Catering Director - University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Thompson Hospitality Corporation • Princess Anne, MD

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Are you someone who loves bringing people together through food and creating events that people remember? Join us as the Catering Director at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and help us make every campus occasion unforgettable. In this role, you'll take the lead on all things catering—from planning menus and coordinating events to building relationships with clients and guiding your team to deliver amazing service. Whether it's a small meeting or a big campus celebration, you’ll be the one making sure everything runs smoothly and feels special. If you're passionate about food, love working with people, and want to be part of a close-knit campus community, we’d love to have you on board.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• 2 – 5 years catering/event management experience.
• Expertise in menu diversity and cost-effective food presentation.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Proficient in budget management and vendor negotiation.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events and site visits
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 30–40 lbs (event materials, sample trays, equipment as needed)
• Frequent walking between event spaces, kitchens, offices, and venues
• Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching during event setup and breakdown
• Ability to work long and irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments and manage multiple events simultaneously
• Visual and auditory acuity to oversee event execution, staffing, and guest satisfaction

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in a college or university dining facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic catering plan, aligning with organizational goals, target markets, pricing strategies, and promotions to boost catering business growth.
• Cultivate strong client relationships via effective communication, understanding needs, and ensuring client satisfaction throughout the catering process.
• Customize catering menus for various events while maintaining high-quality food presentation and taste.
• Coordinate all aspects of catering events, including logistics, staffing, and ensuring seamless execution.
• Manage the catering budget efficiently, monitor financial performance, and make data-driven decisions for enhanced profitability and efficiency.

Benefits

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k), matched up to 4%
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Pet Insurance
• Discounts: Hotels, Travel, Tickets, Restaurants
• Employees and their relatives are eligible for a discounted meal plan at any of our HBCU client locations while they are attending school.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level