Catering Manager

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

Job summary

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee seeks a Catering Manager to lead catering operations. Responsibilities include overseeing event planning, financial management, and fostering strong campus relationships. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s in hospitality management, 5 years of food service management experience, and will be a strategic thinker committed to excellence.

Join UW-Milwaukee to enhance catering services across campus while working in a collaborative environment dedicated to quality and service. The position offers a salary range of $67,000 - $75,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 5 years of progressive food service management experience in a catering environment.
• Experience managing food, labor, and operating budgets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning and execution of catered events.
• Develop strategies to increase engagement and revenue.
• Build relationships with academic and administrative units.

Skills

Food service management

Budget management

Customer service

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or related field

Tools

Food purchasing systems

POS platforms

Job description

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.

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 food service 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 the 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

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.