Catering Manager - Virginia State University

Are you a Master of Hospitality with a passion for culinary excellence and seamless event execution? We’re looking for a Catering Manager at Virginia State University who’s ready to take campus events to the next level—through exceptional food, flawless coordination, and unforgettable experiences.

In this dynamic role, you’ll be the go-to expert for campus catering services, overseeing everything from intimate luncheons to high-profile campus events. You’ll collaborate with clients, design custom menus, lead a talented catering team, and ensure every detail is executed to perfection. With your creativity, organizational skills, and commitment to service, you’ll not only feed the campus—you’ll leave a lasting impression.

• Develop and implement comprehensive catering strategies aligning with college goals and customer expectations.
• Oversee all aspects of catering operations, including menu planning, event coordination, and logistics.
• Collaborate with clients to understand and personalize catering needs, offering creative solutions.
• Manage catering budgets, pricing, and profitability to meet financial targets.
• Supervise catering staff, provide leadership, training, and foster a culture of excellence.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors to secure high-quality ingredients and services.
• Requires 50–55 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as business needs dictate.

Physical Requirements – Catering Manager

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time (up to 8–10 hours as needed during events).

• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting in support of catering operations and event setup.

• Must be able to lift, push, or pull up to 25–30 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 50 pounds .

• Manual dexterity to handle catering equipment, technology systems, and event setup materials.

• Ability to work in diverse environments, including kitchens, event venues, outdoors, and storage areas, with exposure to varying temperatures.

• Adequate vision, hearing, and communication skills to effectively coordinate with staff, clients, and vendors.

• Must be able to drive company or personal vehicle for off-site catering, client visits, and meetings; valid driver’s license required.

• Flexibility to work extended or irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules.

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Culinary Arts, or a related field.
• Proven experience in catering management, with a successful track record of executing diverse events.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with attention to detail and a focus on customer satisfaction.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with clients, staff, and vendors.
• Knowledge of industry trends, culinary innovations, and the ability to adapt catering services accordingly.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods (up to 8–10 hours per day), including during event setup, service, and breakdown.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 pounds (e.g., food trays, beverage containers, catering equipment).
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and kneeling to assist with event setups and maintain service flow.
• Ability to navigate various campus locations, including stairs, outdoor areas, and multi-building venues.
• Manual dexterity to operate kitchen tools, catering equipment, and digital devices (e.g., POS systems, tablets).
• Must be able to taste and smell food and beverages for quality assurance.
• Ability to work in environments with varying temperatures (e.g., kitchens, outdoor events, transport vehicles).
• Visual and auditory acuity to coordinate with staff, monitor food presentation, and respond to client needs.
• May require valid driver’s license to operate catering vehicles or transport supplies (depending on campus layout).

Competitive Benefits:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k), matched up to 4%
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Pet Insurance
• Discounts: Hotels, Travel, Tickets, Restaurants
• Employees and their relatives are eligible for a discounted meal plan at any of our HBCU client locations while they are attending school.

Who We Are:

Virginia State University, a proud 1890 Land-Grant HBCU, is dedicated to empowering a diverse community of learners through high-impact academics, innovative research, and community-focused outreach. With a mission rooted in lifelong learning and leadership, VSU equips students to become ethical, globally competitive professionals ready to serve and succeed. Guided by a bold vision of sustained excellence, VSU offers a transformative educational experience that nurtures intellect, integrity, and impact. At Virginia State University, education is more than a degree — it’s a launchpad for greatness.

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.