SENIOR CATERING DIRECTOR - St. John Fisher University - Rochester, NY

Filling every occasion with great food and service! We are currently seeking a Senior Catering Director to lead our high-volume and premiere catering department at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY. This role involves developing and implementing catering solutions that meet customer needs and client goals, while collaborating closely with our Executive Chef on menu development. Events encompass a diverse spectrum, spanning from coffee services to specialized student events to exclusive VIP dining occasions, hosted both on-campus and off-campus. The successful candidate will join a strong, experienced team of culinary professionals who have proudly achieved the #1 ranking in Niche for NY state.

About the University

St. John Fisher University is an independent, liberal arts institution that provides a transformative education to approximately 3,800 undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students each year. The University's residential campus boasts a robust living and learning community and a successful intercollegiate athletics program. Fisher is a community where all are welcome, regardless of religious or cultural background and we are proud of our dining program that provides great food and great service to our students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and oversee all internal and external catering events to ensure seamless execution, outstanding customer service, and meeting client goals
• Create and grow the catering marketing plan, providing customers with comprehensive event planning service and detailed menu development that aligns with their needs and preferences
• Establish competitive pricing that effectively covers all catering costs
• Develop menu options for students that are accessible and affordable
• Lead the hiring, training, scheduling, and processing of payroll of catering staff
• Develop and educate existing catering staff in service techniques, menu presentation, policies, and procedures
• Ensure the successful operations of catering functions, including meticulous control over labor and food costs, and responsibility for preparation, transportation, setup, operation, and cleanup of all events
• Collaborate with the management and Chartwells marketing teams to implement effective strategies designed to build catering revenue and attract new business
• Foster strong relationships at Fisher and in the community to align our programs with their ideas and budgets, ensuring satisfaction and account retention
• Regularly participate in campus wide event planning meetings
• Partner with the Fisher reservations office for seamless coordination of groups, event spaces and vendors
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the dining service program

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree preferred
• Minimum of five years of experience in catering leadership including two years in management
• Proven experience in booking, selecting, and costing menu items, pricing contracts, and sourcing temporary help and equipment
• Strong ability to supervise food preparation, service, and cleanup, ensuring high-quality standards are consistently met
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Must be experienced with computers
• ServSafe Certified

Embark on a dynamic career journey with us, where innovation and creativity thrive, and your contributions make a tangible impact on campus life! Join our team and be part of shaping exceptional dining experiences.