Catering Manager 3

Sodexo•City of Troy, NY

1d•$61,710 - $79,860•Onsite

About The Position

Sodexo's Campus Segment is seeking an experienced Catering Manager 3 to lead and grow catering operations at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY. In this highly visible leadership role, you will oversee all aspects of a dynamic catering program, delivering exceptional experiences for events ranging from daily meetings and student functions to elegant receptions, plated dinners, donor events, and prestigious Board of Trustees gatherings. The ideal candidate is a hospitality-driven leader with a passion for delivering memorable guest experiences, developing high-performing teams, and building strong client relationships. This position offers the opportunity to bring creativity, operational excellence, and innovation to one of the nation's premier research universities.

Requirements

Catering or hospitality management experience, preferably in higher education, hotels, convention centers, or large event venues.
Experience managing high-volume catering programs with diverse event styles and service levels.
Strong client relationship and event planning skills with the ability to anticipate customer needs.
Proven leadership experience developing, coaching, and motivating frontline teams.
Financial acumen with experience managing budgets, labor, food cost, and revenue growth.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and catering best practices.
Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
2 years minimum management experience
1 year work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with catering management systems and Microsoft Office applications is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead all catering operations, ensuring exceptional service and flawless event execution.
Manage a wide variety of events, including campus meetings, student programs, alumni events, VIP receptions, formal dinners, and Board of Trustees functions.
Build and maintain strong relationships with university clients, campus partners, and key stakeholders.
Hire, train, coach, and develop a high-performing catering team while fostering a culture of hospitality and accountability.
Oversee event planning, staffing, scheduling, and logistics to ensure operational excellence.
Manage budgets, labor, food costs, and financial performance while identifying opportunities to grow catering revenue.
Ensure compliance with Sodexo standards for food safety, sanitation, and quality assurance.
Partner with culinary leadership to create innovative menus and memorable dining experiences.
Drive continuous improvement through creative solutions, operational efficiencies, and exceptional customer service.