Catering Director

Horizon Hospitality; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) with match

PTO & parental leave

Professional development

Job summary

Horizon Hospitality in Albany, New York, seeks an experienced Catering Director to lead large-scale operations across university venues, driving financial success and elevating culinary experiences for leadership, student organizations, and community events.

This senior role offers mentorship of a talented team, exposure to global career growth opportunities, and the chance to build enduring partnerships while maintaining high standards of food safety and service.

Qualifications

• 4+ years catering and events experience in total.
• 1–3 years of direct management experience in a high-volume environment.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, and client relationship skills.
• Flexible, event-based schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Valid Food Handlers and Alcohol Service certifications (or ability to obtain on hire).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate catering operations across multiple units, including events, menu costing, pricing, and administration.
• Oversee prep, service, and cleanup ensuring consistent execution of BEOs.
• Develop and execute an annual marketing plan and support sales for clients and events.
• Manage financial performance: sales targets, food and labor costs, and accounting for all catering revenue/expenses.
• Hire, train, and develop staff while upholding service and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Client relationship management

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

A premier higher education hospitality provider is seeking an experienced Catering Director to lead large-scale catering operations at a prominent university campus in Albany, New York. This key leadership role offers the chance to drive financial success, mentor a talented team, and elevate culinary experiences for university leadership, student organizations, and community events across multiple campus venues, all while building a career with a global industry leader in New York's vibrant Capital Region.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $100,000 – $110,000 annually
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with match potential
• Generous PTO, parental leave, and disability coverage
• Professional development and global career growth opportunities

Position Responsibilities

• Coordinate total catering operations across multiple units, including booking events, menu development and costing, pricing, and departmental administration.
• Oversee preparation, service, and cleanup for catering operations of varied size and scope, ensuring consistent execution of prepared food from Banquet Event Orders (BEOs).
• Develop and execute an annual marketing plan, lead contract negotiations, and support the sales process and special event planning for clients.
• Manage financial performance, including sales targets, food and labor costs, and departmental accounting for all catering revenue, expenses, and receivables.
• Hire, train, and develop catering staff while ensuring adherence to service standards and all food, occupational, and environmental safety regulations.

Position Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of total catering and events experience, including 1–3 years of direct management experience in a high-volume environment.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, and client relationship management skills.
• Ability to work a flexible, event-based schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Valid Food Handlers and Alcohol Service certifications (or ability to obtain upon hire), and ability to meet the physical demands of the role.

Only qualified candidates will be contacted.