Catering Director

Aramark; Vermillion (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Aramark is seeking a Catering Services Director to lead and plan the catering operations across multiple units or a large account in Vermillion, SD.

The role includes budgeting, staffing, event execution, client relations, and driving revenue growth while maintaining safety standards. Strong leadership and strategic planning are essential for delivering high-service events and meeting financial goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 4+ years in catering/events management or similar.
• Strong communication skills across teams and clients.
• Available to work event-based hours and travel as needed.
• Food Handlers and Alcohol Service Certifications as required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate total catering operations across units or large accounts, including events, teams, menus, pricing, hiring, and admin.
• Oversee preparation, service, and cleanup for multiple catering operations.
• Develop and implement catering solutions to meet client needs.
• Build and maintain strong client and customer relationships.
• Create an annual marketing plan for catering projects and budgets.
• Set and enforce service and presentation standards for catering operations.
• Introduce new services to support business growth and retention.
• Advise clients and staff on current catering trends and products.
• Lead delivery of prepared food for banquet events and orders.
• Participate in sales processes and contract negotiations for events.
• Train staff to uphold catering standards and safety policies.
• Meet sales, food, and labor targets; manage event execution.
• Account for revenue, expenses, and receivables in catering finance.
• Ensure compliance with food, occupational, and environmental safety policies.

Skills

Catering management

Budgeting

Operations leadership

Client relations

Event planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Catering Services Director is responsible for planning and leading the entire catering operation across multiple units or in a large account. The Catering Services Director will be responsible for the Catering team, planning, and completing catering orders and special events. Additionally, the Catering Services Director will be responsible for the budgets and financial goals of the department.

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate total catering operations to include duties such as booking events, supervising teams, developing, selecting, and costing menus, pricing, hiring, and departmental administration
• Be responsible for all aspects of preparation, service, and cleanup for multiple catering operations
• Develop and implement catering solutions to meet customers’ needs
• Develop and maintain effective client and customer rapport
• Develop and implement annual comprehensive marketing plan for catering, including but not limited to collateral, sales strategies, and marketing budgets
• Establish and implement service and presentation standards for all catering operations, implement processes to ensure compliance and consistency
• Implement new services to support base business growth and client retentions
• Stay ahead of and advise clients, customers and staff on current catering trends and products
• Facilitate the delivery of prepared food built from banquet event orders
• Participate in sales process and negotiations of contracts and assist clients in planning special events
• Train and lead catering employees to ensure catering standards are followed
• Responsible for setting and delivering sales, food, and labor targets
• Responsible for execution of catering events of varied size and scope including staffing and management
• Responsible for components accounting functions including accurate reporting of all catering related revenue, expenses, and receivables
• Ensure compliance with all food, occupational and environmental safety policies

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Qualifications

• Requires at least 4 years of experience
• Requires at least 1-3 years of experience in a management role
• Previous experience in events and catering required
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
• Strong communication skills
• Available to work event-based hours
• Complete Food Handlers and Alcohol Service Certifications as required

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing -a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here athttp://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us onFacebook ,Instagram andTwitter .