Catering Operations Manager II

##

Position Title:

Catering Operations Manager II## Job Group:

Professional & Scientific## Required

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent and 7 years of related experience##

Preferred Qualifications:

Managerial and/or lead experience in catering, fine dining, or event operations.
Experience overseeing event preparation and execution for large-volume or multi-event catering operations.
Experience training and overseeing professional staff and student workers.
Serv Safe Certified##

Job Description:

** Iowa State University
** is seeking a
** Catering Operations Manager
** to oversee and coordinate catering operations supporting events across campus, including events connected to the President’s Office and other high-profile university functions. This role is responsible for the execution and operational coordination of catering events, ensuring events are staffed, organized, and carried out according to established plans and service standards.

This position focuses on operations and execution rather than menu development. The Catering Operations Manager works closely with catering leadership; managing a team of four assistant managers, a storekeeper II and up to 70 student employees, to support event needs in an environment where timelines and event details may shift quickly.
** What You’ll Do**
* ** Oversee catering operations and event execution
** for events across campus, including President’s Office-related events.
* ** Serve as a primary point of contact for operational execution during events**, helping ensure staffing and service needs are supported.
* ** Oversee the work of catering operations staff**, including assistant managers, drivers, storekeeper staff, and student employees.
* ** Manage staffing coverage
** by developing schedules, responding to call-offs, and adjusting resources based on event needs.
* ** Coordinate operational details
** by working with catering leadership and sales staff to translate event plans into staffing and execution support.
* ** Support training and ongoing development of student employees**, helping ensure expectations and procedures are consistently followed.
* ** Maintain operational readiness
** by confirming staffing plans, equipment needs, and logistical details prior to events.
* ** Respond to short timelines or late changes
** by adjusting operational plans as needed to support successful event execution.
** Benefits & Perks You’ll Get**
* ** Medical, dental, and vision insurance
** beginning on your first day (with timely enrollment)
* ** Competitive retirement options
** with strong university contributions
* ** Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay,
** including most Holidays OFF
* ** Free meal
** with every scheduled shift worked
** About Iowa State University Catering
** ISU Dining Catering supports events across campus, including meetings, receptions, and other university functions. Catering operations involve coordinating staff, schedules, and logistics to meet event needs while maintaining consistency and service standards. This role supports events that may involve multiple staff roles and evolving timelines.

Click to watch our team in action!
** Example of Duties
*** Supervises service delivery, training, safety, sanitation, facilities maintenance, marketing, and cash handling in order to meet departmental goals.
* Assists with the development of operational pricing and budgets to meet sales, budgetary, and financial targets.
* Supervises and participates in food production, including forecasting food ordering, food preparation, and food sanitation.
* Authorizes purchases and monitors inventory control procedures.
* Assists in the planning and execution of dining programs and participates in short and long-term strategic planning.
* Assists in creating and updating policies and procedures used by the department in order to assure compliance with university policies and State and Federal laws.
* Evaluates product offerings and selection to keep current with the popularity of items offered for sale.
* Markets the department and acts as the liaison for the department with various units, committees or task forces.
* Establishes and demonstrates a positive…