Director of Catering

American Food & Vending; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Pay

401K match

EAP

Medical plan

Prescription plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

FSA/HSA

Training & development

Bonus programs

Job summary

American Food & Vending, headquartered in Syracuse, NY, seeks a Director of Catering in Portland, ME. This hands-on, first-shift role leads all catering operations, from event design to on-site execution, ensuring client satisfaction and adherence to company standards.

The successful candidate will oversee the catering team, manage budgets, collaborate with clients, and drive growth through innovative event solutions, while maintaining daily dining operations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in event planning, catering coordination, or a related hospitality role.
• Strong time management, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain productive client and business relationships.

Responsibilities

• Take an active, hands-on role in catering and dining operations, including production, service execution, setup, breakdown, and day-of event support.
• Plan, design, and execute catering events within established timelines and operational standards.
• Collaborate with clients to understand event needs, confirm expectations, and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Conduct market research, gather relevant event details, and support contract negotiations prior to finalizing agreements.
• Provide regular updates, feedback, and reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate event logistics, including facilities, décor, catering, entertainment, transportation, location, invite lists, special guests, equipment, promotional materials, and related details.
• Determine staffing needs, coordinate team activities, and work alongside the team as needed to ensure smooth dining and event execution.
• Partner with marketing and public relations teams to promote and publicize events as appropriate.
• Research market trends, identify event opportunities, and generate interest in catering services.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Event planning

Client relationships

Time management

Communication

Hospitality knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management or Hospitality

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Pay: $80000 per year - $90000 per year

This is a hands-on, first-shift position, typically Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends.

Location: Portland, ME

Summary

The Director of Catering is responsible for leading all aspects of catering operations, ensuring each event is planned, coordinated, and executed to the highest standard. This is a hands-on position that requires active involvement in daily dining operations, catering production, service execution, and on-site event support. This role blends strategic planning, creativity, and operational leadership to deliver exceptional client experiences that align with company standards and exceed expectations. The Director will oversee event execution, lead and support the catering team, remain engaged in dining operations, manage budgets, and help drive business growth through innovative event solutions and strong client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Take an active, hands-on role in catering and dining operations, including production, service execution, setup, breakdown, and day-of event support.
• Plan, design, and execute catering events within established timelines and operational standards.
• Collaborate with clients to understand event needs, confirm expectations, and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Conduct market research, gather relevant event details, and support contract negotiations prior to finalizing agreements.
• Provide regular updates, feedback, and reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate event logistics, including facilities, décor, catering, entertainment, transportation, location, invite lists, special guests, equipment, promotional materials, and related details.
• Determine staffing needs, coordinate team activities, and work alongside the team as needed to ensure smooth dining and event execution.
• Partner with marketing and public relations teams to promote and publicize events as appropriate.
• Research market trends, identify event opportunities, and generate interest in catering services.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in event planning, catering coordination, or a related hospitality role.
• Strong time management, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain productive client and business relationships.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business, or a related field preferred.

About Us

Together, American Food & Vending and American Dining Creations form one of the nation’s largest privately held dining and refreshment service organizations. Family-owned and headquartered in Syracuse, NY, we have served clients nationwide for more than 80 years, delivering customized dining and refreshment solutions across business, education, healthcare and cultural environments.

Recognized by NAMA and our peers as Operator of the Year, we combine national capabilities with a personal, responsive approach to create exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.

Our Mission

To create moments of happiness through customized hospitality experiences that delight guests and bring people together.

Our Vision

To be the best in the industry at elevating hospitality experiences for places where people want to be.

Our Values: F.I.R.S.T.

• Family – Treat people as family.
• Integrity – Do the right thing.
• Responsiveness – Listen first. Then act with urgency.
• Service Excellence – Deliver exceptional experiences every day.
• Teamwork – Win together.

American Dining Creations Offers

• Weekly Pay
• 401K with company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Eligible employees offered Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Plans, FSA/HSA
• Ongoing training and development programs
• Bonus Programs for eligible positions

American Food & Vending is an Equal Opportunity Employer.