Catering Manager 3

Join a great team where students are at the heart of everything we do!

Sodexo's Campus Segment is seeking an experienced Catering Manager for the University of Southern Maine to oversee all catering operations. With three campusesPortland, Gorham, and Lewistonthis role will involve managing diverse catering needs ranging from everyday gatherings to upscale events for the Board of Trustees. The Portland Campus is expanding with a new 60,000-square-foot Campus Center, providing ample meeting space and accommodations for summer conferencing. The campus currently manages over $1 million in catering volume, with growth expected in the coming years.

• Catering Operations Management: Oversee all aspects of catering, including menu planning, food prep, inventory management, purchasing, and scheduling.

• Client Interaction & Presentation: Collaborate with clients to design customized catering experiences; ensure high-quality food presentation and service.

• Financial Management: Control food and labor costs; ensure operations meet budget targets. Analyze financials to drive performance.

• Staff Leadership & Training: Provide supervision, direction, and training to a diverse team of employees. Foster a positive work environment.

• Safety & Sanitation: Ensure compliance with safety standards and sanitation procedures.

• Event Management: Coordinate logistics for events of varying sizes, ensuring all details are executed flawlessly.

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

• Experience: Proven experience in catering and banquet management, especially in a college or university setting.

• Leadership: Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and inspire a diverse team.

• Customer Focus: High emphasis on client engagement, with a commitment to delivering exceptional service.

• Financial Acumen: Strong P&L management, cost control, and financial analysis skills.

• Menu Design & Execution: Expertise in menu planning and food presentation, with a focus on quality and innovation.

• Safety & Compliance: Knowledge of food allergens, special dietary needs, and safety/sanitation protocols.

• Sustainability: Understanding of sustainable dining practices.

• Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

  • Exceptional organizational and time management abilities

  • High attention to detail and quality control

  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when youre happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form .

Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 2 years
Minimum Functional Experience 1 year work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.