Catering Manager 3 - Campus Dining

Entegra; Arkansas; On-site; USD 56,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking a Catering Manager 3 at Arkansas State University, home of the Red Wolves, to lead catering operations for a growing Division I campus, supporting events, athletics and guests.

You will plan and execute catering services, develop menus, lead a team, manage client relationships, and drive growth and efficiency while delivering exceptional experiences.

Join a team that values collaboration, offers comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to impact campus life.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• 2 years management experience.
• 1 year related experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of catering operations.
• Develop strategies to strengthen client relationships.
• Collaborate across teams to improve growth and efficiency.

Skills

Catering leadership

Event management

Team leadership

Client service

Budgeting

Education

Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Join Sodexo as a Catering Manager 3 at Arkansas State University, home of the Red Wolves! Lead catering operations at a growing Division I campus, supporting high-profile events, athletics, and guests while delivering exceptional client experiences.

Showcase your catering leadership supporting major events, concerts, and VIP experiences at First National Bank Arena. Drive operational success, build strong client partnerships, and create memorable experiences for guests and the community.

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.

Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.

Pay Range:

$56270 - $72820

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.