Catering Manager-Emory University

Compass Group USA; Oxford (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Commuter Benefits

Life Insurance

Job summary

Bon Appetit at Emory University Oxford College is seeking a dynamic and service‑oriented Catering Manager to lead the planning and execution of a wide range of campus events. This role oversees daily catering operations, ensures exceptional guest experiences, manages event logistics, and develops a high‑performing team.

The Catering Manager serves as a key liaison between clients, culinary teams, and operations staff to deliver memorable events that reflect hospitality standards and excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of foodservice or hospitality experience, including at least 1 year in a supervisory or management role.
• Catering experience required, preferably within higher education, hotels, conference centers, restaurants, or other high‑volume hospitality environments.
• Strong understanding of catering operations, event management, food presentation, and service standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and deliver exceptional customer service.
• Experience managing labor, food costs, and event budgets.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• ServSafe Certification preferred or ability to obtain upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of catering operations, including event planning, execution, setup, service, and breakdown.
• Coordinate logistics for campus events ranging from meetings and receptions to large-scale university functions and special occasions.
• Partner with culinary leadership to develop menus that meet client needs while maintaining quality, presentation, and budget objectives.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise catering staff, ensuring exceptional service standards and operational consistency.
• Oversee event staffing and direct temporary or seasonal team members as needed.
• Monitor food and labor costs, maintain event profitability, and support budget management efforts.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and university policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with campus partners, clients, students, faculty, and staff.
• Collaborate with operations and leadership teams to continuously improve service quality and guest satisfaction.
• Support other dining and hospitality initiatives as assigned.

Skills

Event planning

People management

Catering operations

Budgeting

Food safety

Microsoft Office

ServSafe certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Experience in higher education or hotels

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Bon Appetit

Position Title:

Salary: 60000 - 70000 / yearly

Our Passion is Food!
At Bon Appetit Management Company, we are committed to two things: great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit, you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries; instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting‑edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translate into exciting opportunities for our people!

Job Summary

Emory University Oxford College is seeking a dynamic and service‑oriented Catering Manager to lead the planning and execution of a wide range of campus events. This role is responsible for overseeing daily catering operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, managing event logistics, and developing a high‑performing team. The Catering Manager serves as a key liaison between clients, culinary teams, and operations staff to deliver memorable events that reflect the university’s standards for hospitality and excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage all aspects of catering operations, including event planning, execution, setup, service, and breakdown.
• Coordinate logistics for campus events ranging from meetings and receptions to large-scale university functions and special occasions.
• Partner with culinary leadership to develop menus that meet client needs while maintaining quality, presentation, and budget objectives.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise catering staff, ensuring exceptional service standards and operational consistency.
• Oversee event staffing and direct temporary or seasonal team members as needed.
• Monitor food and labor costs, maintain event profitability, and support budget management efforts.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and university policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with campus partners, clients, students, faculty, and staff.
• Collaborate with operations and leadership teams to continuously improve service quality and guest satisfaction.
• Support other dining and hospitality initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of foodservice or hospitality experience, including at least 1 year in a supervisory or management role.
• Catering experience required, preferably within higher education, hotels, conference centers, restaurants, or other high‑volume hospitality environments.
• Strong understanding of catering operations, event management, food presentation, and service standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and deliver exceptional customer service.
• Experience managing labor, food costs, and event budgets.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• ServSafe Certification preferred or ability to obtain upon hire.

What You'll Bring:

• Passion for hospitality and creating exceptional guest experiences.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, event-driven environment.
• Commitment to teamwork, professionalism, and service excellence.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and special events as needed.

Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA.

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.