Catering Director - Hampton University

Thompson Hospitality Corporation • Hampton, VA

8h • Onsite

About The Position

The Catering Director at Hampton University leads catering operations, planning menus and coordinating events while building client relationships and guiding the team to deliver high-quality service. The role supports events ranging from small meetings to major campus celebrations and is responsible for strategic catering growth, event execution, financial management, and client satisfaction. The position requires 50–55 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as business needs dictate.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• 2–5 years of catering or event management experience.
• Expertise in menu diversity and cost-effective food presentation.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Proficiency 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic catering plan aligned with organizational goals, target markets, pricing strategies, and promotions to grow the catering business.
• Build and maintain client relationships through effective communication, understanding client needs, and ensuring satisfaction throughout the catering process.
• Customize catering menus for different events while maintaining high-quality food presentation and taste.
• Coordinate catering event logistics and staffing and ensure smooth execution.
• Manage the catering budget, monitor financial performance, and use data to improve profitability and efficiency.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off.
• 401(k) with matching up to 4%.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee referral program.
• Pet insurance.
• Discounts on hotels, travel, tickets, and restaurants.
• Discounted meal plan eligibility for employees and their relatives attending school at any of the company’s HBCU client locations.

What This Job Offers

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