Assistant Director- Catering

Assistant Director- Catering

Looking for a job with awesome benefits? Come work for the KU Memorial Unions on the beautiful University of Kansas campus. Benefits and perks include:

• 10 Paid Holidays
• 8 hours of paid vacation and 8 hours of sick leave per month
• Fantastic retirement plan employer match
• Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• Work with Kansas Athletics/Sports Dining
• Great work/life balance!

At KU Dining, our mission is to make every guest happy through chef crafted food and excellent customer service, with an environmental consciousness. We are looking for an innovative, experienced leader to take the KU Dining Catering department into post pandemic success. This position directly supervises the Catering Manager and Executive Sous Chef within Catering.

They report directly to the Director of Dining Services. This leader will provide the leadership, vision, and direction for a full-service catering operation. Responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, and executing catering operations. Monitors the financial viability of operations, and promotes quality food, service, and food safety. Participates in departmental, division, and campus-wide special projects with the University and affiliate partners. Acts as a liaison with campus partners such as KAI and SUA as well as vendor and franchise partners. Oversees the departmental alcohol service plan.

IN THIS ROLE YOU’LL GET TO ACHIEVE:

1. Change Management:

a. Develop and implement standards and procedures for operational efficiency.

b. Assist with project planning within budgetary goals.

2. Communications:

a. Maintain communication through all levels of organization

b. Provide timely feedback to Director regarding staff or guest comments, equipment repair and maintenance, and any issues with regard to daily operations.

3. Cost Consciousness:

a. Monitor menu pricing, operating costs, budget compliance, inventory of linen and operating equipment.

b. Ensure that overall budget schedules, financial targets and performance standards are realistic and attained.

4. Customer Service:

a. Establish and maintain a good working relationship with University departments.

b. Provide oversight to department guest service with internal and external vendors.

5. Leadership:

a. Create Manager and Executive Chef performance goals and HR functions. Interpret and implement the policies of the Union and University.

b. Oversee training and supervising of management staff; review work; participate in the selection of personnel; provide staff training tools; work with HR/Managers to correct deficiencies.

c. Notify and consult with HR and Director of Dining regarding performance issues.

6. Problem Solving:

a. Create marketing strategies to drive sales.

b. Assist with departmental strategic planning and oversee implementation of the plan.

c. Assist with recruitment strategy and achievement of staffing goals.

YOU WILL ALSO:

1. May assume supervisory or operation level tasks in absence of staff.

2. Attend various staff meetings both for the department and with other Unions’ departments.

3. Work with the Unions’ Reservation System in handling catering billings and arrangements.

4. Schedule personnel requirements for catered functions.

5. Perform related work and activities as required.

6. Be present at high-level catering events and routinely check-in on random events.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE ABILITIES & SKILLS:

1. Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of supervising full-service catering, banquet.

2. Knowledge of computer terminal operation as applied to food service operations.

3. Ability to effectively supervise, train, and evaluate employees.

4. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with a diverse constituency.

5. Ability to sustain qualities of creativity and enthusiasm in a rapidly changing environment.

6. Ability to listen, to discuss, and formulate meaningful responses to employee concerns, problems, and questions.

7. Ability to perform above average physical requirements of food service work including-stooping, bending, extensive walking, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

8. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.

9. Skill of managing time with a sense of priorities and time commitment necessary to traverse a large campus area with ease and well-paced mobility to various catering sites both in the Unions’ facilities and other campus buildings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in hotel/restaurant management, business, nutrition, or a combination of experience and education.

2. Minimum 5 years of progressive management experience in a high-volume catering department including at least 3 years as a Banquet Manager or Director of Catering

3. Responsible for a budget exceeding $2 million minimum in annual catering and event revenue.

4. Demonstrated responsibility for overseeing catering sales, catering guide development, and menu development.

5. ServSafe certification.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Previous college/student union experience in catering operations exceeding $3 million annually.

2. Demonstrated skills in public relations activities.

3. Experience operating a comprehensive food service menu management program.

The University of Kansas Memorial Unions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the corporation’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by corporation policy. The Director of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and can be contacted at unionhr@ku.edu.

Please submit a resume and cover letter with application. Full time employment with the Union Corporation is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a back ground check prior to being able to begin work.

This position is eligible for a employee referral bonus.