The Catering Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing and assisting with the execution of 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.

The Catering Operations Manager will work closely with an additional exempt supervisor to oversee contracted wait staff, student staff, and Vanderbilt Campus Dining employees. This position will be responsible for training, scheduling of labor, preparing daily pull sheets and, daily task sheets, assisting with event set up and breakdown, and overseeing all catering operations at selected events.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Executes and develops catering events to meet established goals, objectives, and
• timelines.
• Schedules, coordinates, and trains professional wait staff, Vanderbilt student staff and Vanderbilt Campus dining employees.
• Plans the timeline for the set up and breakdown of special events; communicates timeline to culinary team. Communicates with kitchen staff to coordinate food deliveries to ensure the quality and safety of food.
• Develops the overall logistical plan necessary to successfully carry out special
• events. Communicates plan to catering team and contracted wait staff.
• Coaches and supports team members by providing guidance and direction for assigned tasks.
• Writes daily event pull sheets and daily task assignments to ensure successful execution of all catering events.
• Manages quality control process in areas of customer service and employee satisfaction.
• Hires, trains and supervises, contracted wait staff, and Campus Dining employees
• and student employees.
• Partners with the events team to assist with scheduling labor and event details to ensure appropriate staffing of events is successful.
• Records event details and makes improvements to future catering events.
• Knowledgeable of catering/food trends and recommends strategies to promote continued change, growth or expansion of Vanderbilt Catering.
• Demonstrates knowledge of how and when to impose deadlines for task delegation.
• Continuously complies, reviews, and analyzes operational needs against the established goals, objectives and guidelines.
• Manages group or interpersonal conflict situations and escalates issues when appropriate.
• Maintains catering inventory of event supplies (i.e. alcohol, uniforms, equipment, linen, props, and vehicles) and make recommendations for repair and replacement.
• Maintains a safe work environment by enforcing all safety standards and
• performing safety audits

Supervisory Relationships :

This position reports to the Senior Catering Operations Manager functionally and administratively. This position is responsible for functional oversight of contracted wait staff, hourly non-exempt employees, and student employees.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED is necessary.
• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited higher education institution is preferred.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management or a related field is preferred.
• Must be ServSafe certified within 3 months of hire and expected to pass renewal every five years.
• A clear valid driver’s license is necessary.
• Current ABC alcohol service permit or provided within one week
• Minimum 3 years of related experience is necessary.
• Minimum 2 years offsite catering, restaurants, or specialty events experience is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience as a Catering Operations Manager is preferred.
• Ability to drive a catering van and medium size box truck is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
• Strong communication (verbal, written, interpersonal) skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population is necessary.
• Ability to make on-site decisions to resolve problems brought forth by customers, vendors, contracted wait staff, etc.
• Strong time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills, and an eye for detail is necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service is necessary.
• Manage people, maintain confidentiality and be accountable for Vanderbilt assets is necessary.
• Proactive, enthusiastic attitude, and possess excellent customer service skills.
• Strong supervisory and interpersonal skills.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Must enjoy fast-paced working environment.
• Be able to work within a team setting as well as be a self-starter.
• Must be able 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 time periods.
• Ability to bend, stretch, twist and lift.
• Ability to frequently lift/transport hot food items in hotboxes (200#) onto and off box trucks and to event locations.

This is a full-time exempt position. Expected weekly hours range from 40-50. Shift hours vary; must be available to work nights and weekends. Flexibility in workplace locations, days and hours is essential, including willingness to work long, non-standard workdays.

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. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

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.

#LI-Onsite

Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!

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.