CATERING OPERATIONS DIRECTOR - St. John Fisher University - Rochester, NY

Compass Group•Town of Brighton, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success. We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you. Job SummaryBring your creativity, leadership, and passion for exceptional events to a vibrant university community.Are you a dynamic catering professional who loves elevating experiences, building relationships, and leading talented teams? Chartwells Higher Education is seeking an innovative Catering Operations Director to oversee all catering and event operations at St. John Fisher University, where hospitality and community come together.In this highly visible role, you’ll shape the catering vision for campus events—from intimate VIP receptions to high‑impact university celebrations. You’ll lead a dedicated team, cultivate client partnerships, and ensure every event reflects excellence in quality, service, and presentation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, or a related field
5+ years of hospitality experience, including 2+ years in management (Catering Management preferred)
Strong background in menu selection, costing, pricing, and contract management
Proven ability to supervise food production, service flow, and event cleanup
A creative mindset paired with exceptional organizational and leadership skills

Responsibilities

Lead all internal and external catering operations, ensuring every event is executed flawlessly—from planning and production to setup and final impressions.
Develop a strategic catering marketing plan and deliver full‑service event planning support, including custom menu creation and experience design.
Recruit, train, and inspire a high‑performing catering team, fostering growth in presentation, service, and professional standards.
Drive operational excellence by managing labor controls, food costs, production efficiency, transportation, and event logistics.