Supervisor, Catering

University of Rochester; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Rochester is seeking a Catering Operations Leader to support day-to-day catering services, oversee event planning, and supervise staff for campus events. You will ensure food quality, safety, and exceptional service while coordinating with departments and leadership to deliver memorable catering experiences.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, 3+ years in catering or food services, and a strong leadership background.

Qualifications

• Leadership and people management required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills required.
• Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously required.
• Strong customer service with a focus on client satisfaction required.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, based on event schedules required.
• Proficiency with catering management software preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and catering best practices preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and execute catering events with leadership support.
• Supervise, train, and schedule staff for events.
• Evaluate performance and take disciplinary actions as needed.
• Provide welcoming service and address client needs during events.
• Enforce food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Maintain budgeting, inventory, and cost control for catering.
• Coordinate maintenance of catering equipment.
• Drive sustainability by reducing waste and sourcing eco-friendly products.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Customer service

Flexible hours

Catering software

Food safety knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

3 years in catering/food services

Associate degree in related field + leadership experience

Or equivalent education/experience

Tools

Catering management software

Job description

Frederick Douglass

Full time

R273681

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

735 Library Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14627

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

200813 Meliora Dining/Aux Ops

Work Shift:

UR - Rotating (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 107 H

Compensation Range:

$23.27 - $32.60

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

Supports the day-to-day operations of catering services, ensuring the successful planning, preparation, and execution of catering events. Directly supervises employees, trains, assists with scheduling, manages event logistics, maintains high standards of food quality and service, and collaborates with campus departments to provide exceptional catering experiences for various events.

Essential Functions:

• Assists leadership with the planning, organization, and execution of catering events, including meetings, conferences, banquets, and special University events. Ensures event details are accurate and meet customer expectations.Works closely with the culinary team to ensure high-quality food preparation, presentation, and portion control. Ensures that catering setups are in line with client specifications. Oversees the setup and breakdown of catering events, including the transportation of food, beverages, and equipment. Ensures all event spaces are prepared according to client specifications and University guidelines. Collaborates with various campus departments, including event coordinators, student organizations, and faculty, to meet the catering needs of the events and activities. Works closely with leadership and peers to plan and implement menu updates, events, or special promotions that enhance the customer experience. Assists in building a positive work environment. Conducts routine operational meetings in the leader’s absence.

• Directly supervises staff to ensure efficient service during events. Ensures staff is properly trained on food safety, event execution, and customer service standards. Trains staff as required. Ensures staff is prepared and equipped to handle event-specific needs. Interviews, hires, orients and trains new employees. Recognizes employees. Assists with planning work schedules and ensures adequate daily staffing for areas of responsibility.

• Evaluates employee performance with input from other leaders as required. Performs disciplinary action as required, up to and including discharging subordinates when necessary. Attends employee grievances and unemployment hearings as requested.

• Provides a welcoming and friendly environment and excellent customer service by addressing client needs, requests, and concerns before, during and after events. Resolves complaints or concerns in a professional and efficient manner. Maintains professional relationships with clients and ensures their satisfaction.

• Ensures that all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations are followed during catering operations. Conducts regular safety checks of catering equipment and food storage areas. Ensures sanitation requirements, quality standards and department goals are met and the work is completed in a timely and cost-effective manner. Supports sustainability practices by reducing waste, implementing eco-friendly packaging, and sourcing sustainable products whenever possible. Participates in collecting quality control and quality assurance data to meet requirements of health department and departmental standards.

• Ensures all necessary catering supplies and inventory are stocked and organized for upcoming events. Monitors inventory levels and communicates with leadership to reorder as needed. Maintains a clean and organized catering storage area. Monitors event budgets and ensures catering services are delivered within budget guidelines. Reports any discrepancies or issues to leadership.

• Coordinates maintenance of catering equipment.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent and

• 3 years of experience in catering, event management, or food services required.

• Associate degree in Business Management, Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or related field and experience in a leadership positionpreferred.

• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to lead and manage othersrequired.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills required.

• Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously required.

• Strong customer service skills with a focus on client satisfaction required.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, based on event schedules required.

• Proficiency with catering management software preferred

• Knowledge of food safety regulations and catering best practices preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Serv-Safe Certification within 12 months of hire required.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

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Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better.

If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals.

At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.