Catering Operations Manager

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At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:

• Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt.
• Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self, while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
• Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

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Vanderbilt University has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

The Catering Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing and executing all daily catered events, including but not limited to Chancellor receptions, private high-level receptions, plated meals, buffet meals, meeting breaks, and premium athletic events. This position collaborates closely with an additional exempt supervisor to manage contracted wait staff, student staff, and Vanderbilt Campus Dining employees. The Catering Operations Manager is responsible for training, scheduling, and coordinating the catering team to ensure successful event execution.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Develop and execute catering events to meet established goals, objectives, and timelines
• Schedule, coordinate, and manage professional wait staff, Vanderbilt student staff, and Vanderbilt Campus Dining employees
• Serve as the primary staffing coordinator for contracted waitstaff and Instawork professionals
• Plan the timeline for event set up and breakdown, and communicate the plan to the catering team
• Coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure timely food deliveries and maintain food quality and safety
• Develop and communicate the logistical plan for special events to the catering team and contracted wait staff
• Provide guidance and direction to team members to support successful task completion
• Write daily event schedules and task assignments to ensure smooth catering operations
• Manage quality control processes for customer service and employee satisfaction
• Hire, train, and supervise contracted wait staff, Campus Dining employees, and student employees
• Partner with the Event Planning team to coordinate labor and event details
• Partner with the Beverage Manager to maintain alcohol service excellence and legal compliance
• Record event details and make improvements for future catering events
• Stay informed of catering and food service trends, and recommend strategies to promote change and growth
• Demonstrate ability to set and enforce deadlines for task delegation
• Continuously evaluate operational needs against established goals and guidelines
• Manage group or interpersonal conflicts and escalate issues when appropriate
• Maintain catering inventory and make recommendations for repair and replacement
• Ensure a safe work environment by enforcing safety standards and performing audits

Supervisory Relationships: 

This position reports to the Assistant Director, Catering Operations. The Catering Operations Manager is responsible for supervising contracted wait staff, hourly non-exempt employees, and student employees.

 Education and Certifications:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, preferably in Hotel/Restaurant Management or a related field
• ServSafe certification within 3 months of hire, with renewal every 5 years 
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide continuous up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.
• ABC alcohol service permit (or obtained within one week) is required

Experience and Skills:

• 5  years of relevant experience, with previous experience as an Operations Manager preferred
• 3 years of off-premise catering experience, including loading, unloading, and driving delivery vehicles, preferred
• Ability to drive a catering van and medium-sized box truck
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
• Effective communication skills and ability to work with a diverse population
• Strong time management, organizational, and multi-tasking skills with an eye for detail
• Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service
• Ability to manage people, maintain confidentiality, and be accountable for Vanderbilt assets
• Proactive, enthusiastic attitude, and excellent customer service skills
• Strong supervisory and people management skills

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Must enjoy a fast-paced working environment and be able to work within a team as well as independently
• Must be available to work a varied schedule, including nights and weekends
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and frequently lift, push, pull, or carry up to 30 lbs
• Ability to walk or stand for extended periods, and bend, stretch, twist, and lift
• Ability to frequently lift/transport hot food items in hotboxes (200 lbs.) onto and off box trucks and to event locations 

This is a full-time exempt position. Expected weekly hours range from 40-50, with flexibility in workplace locations, days, and hours, including a willingness to work long, non-standard workdays.

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