Catering Manager 3 - Campus Dining

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

Job summary

Arkansas State University invites a Catering Manager 3 to lead Sodexo’s catering operations on the campus of the Red Wolves. You’ll oversee events from major concerts to VIP experiences, delivering exceptional client experiences and strong partnerships with university leadership.

This role emphasizes staffing, menu development and cost control, with responsibility for coaching frontline staff, supervising supervisors, and aligning service delivery with strategic goals across campus venues.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience coordinating and directing complex catering operations across events.

Responsibilities

• Lead 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.

Skills

Catering knowledge

Data analysis

Client service

Leadership

Operations coordination

Team mentoring

Menu costing

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

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 jobYou 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 per year - $72820 per yearWhat’s in it for youManage 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 bringExtensive 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.RequirementsEducation Requirement: Associate’s Degree or equivalent experienceManagement Experience: 2 yearsRelated Experience: 1 yearWhat we offerCompensation 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 Programs401(k) Plan with Matching ContributionsPaid Time Off and Company HolidaysCareer Growth Opportunities and Tuition ReimbursementMore extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.Who we areAt 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. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.