Restaurant, Catering, and Concessions Manager

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cornell Dining Restaurant, Catering, and Concessions Manager works closely with the Director of Catering and Concessions to maintain, promote, and enhance the programs and services provided by both Concessions and Moakley House for the Cornell community. This position provides overall daily oversight of all catering event execution within Moakley House, with the goal of fostering strong client relationships across campus while supporting the growth of current and future business. In addition, this person will lead the Concessions team, providing strategies toward revenue generation and operational efficiencies. The role works alongside the Director on business development and departmental growth, particularly in areas such as menu selection and costing, as well as the continued development of relationships between Moakley House, Athletics, and other community partners. The position also plays a key role in developing a dynamic, experiential learning and working environment for Cornell students and staff, while managing high‑profile client relationships with poise and diplomacy. This role requires experience in leading teams, operations management, cost control, merchandising, and sales within food service and catering operations, supporting events with staff and attendees ranging from 200 to 10,000 people. Experience and confidence in off‑premise catering or concessions service is critical, along with the ability to work long and varied hours and maintain strong knowledge of food safety and health codes. While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and two to three years of related experience, or the equivalent.
Two years of food service catering supervisory experience required.
Leadership, supervisory, coaching, communication, and customer-service skills are essential.
Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences.
Strong proficiency in Excel.
Varied work schedule, including availability on nights and weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

Previous Catering or Concessions experience in a university setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide overall daily oversight of all catering event execution within Moakley House.
Foster strong client relationships across campus.
Support the growth of current and future business.
Lead the Concessions team, providing strategies toward revenue generation and operational efficiencies.
Work alongside the Director on business development and departmental growth, particularly in areas such as menu selection and costing.
Continue the development of relationships between Moakley House, Athletics, and other community partners.
Develop a dynamic, experiential learning and working environment for Cornell students and staff.
Manage high‑profile client relationships with poise and diplomacy.
Uphold cleanliness standards throughout daily operations.