Catering Manager - DUKE University

Proof of the Pudding; Murphy (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Basic Life and AD&D

Long term disability

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Voluntary Life and AD&D

Short term disability

Voluntary Accident

Voluntary Hospitality Indemnity

Job summary

Proof of the Pudding seeks a dedicated Catering Lead to manage event execution, scheduling, and team leadership. You will guide front-of-house operations, ensuring exceptional client experiences and coordinating service delivery with efficiency and flair.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for hospitality, a proven track record with large-scale events, and the ability to execute meals and services with precision across diverse environments.

Qualifications

• Proven track record managing catering events for up to 350 guests
• Strong menu planning and customization for client preferences
• Ability to lead and coordinate catering teams during events
• Organized with attention to detail across logistics and operations
• Flexible schedule including weekends and early mornings/nights

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day operations of Catering program
• Scheduling staff and labor management
• Recruiting and retention - training and managing staff to provide high-quality service
• Bar Operations (in cooperation with beverage manager)
• Meeting with clients to understand and document their catering needs and preferences
• Organizing and supervising the work of the catering team to ensure that food is served in a timely manner
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
• Controlling budgets and minimizing expenditure by efficiently managing resources
• Handling customer inquiries and complaints professionally and promptly
• Conducting regular inventory checks, developing par lists and communicating supply needs
• Planning and executing marketing strategies to promote the catering business
• Support General manager and catering director in cost management and budget analysis
• Performs other related duties as needed.

Job description

The primary responsibility will include event execution, scheduling, developing & leading the team. This role will involve leading the front of the house team, ensuring exceptional client experiences, and managing the coordination of service delivery. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for hospitality and a proven ability to execute events with efficiency and flair.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day operations of Catering program
• Scheduling staff and labor management
• Recruiting and retention - training and managing staff to provide high-quality service
• Bar Operations (in cooperation with beverage manager)
• Meeting with clients to understand and document their catering needs and preferences
• Organizing and supervising the work of the catering team to ensure that food is served in a timely manner
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
• Controlling budgets and minimizing expenditure by efficiently managing resources
• Handling customer inquiries and complaints professionally and promptly
• Conducting regular inventory checks, developing par lists and communicating supply needs
• Planning and executing marketing strategies to promote the catering business
• Support General manager and catering director in cost management and budget analysis

Performs other related duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Proven track record managing both indoor and outdoor catering events for up to 350 guests, ensuring seamless service delivery in various environments
• Strong background in creating and curating diverse, high-quality menus tailored to client preferences and event themes
• Ability to lead and manage catering teams, ensuring smooth coordination of staff and resources during events
• Highly organized with a keen eye for detail, capable of overseeing all aspects of catering logistics, from set-up to execution
• Comfortable working in dynamic, fast-paced environments, with the ability to adapt to changing conditions and resolve issues quickly and efficiently
• Deliver high quality food service
• Flexibility with schedule and availability, Catering may be weekends, early mornings, late nights...
• Achieve company and client financial targets and goals
• Develop and maintain client and customer relationships
• Deliver strategic plans
• Hold team members accountable for all expectations using our HR guided team coaching process
• Communicate effectively with all crew members and team members
• Foster a positive environment, with a measured temperament

Company Core Value And Competency Requirements

Business Acumen

Demonstrate comprehension of the job, including policies, practices, and relationships. Possess the expertise and skill levels required of the job and perform with quality.

Dedication

Dependable, reliable and follows through on projects from inception to completion. Willing to put in as much time as necessary to complete tasks. Demonstrate a win‑win attitude: “see it, own it, solve it.”

Ethics and Integrity

Acts with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the company’s culture, values and beliefs while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.

Safety & Security

Observe safety and security standards. Use equipment and materials properly. Comply with safety standards and personal protective equipment requirements. Report potential unsafe conditions or practices to appropriate person immediately. Promote restaurant safety, cleanliness and security compliance at all times.

Teamwork

Cooperate and be willing to work as a team player to achieve goals and tasks accurately, efficiently and timely.

Communication

Communicate clearly and effectively with mutual respect, understanding and trust to fellow associates, managers, supervisors and guests. Listen carefully to opinions and views of others; state understanding of what has been heard.

Initiative

Contribute new ideas and suggestions to enhance productivity and efficiency. Be proactive in troubleshooting problems or issues and take action to mitigate potential problems.

Adaptability & Planning

Possess the ability to learn new tasks and adjusts well to new situations. Perform well under tight time schedules and pressures to change direction quickly.

Service Orientation

Demonstrates a sense of urgency. Is welcoming, friendly and smiles when visible to guests.

Work Environment

Office work entails computer usage, inter-departmental meetings and communications via email, phone, and in person. Job duties may include movement between indoors, outdoors and structures throughout the campus.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing, moving throughout a kitchen and venue, bending, lifting, and reaching.
• Ability to perform physical tasks; such as but not limited to, lifting approx. 30 lbs.

Position Salary & Benefits

• This is a full-time Hourly position with a starting range of $18.00-$20.00/hr.
• Proof is pleased to provide all full-time eligible employees with Basic Life and AD&D as well as long term disability at no cost to employees
• Full-time eligible employees may choose to enroll in optional benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Voluntary Life and AD&D, Short Term Disability, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness, and Voluntary Hospitality Indemnity

Proof of the Pudding and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.