Director of Catering - Union College

Compass Group•City of Schenectady, NY

1d•$95,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Catering will lead and execute all catering operations across Union College, delivering exceptional hospitality experiences for campus and client events. This is a highly visible, fast-paced, hands-on leadership role that requires strong attention to detail, the ability to multitask effectively, and a commitment to operational excellence. The Director of Catering will oversee all internal and external catering functions, build and maintain strong client relationships, and ensure seamless execution with exceptional food quality and service standards. Success in this role requires a leader who thrives in an active environment, enjoys being on their feet, and can balance event execution, team leadership, and client expectations with professionalism and urgency.

Requirements

3–5+ years of progressive foodservice or hospitality management experience required
Prior catering leadership experience required, preferably within higher education, hospitality, or multi-unit environments
Demonstrated success managing client relationships and delivering high-touch service experiences
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, physically active environment requiring standing, walking, and multitasking throughout the day
Hands-on leadership style with the ability to support operations and lead by example
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team development skills

Nice To Haves

Associate degree preferred; Bachelor’s degree is a plus

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee all catering operations, ensuring flawless execution of internal and external events from planning through service delivery
Lead, coach, and develop catering team members with a focus on service excellence, hospitality standards, and operational consistency
Train staff on service techniques, event presentation, guest engagement, and execution expectations
Partner closely with culinary leadership to create innovative, client-focused menus and memorable event experiences
Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication, responsiveness, and attention to detail
Manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and high service standards in a fast-paced environment
Monitor and manage labor and food costs for each event to support financial performance goals
Conduct event walkthroughs and remain actively involved in event execution to ensure quality and client satisfaction
Coordinate logistics, staffing, timelines, and operational details to deliver seamless event experiences
Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, and company operational standards