Catering Manager

About the Role

Premier Global Links LLC is seeking an experienced Catering Manager to oversee high-volume catering operations at a university in Johnson City, Tennessee.

This role will lead catering sales, event planning, food production, staffing, procurement, inventory, and financial performance for a university dining operation managing more than $1.5 million in annual catering volume.

The ideal candidate will have strong catering management, food service operations, event planning, team leadership, and cost-control experience and be comfortable managing multiple events in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily catering operations, including event planning, food production, deliveries, inventory, procurement, invoicing, and event execution.
• Oversee catering sales and conference services and work directly with clients to design and execute events.
• Manage high-volume and VIP catering events, including multiple events occurring on the same day.
• Coordinate Sales, Culinary, Front-of-House, and Operations teams to ensure accurate and timely event execution.
• Supervise, schedule, train, and develop catering and food service employees.
• Maintain appropriate staffing, equipment, supplies, and resources for catering events.
• Monitor labor, inventory, equipment, materials, and other operating costs to meet budget objectives.
• Review catering event orders and weekly catering schedules for accuracy and completeness.
• Address client questions and service issues with practical, timely solutions.
• Maintain food safety, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Use catering and workforce management systems to maintain schedules, payroll, orders, and operational records.
• Identify opportunities to improve catering revenue, service quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Support continuous improvement and maintain a culture of teamwork, accountability, and service excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• 3+ years of management experience with direct supervision of catering or food service employees.
• 3+ years of experience in catering, food production, food service management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing high-volume catering and VIP events, including multiple events per day.
• Experience managing catering sales and operations with $1.5M+ in annual managed catering volume.
• Experience managing catering budgets and controlling labor, inventory, equipment, and material costs.
• Strong communication, organization, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume food service environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Preferred Experience

• University, college, hospitality, or institutional food service experience.
• Experience managing conference services or large-scale events.
• Experience using Kronos or similar workforce management/timekeeping systems.
• Experience coordinating Sales, Culinary, and Front-of-House teams.
• Experience with catering software, event management systems, or food service technology.

Compensation & Benefits

• $80,000–$90,000 annual salary
• Sign-on bonus eligibility
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Wellness programs
• 401(k) with company matching
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Career growth opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement

Premier Global Links LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.