Catering Operations Manager II

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

14d

About The Position

Iowa State University is seeking a Catering Operations Manager to oversee and coordinate catering operations supporting events across campus, including events connected to the President’s Office and other high-profile university functions. This role is responsible for the execution and operational coordination of catering events, ensuring events are staffed, organized, and carried out according to established plans and service standards. This position focuses on operations and execution rather than menu development. The Catering Operations Manager works closely with catering leadership; managing a team of four assistant managers, a storekeeper II and up to 70 student employees, to support event needs in an environment where timelines and event details may shift quickly. ISU Dining Catering supports events across campus, including meetings, receptions, and other university functions. Catering operations involve coordinating staff, schedules, and logistics to meet event needs while maintaining consistency and service standards. This role supports events that may involve multiple staff roles and evolving timelines. Click HERE to watch our team in action!

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and 7 years of related experience
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
• All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Nice To Haves

• Managerial and/or lead experience in catering, fine dining, or event operations.
• Experience overseeing event preparation and execution for large-volume or multi-event catering operations.
• Experience training and overseeing professional staff and student workers.
• ServSafe Certified

Responsibilities

• Oversee catering operations and event execution for events across campus, including President’s Office-related events.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for operational execution during events, helping ensure staffing and service needs are supported.
• Oversee the work of catering operations staff, including assistant managers, drivers, storekeeper staff, and student employees.
• Manage staffing coverage by developing schedules, responding to call-offs, and adjusting resources based on event needs.
• Coordinate operational details by working with catering leadership and sales staff to translate event plans into staffing and execution support.
• Support training and ongoing development of student employees, helping ensure expectations and procedures are consistently followed.
• Maintain operational readiness by confirming staffing plans, equipment needs, and logistical details prior to events.
• Respond to short timelines or late changes by adjusting operational plans as needed to support successful event execution.
• Supervises service delivery, training, safety, sanitation, facilities maintenance, marketing, and cash handling in order to meet departmental goals.
• Assists with the development of operational pricing and budgets to meet sales, budgetary, and financial targets.
• Supervises and participates in food production, including forecasting food ordering, food preparation, and food sanitation.
• Authorizes purchases and monitors inventory control procedures.
• Assists in the planning and execution of dining programs and participates in short and long-term strategic planning.
• Assists in creating and updating policies and procedures used by the department in order to assure compliance with university policies and State and Federal laws.
• Evaluates product offerings and selection to keep current with the popularity of items offered for sale.
• Markets the department and acts as the liaison for the department with various units, committees or task forces.
• Establishes and demonstrates a positive working relationship with vendors to develop product ordering, delivery, and stocking schedules.
• Researches, facilitates, and develops trainings and orientations for new staff.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance beginning on your first day (with timely enrollment)
• Competitive retirement options with strong university contributions
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay, including most Holidays OFF
• Free meal with every scheduled shift worked
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED