Catering and Projects Assistant Manager

California Institute of Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Institute of Technology seeks a Catering and Projects Assistant Manager to oversee catering events and ensure seamless execution. Responsibilities include guiding staff, maintaining inventory, and upholding sanitation standards. A successful candidate will have 2+ years in catering and strong leadership abilities.

This role requires physical stamina, great time management, and multitasking in a high-pressure environment. Bilingual candidates, particularly those proficient in Spanish, are preferred. Flexible shifts are expected, including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of catering experience or equivalent.
• ServSafe certification or ability to obtain it after hire.
• Physical ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Competence in administrative tasks.
• Strong time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee schedules and assignments for catering coordinators.
• Ensure timely event set-up and labor scheduling.
• Communicate customer feedback to catering management.
• Maintain product and equipment inventory.
• Handle challenges with a positive mindset.

Skills

Catering experience

Leadership

Time management

Detail-oriented

Multitasking

Effective written communication

Spanish language skills

Job description

Catering and Projects Assistant Manager

Job Category: Fulltime Regular
Exempt Overtime Eligible: Overtime Eligible
Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based

Job Summary

The Catering and Projects Assistant Manager is responsible for ensuring daily catering events are successfully set up and executed per event order. They assist the Catering Manager and department with events and dining-related assignments, keep all catering items stocked, and provide excellent customer service. They coordinate multiple events simultaneously and support special assignments and projects. This is an essential reporting position for emergency response.

Essential Job Duties

• Oversee schedules, assignments, training, and monitoring of catering coordinators and temporary staffing during events.
• Ensure efficient and timely event set‑up and labor scheduling with the catering team.
• Provide guidance and training to staff on set‑up techniques for display, flow, and timing.
• Execute catering displays per customer theme and event level (simple, casual, elegant, gala, etc.).
• Evaluate events, staff, and service performance to recommend improvements.
• Communicate customer feedback to the Catering management team.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and maintain sanitation and safety standards.
• Prepare work areas for customer service and coordinate support staff at workstations.
• Maintain product and equipment inventory.
• Communicate effectively with clear, direct instructions on work expectations.
• Maintain positive relationships with staff and customers.
• Handle challenges calmly with a can‑do attitude and positive mindset.
• Foster a positive workplace through clear communication, teamwork, ownership, and an upbeat attitude.
• Work varying shifts, including nights and weekends, as required by events and department needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• 2+ years of catering experience or equivalent.
• Demonstrated leadership and team‑building ability.
• ServSafe certification or ability to obtain certification immediately after hire.
• Physical ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. and perform other physical tasks.
• Competence in administrative tasks (invoices, order forms, schedules, AV specs, menus, budgets).
• Strong time‑management skills for high‑pressure situations.
• Keen eye for detail and strong multitasking abilities.
• Proficient computer skills and effective written communication via email and templates.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a high‑volume organization or university setting.
• Proficient Spanish language skills.

Required Documents

• Resume

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.