Catering Chef Manager

Johnson & Wales University is a renowned institution located in Providence, Rhode Island, dedicated to providing exceptional education and fostering a dynamic campus environment. Established with a strong commitment to academic excellence, the university is widely recognized for its specialized programs, particularly in hospitality, culinary arts, business, and other professional fields. Johnson & Wales prides itself on combining innovative teaching approaches with practical experiences, preparing students for successful careers. As a full-time employer within the campus staff and administration sector, the university is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected. This dedication is reflected in its equal opportunity employment policies, ensuring that qualified candidates across various backgrounds receive fair consideration for roles available within the institution.

The current full-time position at Johnson & Wales University is designed for a professional to manage the catering function and oversee food production, directly supporting foodservice operations and university events across the campus. This role plays a pivotal part in ensuring that catering services meet the highest standards of quality, food safety, and guest satisfaction. The Catering Manager will coordinate all aspects of campus catering, including food ordering, preparation, setup, and cleanup for various university events. This includes managing logistics such as tables, chairs, and necessary catering supplies and equipment. The position requires hands-on involvement in food production, adhering strictly to standardized recipes and procedures while adapting dishes to meet specific guest requests.

In this role, the manager is responsible for planning, preparing, and cooking food promptly to maintain consistent food quality and exceptional service, following all health code regulations. Keeping meticulous food safety and operational logs is essential, as is utilizing proper cleaning and sanitation procedures to comply with university policies and legal health codes. The manager will also oversee inventory management, including the evaluation of all products and ingredients, ensuring that purchasing aligns with budgetary constraints.

Furthermore, this position contributes significantly to staff development by supervising and training department employees and student workers, fostering their professional growth, and evaluating performance against job expectations and departmental goals. The role demands a balance of leadership, operational efficiency, and a passion for culinary excellence to enhance the overall dining experience on campus. Candidates for this position must be prepared to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, and weekends, and must reside within commuting distance of the Providence campus upon hire. This role requires a valid U.S. driver’s license and obtaining and maintaining a food safety manager’s certification approved by the Conference for Food Protection. Johnson & Wales University offers an enriching work environment where employees are encouraged to develop their skills while contributing to a vibrant campus community.