monitoring employee attendance and timekeeping using Kronos or similar workforce management systems, and provides supervision and direction to student employees, event staff, and support personnel as assigned.
• Develops and supervises truck schedules for catering deliveries and event support, coordinating delivery timelines, routes, staffing assignments, and vehicle utilization while ensuring proper packing, loading, transportation, and setup of catering equipment and supplies
• Supervises and executes catered events (simple to large-scale VIP functions), monitors service standards and event procedures, provides on-site leadership and problem resolution, ensure compliance with food safety and departmental standards, and serves as operational manager during events when the Catering Manager is absent.
• Acts as liaison among Catering Sales, Operations, Service Teams, Drivers, and Clients by coordinating event requirements, communicating departmental changes, professionally addressing inquiries and concerns, and supporting customer service initiatives to ensure client satisfaction.
• Utilizes catering and dining software systems for ordering, reporting, scheduling, and event management; coordinate signage, event labeling, and operational communication materials; orders and maintains office supplies and operational resources; and assists with miscellaneous projects and department initiatives as assigned.
• Supervises catering teams (staff, drivers, student employees, event personnel) by providing coaching and operational development, fostering accountability and excellence, monitoring performance, addressing operational issues proactively, and serving as interim leader during manager absence.

Other Functions

• Verifies all bakery/ breakfast orders have been received.
• Ensures 1st deliveries of the day are ready to go.
• Handles call out/ coverage needed for the day.
• Updates/ maintains the master board daily.
• Attends weekly BEO meetings.
• Uses Microsoft Office suite applications to prepare letters and memoranda.
• May supervise student employees.
• Performs other duties/projects as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Highschool and seven (7) years of related experience
• OR
• Associate's degree and five (5) years of related experience
• OR
• Bachelor's degree and one (1) year of related experience
• Experience coordinating schedules, logistics, inventory, and operational support functions.
• Demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and workforce management software.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments and stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare operational reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in university dining, catering, hospitality, banquet, or conference services.
• Knowledge of catering event management systems and food service inventory systems.
• Knowledge of food safety and service standards.
• Experience managing logistics for large-scale events and multiple simultaneous functions.
• Familiarity with purchasing procedures, inventory control, and event operations.
• Bilingual.

Additional Details

This position is designated as essential personnel.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in custodial or dining service environments, and entails prolonged standing, carrying loads, and use of cleaning chemicals or food service equipment.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm, weekends and holidays may be required.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified.