Managing Director, Yale Catering
Listed on 2026-01-12
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Hospitality / Hotel / Catering
Catering, Hotel Management
Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community‑eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcome. Discover your opportunities at Yale!
Salary Range
$90,000.00 - $
OverviewThis leadership role provides strategic direction and oversight for Yale Hospitality’s Catering department, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, strong financial performance, and alignment with the mission and policies of the University. It requires a balance of strategic vision, operational expertise, and client service skills to deliver seamless events that reflect institutional priorities. The position oversees the Catering teams to include Sales & Events, Culinary, and Support Center, guiding menu development, service standards, and overall execution.
Core responsibilities include analyzing business segments, monitoring performance, and ensuring efficiency across all catering operations. The role partners closely with university leaders and colleagues across Yale Hospitality to deliver high‑impact, campus‑wide events as well as localized daily catering that supports the rhythm of academic and community life. Equally important, it develops and empowers a high‑performing team through coaching, mentoring, and clear accountability, while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Skills and Abilities
- Proven track record of financial management, including budget development, forecasting, cost control, and profitability analysis.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, event operations, and client relationship management.
- Experience leading large, diverse teams, including culinary and sales/event staff, with strong skills in coaching, mentoring, and talent development.
- Background in managing high‑profile and complex events with a focus on excellence in service and guest experience.
- Familiarity with sustainability practices, health and safety regulations, and compliance standards in food service.
- Work with Senior Director of Auxiliary Services to develop and implement the long‑term vision, strategy, and goals for Yale Catering, ensuring alignment with Yale Hospitality’s mission, departmental policies, and institutional priorities.
- Lead business planning initiatives to drive growth, operational efficiencies, service innovation, and operational excellence across catering services.
- Guide the planning and coordination of events, ensuring client needs, university priorities, and service standards are seamlessly integrated into event design and execution.
- Shape event concepts and service models that elevate the University’s brand, creating experiences that reflect Yale’s culture, traditions, and institutional priorities.
- Oversee all financial aspects of the catering program, including budgeting, forecasting, labor, pricing, and cost control.
- Ensure revenue and expense targets are met through sound fiscal management, analysis of financial performance, and proactive decision‑making.
- Analyze business segments and maintain reporting on sales, profitability, and performance trends to inform decision‑making and strategy.
- Provide leadership and direction to the Assistant Director of Catering, Senior Executive Chef, Catering Support Center, and the Catering Sales & Events team.
- Ensure consistent execution of high‑quality food, beverage, and service standards for events of all sizes, from small meetings to large‑scale campus functions.
- Monitor systems, workflows, and resources to optimize efficiency, scalability, and guest satisfaction.
- Serve as the primary liaison with campus partners, clients, and vendors, cultivating strong relationships built on trust, collaboration, and responsiveness.
- Engage directly with clients and partners during the pre‑event planning process to understand objectives, manage expectations, and ensure seamless coordination with culinary and operations team.
- Collaborate…
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