Catering Supervisor - Norfolk State University

Thompson Hospitality Corporation; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Hampton University in Virginia is seeking a Catering Supervisor to elevate campus dining experiences by coordinating and supervising catering operations within the campus facility.

The role requires leadership to guide catering staff, manage event logistics, and serve as the primary client contact, ensuring top-tier service during events.

Qualifications

• Catering or event planning experience.
• Leadership experience.
• Strong customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute campus catering events, ensuring client satisfaction.
• Lead and motivate catering staff to provide excellent service.
• Coordinate event logistics and ensure timely setup and breakdown.
• Monitor food quality and service standards to uphold excellence.
• Act as the main client contact, addressing inquiries and confirming details.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Team management

Event planning

Job description

Overview

Elevate the dining experience on campus by joining Hampton University's Catering team as a Catering Supervisor. This role is ideal for a dynamic individual with a passion for creating memorable events and ensuring top‑note service. As a Catering Supervisor, you will play a crucial role in coordinating and supervising catering operations within the campus dining facility.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute campus catering events, ensuring client satisfaction.
• Lead and motivate catering staff to provide excellent service.
• Coordinate event logistics and ensure timely setup and breakdown.
• Monitor food quality and service standards to uphold excellence.
• Act as the main client contact, addressing inquiries and confirming details.

Physical Requirements – Catering Supervisor

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time (up to 8–10 hours as needed during events).
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting in support of catering operations and event setup.
• Must be able to lift, push, or pull up to 25–30 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to handle catering equipment, technology systems, and event setup materials.
• Ability to work in diverse environments, including kitchens, event venues, outdoors, and storage areas, with exposure to varying temperatures.
• Adequate vision, hearing, and communication skills to effectively coordinate with staff, clients, and vendors.
• Must be able to drive company or personal vehicle for off‑site catering, client visits, and meetings; valid driver’s license required.
• Flexibility to work extended or irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules.

Qualifications

• Previous catering or event planning experience.
• Leadership experience with effective team management.
• Strong customer service skills to meet client expectations.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective teamwork.

Who We Are

Hampton University is a historically Black university located in Hampton, Virginia, with a rich history and strong ties to the African American experience. It offers a diverse range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs, emphasizing its commitment to preparing students for success in the global community. The campus, situated near Chesapeake Bay, provides a scenic backdrop for learning, while the surrounding city of Hampton offers various attractions, including historical sites and research centers.

Thompson Hospitality is one of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.