Catering Events Manager

Williams college is pleased to announce an opening for a Catering Events Manager.  Reporting to the Associate Director of Dining Services, the position plans, directs, and coordinates catered events for faculty, staff, alumni, and community member events.  

The Catering Events Manager will be responsible for negotiating contracts, leading the planning of menus, arranging for equipment set up and/or rental, and communicating client needs to the appropriate personnel. Applicants should highlight relevant experience with working with, supporting, and planning culturally-authentic menus.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community and strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups or who have experience working with a broadly diverse population to apply. 

This position requires fully in-person work. Remote work arrangements will not be available at this time.  

Responsibilities

The Catering Events Manager will act as the point person for clients. They will be responsible for detailing and executing events while working within the food and beverage team. They will develop and execute catering solutions to meet customer needs while effectively managing the budget to the Department’s expectations.

• Meets with customers to explore budgets and venues, discuss requests, plan menus and details of catered events, and planning in order to meet requests. 
• Responds to customer inquiries in an accurate and timely manner. 
• Manages and understands the catering capacity when taking reservations and requests, such as managing overtime and over-assigned hours to the Department’s expectation.
• Prepares a comprehensive catering contract according to client’s requirements, requests, and interests.
• Assists in the planning and coordination of Senior Week, Commencement, and Reunion Weekend event details, tent and rental orders, and logistics for Dining Services.
• Provides onsite direction during major events, working closely with the Special Events Manager, Catering Chef, Sr. Operations Manager of Mission Park Production Kitchen, Executive Chef, and Associate Director in the coordination and planning for major event staffing, production, and execution.
• Performs expense control, menu selection, food preparation, and equipment rental to ensure profitable events.
• Ensures that all established methods are being applied in regards to Food Allergies, including signage, food labeling, and the avoidance of cross contamination of certain foods. 
• Ensures that sound environmental practices, sustainable programs, local purchasing, composting, recycling, and overall pre-consumer waste reduction measures are being followed by the Faculty House/Catering department.

Qualifications

• Three years of relevant experience in managing and/or planning various catering events is required.
• ServeSafe certification, or ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hiring.
• Knowledgeable in the logistics of running large-scale catering events, including those with over 300 guests as well as multi-day events.
• Supervisory experience in a kitchen or catering setting highly preferred.
• Experience working with clients throughout the process of creating and running events.
• Ability to create a menu according to customer requests, with a focus on cultural authenticity.
• Technical Proficieny in Microsoft Office products strongly preferred

Application review will begin on February 14, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Pay range is from $55,000 to $65,000, commensurate with experience. Job band 2-E.  Please visit https://staff-careers.williams.edu/ to apply. All application materials will be reviewed by the search committee.

Conditions of Employment

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable. COVID-19 vaccination with booster or approved exemption and compliance with COVID-19 related policies are required as a condition of employment at Williams.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-2681 or email at hr@williams.edu.