Catering & Events Director

Aramark; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading service management company is looking for a Catering & Events Director to oversee all catering operations at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. The role demands at least 4 years of experience with a mix of management responsibilities, including staff training and client relationship management. Additionally, applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree or have equivalent experience. This position involves coordinating events, developing service standards, and achieving budget goals.

Qualifications

• Experience of at least 4 years is required.
• Management experience of 1-3 years is necessary.
• Previous experience in events and catering is required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate total catering operations including booking and supervising.
• Develop and maintain effective client rapport.
• Train and lead catering employees.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Event management

Catering operations management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Description

The Catering & Events Director at Southern Methodist University is responsible for planning and leading the entire catering operation across multiple units or in a large account. The Director will oversee the catering team, plan and complete catering orders and special events, and manage budget and financial goals of the department.

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate total catering operations: 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 an annual comprehensive marketing plan for catering, including collateral, sales strategies, and marketing budgets.
• Establish and implement service and presentation standards for all catering operations and ensure compliance and consistency.
• Implement new services to support base business growth and client retention.
• 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 the sales process and negotiation of contracts and assist clients in planning special events.
• Train and lead catering employees to ensure 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.

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.

Physical Demands

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

EEO Statement

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.