Catering Operations Manager - Mississippi State University

Job DetailsJob Location: Mississippi State University - Mississippi State, MS 39762Salary Range: $20.00 - $24.00Proof of the Pudding is an award-winning catering company throughout the Southeast with a commitment to creating quality culinary concepts from scratch. This standard was upheld through the expansion into Sports and Entertainment Hospitality Services by providing elevated concessions and premium offerings to collegiate stadiums, professional golf tournaments, International Boat Shows, Professional Sports Teams, & more.

We are seeking a Catering Operations Manager to help lead the catering team at Mississippi State University located in Starkville, MS. This role will involve leading the front of the house team, ensuring exceptional client experiences, and managing the coordination of service delivery. The primary responsibility will include event execution, scheduling, developing & leading the team. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for hospitality and a proven ability to execute events with efficiency and flair.

Responsibilities

Day-to-day operations of Catering program
Scheduling staff and labor management
Recruiting and retention - training and managing staff to provide high-quality service
Meeting with clients to understand and document their catering needs and preferences
Organizing and supervising the work of the catering team to ensure that food is served in a timely manner
Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
Controlling budgets and minimizing expenditure by efficiently managing resources
Handling customer inquiries and complaints professionally and promptly
Conducting regular inventory checks, developing par lists and communicating supply needs
Planning and executing marketing strategies to promote the catering business
Support General manager and catering director in cost management and budget analysis

Performs other related duties as needed.

QualificationsQualifications

Proven track record managing both indoor and outdoor catering events for up to 350 guests, ensuring seamless service delivery in various environments
Strong background in creating and curating diverse, high-quality menus tailored to client preferences and event themes
Ability to lead and manage catering teams, ensuring smooth coordination of staff and resources during events
Highly organized with a keen eye for detail, capable of overseeing all aspects of catering logistics, from set-up to execution
Comfortable working in dynamic, fast-paced environments, with the ability to adapt to changing conditions and resolve issues quickly and efficiently
Deliver high quality food service
Flexibility with schedule and availability, Catering may be weekends, early mornings, late nights...
Achieve company and client financial targets and goals
Develop and maintain client and customer relationships
Deliver strategic plans
Hold team members accountable for all expectations using our HR guided team coaching process
Communicate effectively with all crew members and team members
Foster a positive environment, with a measured temperament

COMPANY CORE VALUE AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

Business Acumen - Demonstrate comprehension of the job, including policies, practices, and relationships. Possess the expertise and skill levels required of the job and perform with quality.

Dedication - Dependable, reliable and follows through on projects from inception to completion. Willing to put in as much time as necessary to complete tasks. Demonstrate a win-win attitude: “see it, own it, solve it.”

Ethics and Integrity - Acts with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the company’s culture, values and beliefs while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.

Safety & Security - Observe safety and security standards. Use equipment and materials properly. Comply with safety standards and personal protective equipment requirements. Report potential unsafe conditions or practices to appropriate person immediately. Promote restaurant safety, cleanliness and security compliance at all times.

Teamwork - Cooperate and be willing to work as a team player to achieve goals and tasks accurately, efficiently and timely.

Communication - Communicate clearly and effectively with mutual respect, understanding and trust to fellow associates, managers, supervisors and guests. Listen carefully to opinions and views of others; state understanding of what has been heard.

Initiative - Contribute new ideas and suggestions to enhance productivity and efficiency. Be proactive in troubleshooting problems or issues and take action to mitigate potential problems.

Adaptability & Planning - Possess the ability to learn new tasks and adjusts well to new situations. Perform well under tight time schedules and pressures to change direction quickly.

Service Orientation - Demonstrates a sense of urgency. Is welcoming, friendly and smiles when visible to guests.

Work Environment

Office work entails computer usage, inter-departmental meetings and communications via email, phone, and in person. Job duties may include movement between indoors, outdoors and structures throughout the campus.

Physical Demands

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Prolonged periods of standing, moving throughout a kitchen and venue, bending, lifting, and reaching.
Ability to perform physical tasks; such as but not limited to, lifting approx. 30 lbs.

Position Salary & Benefits

This is a full-time Hourly position with a starting range of $20.00-$24.00/hr.
Proof is pleased to provide all full-time eligible employees with Basic Life and AD&D as well as long term disability at no cost to employees
Full-time eligible employees may choose to enroll in optional benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Voluntary Life and AD&D, Short Term Disability, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness, and Voluntary Hospitality Indemnity

Proof of the Pudding and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.