University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Catering Manager

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee · Full-time

Sponsorship not specified$67k-$75kDetected 20 days ago

StatisticsLogisticsInventory ManagementPerformance ManagementHRISCustomer SupportLeadershipCommunicationMentoring

About the role

This role is responsible for elevating the campus catering program through service excellence, brand development, operational innovation, and relationship-driven engagement across the University.
The Catering Manager oversees the planning, execution, financial performance, and continuous improvement of all catered events, including food, beverage, alcohol service, logistics, and staffing.
This role directly supervises two professional Catering Coordinators and provides leadership to full-time staff and student employees.

Develop and implement strategies to increase catering engagement, revenue, and client retention through service innovation, menu development, and relationship management.
Serve as the lead campus ambassador for UWM Catering, building strong, collaborative relationships with academic departments, administrative units, student organizations, and external partners.
Maintain full responsibility for catering budgets, billing accuracy, cost controls, inventory management, and labor optimization.
Provide visible leadership and operational support for catered events as needed, ensuring seamless execution and service consistency.
Oversee equipment readiness, preventive maintenance, and coordination with facilities and maintenance partners.
This position serves as the primary campus liaison for catering services, partnering with academic units, administrative departments, student organizations, and external clients to deliver high-quality, customized event experiences.

Minimum of 5 years of progressive foodservice management experience, preferably in a catering environment
Valid Driver's License and ability to qualify to operate State of Wisconsin vehicles
UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law.
In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Experience supervising managers and leading multi-layered teams
Experience in university or college catering operations
Knowledge of institutional food purchasing, inventory systems, and POS platforms
Experience with standardized recipes, menu development, and production systems
ServSafe Manager Certification or ability to obtain within required timeframe
Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and customer service leadership
Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, business, culinary arts, organizational leadership, or related field

Provide vision and leadership to continuously elevate the UWM Catering program, positioning it as the preferred and trusted catering provider for UWM events.
Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability.
If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463.
This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

This listing is sourced directly from University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.