Catering Manager

Position Summary

Culinary Services Events and Catering at the College of Saint Benedict invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit-eligible position of Catering Manager with an anticipated start date of May 1, 2026.

Why Join Us?

• The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 18 Paid Holidays Annually
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Remission for Eligible Dependents
• Employer Contributions to a Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program with access to free or discounted counseling, legal guidance, financial coaching, and more

Join a committed team dedicated to safety, community, and service in a supportive and values-driven work environment.

To Learn More About Our Benefits, Visit Mycsbsju.edu/jobs.

The Catering Manager provides comprehensive leadership for the planning, coordination, and execution of catering and event services at CSB. This role oversees daily onsite event operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery through effective staff supervision, cross-department collaboration, and proactive problem-solving. The manager recruits, trains, and mentors a skilled team while maintaining efficient workflows, high customer-service standards, and compliant operational practices.

Additionally, the position supports departmental effectiveness by managing equipment, coordinating internal partnerships, monitoring financial performance, and contributing to budget development. Through strategic planning, operational oversight, and community engagement, the Catering Manager advances the mission of Culinary Services and consistently delivers high-quality event experiences.

Institutional Inclusion Visioning Statement

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.

CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visit CSBSJU .

The posted wage represents CSB and SJU's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon several factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills, and may fall outside of the range indicated.

Responsibilities

Onsite Coordination & Event Management

• Oversee and coordinate the execution of catering events, including staffing assignments, operational workflows, and issue resolution.
• Serve as the Catering Lead and/or Manager on Duty for assigned events, providing on-site leadership and decision-making.
• Direct, monitor, and support Events and Catering staff to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Plan and organize assigned events and participate in the planning of large institutional events, ensuring alignment with client expectations and institutional standards.
• Forecast catering needs and staffing requirements to ensure appropriate resource allocation.
• Collaborate with media services, facilities teams, and event setup crews to ensure successful event preparation and execution.

Staff Hiring & Development

• Recruit, hire, coach, and mentor professional staff, student employees, and on-call servers and bartenders to support strong performance and team culture.
• Conduct performance evaluations and maintain accurate, up-to-date job descriptions to ensure role clarity and expectations.
• Develop and manage staff schedules aligned with business needs, operational goals, and budget constraints.
• Provide required training and monitor employee certifications to ensure compliance with safety regulations, service standards, and licensing requirements.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate departmental meetings to support communication, alignment, and continuous improvement.

Daily Department Operations

• Review and optimize work procedures and staffing models to improve productivity and operational effectiveness.
• Lead weekly service-order meetings to review upcoming event requirements and ensure cross-department alignment.
• Maintain and monitor catering and concessions equipment (including kitchens, coolers, freezers, ice machines, dish machines, and bar equipment), assessing condition and coordinating repair or replacement as needed.
• Support additional areas of Culinary Services as operational needs arise, contributing to a flexible and collaborative team environment.
• Uphold the highest standards of customer service in all interactions while representing the department professionally through engagement with campus and community partners.
• Partner with campus groups and departments to advance the mission of CSB and SJU and strengthen community relationships.

Budget & Financial Management

• Oversee operational processes, including timely completion of catering invoices, staff scheduling aligned with labor budgets, and collaboration on catering guides and specialized menus using standardized food and labor cost models to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Assist the Associate Director in annual budget review, monitor variances, and implement corrective actions to maintain financial stability.
• Purchase, track, and maintain inventories of dry goods, beverages (including alcohol), catering supplies, and concession items, ensuring appropriate par levels to support operational efficiency without excess stock.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree or completion of a Hospitality or Culinary Management program preferred
• Two or more years of catering experience required, experience in alcohol service preferred
• Experience scheduling, training, and coordinating full-time and part-time staff preferred
• Experience with ordering, inventory control, and par-level management preferred
• Strong communication skills including oral, written, and interpersonal skills to foster collaborative and effective working relationships
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software, with the ability to use technology effectively in event planning and management; experience with event planning software preferred
• Excellent customer service and leadership skills, with demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with high attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing event requirements and client needs.
• Ability to learn budgeting, financial management, and cost control within event planning.
• Serve Safe Certification and Alcohol Training Certification, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evening and weekend event coverage as required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Requires mobility to navigate various campus facilities.
• Requires working at a computer for extended periods, including typing, reading from a screen, and using various software programs essential for the role
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, independently or with assistance.
• Capacity to tolerate varying noise levels and temperature changes, and to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Proficiency in safely and efficiently operating college vehicles; valid driver’s license required, along with successful completion of college safety training programs, including defensive driving, within one month of hire.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel between the campuses of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.

To Apply

Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply.” Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a letter of application and resume.

If you require an accommodation to participate in The College of Saint Benedict hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5500 or [email protected] .

It is the policy of CSB to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. CSB also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.

The College of Saint Benedict is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.