Catering Manager 3

Sodexo; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision care

Wellness programs

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Sodexo in Chicago is seeking a Catering Manager to lead planning and execution of catering operations for corporate meetings, events, and daily hospitality services.

You will manage client relationships, coordinate events, and drive financial results while mentoring frontline staff and collaborating with cross-functional teams to strengthen client relationships and growth.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 2 years of management experience.
• At least 1 year of related catering experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee catering events to ensure seamless execution and exceptional client experience.
• Motivate, coach, mentor, and develop frontline staff to maximize performance and growth.
• Recruit, train, and lead a team of supervisors and frontline employees to achieve operational excellence.
• Collaborate closely with clients and operational leaders to align goals and deliver tailored solutions.
• Develop menus and manage costing to balance creativity, quality, and profitability.

Skills

Catering knowledge

Client service

Leadership

Operations coordination

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Join a dynamic team in Chicago as a Catering Manager, where you'll lead the planning and execution of exceptional catering experiences for corporate meetings, special events, and daily hospitality services.

Responsible for managing client relationships, coordinating events, leading teams, and driving financial results. Ideal candidates bring strong operational expertise, exceptional service skills, and a passion for creating outstanding guest experiences.

About the job

You will lead the planning and execution of catering operations to deliver exceptional service and drive business success. Combining creativity with practical insights, you'll ensure memorable client experiences while supporting growth and efficiency. Working collaboratively across teams, you will help develop and implement strategies that strengthen client relationships and promote ongoing success.

Pay Range: $61710 per year - $79860 per year

What's in it for you

• Manage and oversee catering events to ensure seamless execution and exceptional client experience.
• Motivate, coach, mentor, and develop frontline staff to maximize performance and growth.
• Recruit, train, and lead a team of supervisors and frontline employees to achieve operational excellence.
• Collaborate closely with clients and operational leaders to align goals and deliver tailored solutions.
• Develop menus and manage costing to balance creativity, quality, and profitability.

What you'll bring

• Extensive catering knowledge with the ability to analyze data and make informed decisions that drive operational success.
• Strong client service orientation, adept at building lasting relationships and delivering exceptional experiences.
• Proven leadership skills, including motivating teams, delegating effectively, and managing performance to achieve high standards.
• Expertise in coordinating and directing complex catering operations while resolving conflicts smoothly and efficiently.
• Ability to collaborate across functions and regions, ensuring alignment and consistency in service delivery and strategic goals.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience
• Management Experience: 2 years
• Related Experience: 1 year

What we offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Who we are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.