Catering Service Manager

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Catering Service Manager provides strategic and hands-on leadership for front-of-house catering operations, ensuring the flawless execution of high-end events. This role directs service teams, collaborates closely with Culinary, Sales, and Event Planning partners, and ensures every event reflects the organization’s premium brand standards. The ideal candidate is a dynamic hospitality leader with strong operational discipline, exceptional service instincts, and a passion for delivering memorable guest experiences at scale.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
ServSafe certification required within three months of hire (renewal every five years)
ABC alcohol service permit required (or obtained within one week of hire)
Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record required
The University engages a third-party vendor for continuous motor vehicle record monitoring
Minimum of three (3) years of relevant hospitality experience; prior Banquet or Service Manager experience preferred
Ability to drive a golf cart and medium-sized box truck, with a clean driving history
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Strong leadership, supervisory, and people management skills
Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service in high-pressure environments
Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with diverse populations
Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities with keen attention to detail
Proven ability to manage confidential information and safeguard University assets
Professional, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset
Thrives in a fast-paced environment and works effectively both independently and as part of a team
Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and extended hours as needed
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and frequently lift, push, pull, or carry up to 30 lbs.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and perform frequent bending, stretching, twisting, and lifting
Ability to frequently lift and transport hot food equipment (including hotboxes up to 200 lbs.) on and off box trucks and at event locations

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred, ideally in Hospitality, Hotel/Restaurant Management, or a related field
Minimum of one (1) year of off-premise catering experience preferred, including loading/unloading and driving delivery vehicles

Responsibilities

Provide on-site leadership for catered events ranging from intimate private meals to large-scale university-wide functions.
Direct, coach, and supervise service teams, including captains, servers, bartenders, and support personnel.
Ensure impeccable service standards, timing, presentation, and attention to detail at every event.
Conduct pre-event briefings and post-event evaluations to drive continuous improvement.
Cultivate strong working relationships with third-party staffing partners to ensure consistent service excellence.
Serve as the senior on-site representative and primary client contact during events.
Anticipate guest needs, proactively address challenges, and resolve issues with professionalism and urgency.
Uphold and protect the University’s brand reputation through white-glove hospitality and flawless execution.
Develop and manage service schedules for University staff and contracted waitstaff.
Oversee event setup, service flow, breakdown, and post-event reconciliation processes.
Partner with Culinary, Sales, and Logistics teams to ensure seamless coordination and execution.
Manage labor deployment to meet budgeted targets while maintaining premium service standards.
Ensure compliance with food safety, alcohol service, and workplace safety regulations.
Recruit, train, and mentor high-performing service professionals.
Foster a culture of accountability, hospitality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and development.
Monitor labor costs and support event profitability goals.
Approve timesheets and ensure payroll accuracy.
Contribute to departmental budgeting and forecasting processes.