Catering Manager

Role Overview

Join the Sodexo Campus team, where your creativity and leadership will bring campus events to life.

Sodexo’s Campus Segment is seeking an experienced Catering Manager 2 to support and elevate catering operations at Merrimack College
, a private Catholic Augustinian institution in North Andover, Massachusetts
. Founded in 1947, Merrimack has grown into a dynamic, student-centered community known for academic excellence, experiential learning, and a strong culture of service. The College hosts a wide range of academic, social, and professional events throughout the year—creating a strong demand for exceptional dining and catering services that enhance the overall campus experience.

The Catering Manager 2 is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of all campus catering services. This role ensures each event is delivered with the highest level of quality, hospitality, and professionalism expected by Merrimack College Dining. Working collaboratively with Dining leadership, campus partners, and clients, the Catering Manager oversees event logistics, staffing, and financial processes to ensure seamless execution, operational efficiency, and an outstanding guest experience.

• Manage all aspects of campus catering operations, supporting events ranging from small meetings to large-scale functions, including student programs, academic ceremonies, admissions events, and external conferences.
• Coordinate event logistics, including setup, service timelines, staffing, equipment, and event flow, ensuring flawless execution.
• Lead, train, and supervise catering staff, providing on-site direction and ensuring consistent service excellence and professional presentation.
• Partner with culinary teams to ensure menus are executed to standard, including presentation, quality, portioning, and timely service.
• Support catering billing and administrative processes: review BEOs, verify charges, prepare invoices, and track billing accuracy across internal and external clients.
• Maintain catering inventory, equipment, and supply levels; ensure all activities comply with health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Build strong campus relationships through communication, responsiveness, and the ability to adapt to changing event needs in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.

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:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

• Prior experience in catering, hospitality management, or high-volume food service, ideally in a higher education or similar institutional environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and customer service abilities, with experience leading and motivating service teams.
• Proven attention to detail in event planning, execution, and financial processes, including billing and BEO accuracy.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic setting requiring professionalism, flexibility, and hands-on involvement.
• Availability to work a varied schedule, including evenings and weekends based on event needs.

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.

Minimum Education Requirement - High School Diploma or GED

Minimum Management Experience - 1 year