Catering Manager

UWMIL University of Wisconsin Milwaukee; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 67,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The UWMIL University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is seeking a Catering Manager to lead the catering program and enhance client relations. This role includes supervising staff, managing budgets, and ensuring successful event execution across campus.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or equivalent experience. A minimum of 5 years in foodservice management is required. Compensation ranges from $67,000 to $75,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or associate's degree plus 8 years of catering management.
• Minimum of 5 years in foodservice management, preferably catering.
• Valid Driver’s License for operating State vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for UWM Catering and build campus relationships.
• Supervise Catering Coordinators and manage staff development.
• Oversee financial management, budgets, and operational oversight.
• Ensure seamless execution and quality of catered events.

Skills

Food service management

Communication skills

Budget management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in hospitality management or related field

Tools

POS platforms

Job description

Position Title: Catering Manager

Job Category: Academic Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Food Service Manager

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.
• 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 and promote transparent communication regarding pricing, policies, and logistics.
• Supervision & Staff Development: Directly supervise two professional Catering Coordinators, provide coaching, goal setting, performance management, and professional development, and oversee recruitment, onboarding, and training of full‑time staff and student employees.
• 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.
• Event Execution & Quality Assurance: Provide visible leadership and operational support for catered events, ensuring seamless execution and service consistency; maintain standards for quality, safety, presentation, temperature control, and sanitation, and oversee equipment readiness and coordination with facilities.

Compensation: $67,000 – $75,000 annually

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, culinary arts, organizational leadership, or related field; or an 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 the required timeframe.
• Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and customer service leadership.

UWM 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.