Catering Manager

Association of College Unions International; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 67,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee is seeking a Catering Manager to lead the dining and retail catering program. The role drives strategic vision, oversees budgets, staffing, and event execution, and partners with academic units, departments, student organizations, and external clients to deliver high‑quality, customized experiences.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 5+ years of catering management experience in higher education, with strong communication and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field and 5+ years catering/foodservice management experience.
• Experience managing budgets for food, labor, and operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Valid driver’s license and qualification to operate state vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the UWM Catering program, elevating service and engagement.
• Oversee budgeting, billing accuracy, cost controls, inventory, and staffing optimization.
• Direct supervision of two Catering Coordinators; recruit and develop staff.
• Serve as campus liaison for catering services and coordinate with departments and clients.
• Ensure health, safety, quality, and sanitation standards for all events.
• Lead event execution from booking through completion with exceptional customer service.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comms

Valid Driver's License

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, culinary arts, organizational leadership, or related field

Associate’s degree + 8 years catering management experience in higher education

Tools

POS platforms

Inventory systems

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Position Title

Catering Manager

Job Category

Academic Staff

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Food Service Manager

Job Duties

Under the general direction of the Executive Chef, Dining and Retail Services, the Catering Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for the UWM Catering operation. This role is responsible for elevating the campus catering program through service excellence, brand development, operational innovation, and relationship-driven engagement across the University.

The Catering Manager oversees the planning, execution, financial performance, and continuous improvement of all catered events, including food, beverage, alcohol service, logistics, and staffing. This position serves as the primary campus liaison for catering services, partnering with academic units, administrative departments, student organizations, and external clients to deliver high-quality, customized event experiences.

This role directly supervises two professional Catering Coordinators and provides leadership to full-time staff and student employees. Success in this position requires a balance of hands‑on operational management and forward‑looking program leadership to expand catering reach, enhance customer satisfaction, and align services with the University’s mission and expectations.

Key Job Responsibilities

Catering Program Leadership & Growth

• Provide vision and leadership to continuously elevate the UWM Catering program, positioning it as the preferred and trusted catering provider for UWM events.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase catering engagement, revenue, and client retention through service innovation, menu development, and relationship management.

Campus & Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the lead campus ambassador for UWM Catering, building strong, collaborative relationships with academic departments, administrative units, student organizations, and external partners.
• Act as the primary escalation point for complex or high‑profile events, ensuring expectations are exceeded from booking through execution.
• Promote transparent communication regarding pricing, policies, service standards, timelines, and logistics.

Supervision & Staff Development

• Directly supervise two professional Catering Coordinators, providing coaching, goal setting, performance management, and professional development.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, and evaluation of full-time staff and student employees.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable team culture focused on service excellence and continuous improvement.

Financial Management & Operational Oversight

• Maintain full responsibility for catering budgets, billing accuracy, cost controls, inventory management, and labor optimization.
• Monitor and analyze food, labor, and supply expenses to ensure financial sustainability and alignment with departmental goals.

Event Execution & Quality Assurance

• Provide visible leadership and operational support for catered events as needed, ensuring seamless execution and service consistency.
• Ensure all food and beverage services meet established standards for quality, safety, presentation, temperature control, and sanitation.
• Oversee equipment readiness, preventive maintenance, and coordination with facilities and maintenance partners.

Department

Dining and Retail Services

Compensation

$67,000 - $75,000 Annually

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, culinary arts, organizational leadership, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience—associate’s degree plus 8 years of catering management experience in a higher education setting.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive foodservice management experience, preferably in a catering environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing food, labor, and operating budgets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to qualify to operate State of Wisconsin vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising managers and leading multi‑layered teams.
• Experience in university or college catering operations.
• Knowledge of institutional food purchasing, inventory systems, and POS platforms.
• Experience with standardized recipes, menu development, and production systems.
• ServSafe Manager Certification or ability to obtain within required timeframe.
• Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and customer service leadership.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are required to apply online and provide BOTH COVER LETER AND RESUME addressing your professional level work experience as it relates to all required and preferred qualifications.

Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application. Applications missing any of the required documents listed prior to the application deadline will be marked as incomplete and will not be considered. If the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain whether you meet any of the qualifications from the application materials, you may be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.

Finalist candidates will be asked to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified.

This is a continuous recruitment with an initial review date of 07/23/2026. To ensure consideration, applications must be submitted by 07/22/2026. Applications submitted after 07/22/2026 may not be reviewed.

Contact Information

Questions can be directed to Jennifer Brown ([e-mail])

Reasonable Accommodations

Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact [e-mail] or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

Employment Authorization

In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.