ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CATERING AND ENGAGEMENT

Compass Group•Phoenix, AZ

1d•$45,000 - $60,000

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Catering and Engagement is a dynamic leadership role responsible for overseeing Discovery Kitchen (student and community engagement) programming, culinary education initiatives, and on-site catering operations. This position blends culinary expertise, event leadership, client/ student engagement, and program development to drive participation, revenue growth, and exceptional guest experiences. Acting as both an operational leader and brand ambassador, the role ensures high standards in food quality, service execution, education, and safety across all programs and events.

Requirements

Culinary Arts Degree is preferred from a recognized culinary school or degree (A.O.S., B.A. or B.S.) in culinary and hospitality management, food and nutrition, or a related field
Minimum 4 years of catering, hospitality management, or supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge of current food trends, sustainability, and healthy cooking practices.
Demonstrated passion for culinary education, innovation, and public engagement.
Valid Driver’s License and ability to drive company vehicles.
Valid Food Handler Certificate (or provincial equivalent)
Ability to obtain a state issued Fingerprint Clearence Card
Open availability to work mornings, evenings, and event-based schedules.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of Discovery Kitchen programs, including ordering, station setup, instruction, and breakdown for each course.
Develop, coordinate, and maintain engagement materials for culinary education and food literacy initiatives. Drive engagement and participation across all Discovery Kitchen programs.
Drive to and from event locations as required. Load catering vans, verify inventory, and ensure all supplies and equipment are accounted for.
Cultivate user engagement through culinary innovation, food literacy, and healthy cooking techniques.
Collaborate with onsite education professionals to grow and evolve programming.
Identify and develop new revenue streams.
Lead and supervise on-site catering events, ensuring timelines, service standards, and client expectations are exceeded.
Act as the primary on-site liaison for clients and event stakeholders.
Manage catering staff schedules and provide clear direction during event setup, service, and breakdown. Oversee food presentation, service, and display to ensure adherence to standards.
Manage accurate food temperature logging and compliance with food safety regulations.
Ensure thorough event cleanup, inventory reconciliation, food storage, and procedures.
Return food, beverages, equipment, and utensils to the catering facility.
Ensure strict compliance with Quality Assurance programs, Health and Safety
Lead, motivate, and engage staff, fostering a positive, professional, and high-performance work environment. Coordinate with staff for event planning.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.
Maintain composure under pressure, making quick, effective, solution-based decisions