Role Overview:
Join a great team where students are at the heart of everything we do!
Sodexo's Campus Segment is seeking an experienced Catering Manager 3 to lead and grow catering operations for the University of Southern Maine. Supporting the Portland, Gorham, Lewiston/Auburn, and Maine Law School campuses, this role is responsible for delivering exceptional catering experiences ranging from everyday meetings and student events to formal receptions, plated dinners, and Board of Trustees functions.
Based primarily on the Portland campus, this position will oversee a thriving catering program with more than $1 million in annual volume and significant growth opportunities. The successful candidate will be a dynamic leader who is passionate about hospitality, event execution, client satisfaction, and team development. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while helping expand catering services across a growing university community.
What You'll Do:
- Lead all aspects of catering operations across multiple campus locations, ensuring exceptional service and flawless event execution.
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Manage a diverse portfolio of events, including meetings, conferences, receptions, banquets, VIP functions, and special university events.
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Partner with clients to create customized catering experiences that exceed expectations and build long-term relationships.
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Oversee event logistics, staffing, scheduling, setup, service, and post-event follow-up.
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Drive catering revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and developing relationships with internal and external clients.
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Manage food and labor costs while maintaining financial performance and budget targets.
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Collaborate with culinary teams on menu development, food presentation, and innovative catering offerings.
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Lead, coach, train, and develop hourly catering staff to foster a positive, service-focused culture.
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Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, allergen awareness, and company standards.
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Maintain inventory controls, purchasing processes, and operational efficiencies to support business goals.
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Support summer conferencing and special programs associated with the university's expanding facilities
What We Offer:
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
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Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
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401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
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Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
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Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
What You Bring:
- Experience leading catering, banquet, conference, or hospitality operations, preferably within higher education, hotels, convention centers, or large-scale event venues.
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Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and engage a diverse team.
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Proven ability to manage multiple events and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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Excellent client relationship management skills and a passion for delivering outstanding customer service.
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Financial acumen with experience managing budgets, controlling costs, and analyzing operational performance.
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Knowledge of menu planning, food presentation, event execution, and hospitality best practices.
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Understanding of food safety regulations, sanitation standards, allergens, and special dietary accommodations.
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Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
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High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
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Experience with sustainable dining practices and innovative catering solutions is a plus.
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Ability to clearly communicate expectations, delegate effectively, and lead teams through successful event execution.
Who We Are:
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
Qualifications & Requirements:
Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 2 years
Minimum Functional Experience – 1 year work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.
