Catering Events & Conference Service Manager

The Houston Food Bank (HFB) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger and its root causes within the community it serves, operating in an 18-county service area. Renowned for its commitment to providing nutritious food and resources to those in need, the Houston Food Bank collaborates with a network of community partners to maximize its impact. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and compassion, the organization continually strives to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families facing food insecurity. The Houston Food Bank exemplifies a culture centered on core values such as purpose, accountability, courage, and transparency, ensuring that team members passionately contribute to their mission, uphold integrity, and embrace challenges with a solution-oriented mindset.

The role of Catering Events & Conference Service Manager at the Houston Food Bank is a dynamic and pivotal position within the organization’s operational framework. This full-time role is designed for an individual who thrives in managing complex catering operations and event execution with precision and professionalism. The Catering Events & Conference Service Manager is responsible for overseeing all facets of catering services, ensuring an exceptional level of service delivery, high-quality food presentation, and seamless coordination of events. This position acts as a bridge between clients, catering kitchen staff, service teams, and external vendors, steering these relationships toward successful event outcomes and customer satisfaction.

In this capacity, the manager collaborates closely with culinary teams to develop catering menus and pricing strategies that align with client needs and the organization's mission. A key component of the role involves meticulous planning and execution of catering events, including setup, event oversight, and breakdown, ensuring every detail is executed flawlessly. The manager is charged with maintaining compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations, upholding the highest standards of food quality and presentation. Budget oversight, labor cost management, vendor coordination, and staff supervision are critical administrative responsibilities designed to safeguard profitability and operational excellence.

The position demands a leader with significant experience in food service or catering management, coupled with demonstrated leadership skills to manage and motivate a diverse team. The manager also plays a vital role in client engagement, working to understand client preferences, budgets, and requirements to deliver tailored catering solutions that foster ongoing partnerships and drive revenue growth. This role requires flexibility with working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to meet the needs of various catering events and Houston Food Bank operations.

The ideal candidate will be proficient in industry-specific software, demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, and possess a strategic and creative mindset. The Catering Events & Conference Service Manager at Houston Food Bank must be adept at multitasking, managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment while upholding exemplary customer service standards. Additional responsibilities include managing inventory related to event supplies, uniforms, linens, and décor, and ensuring compliance with vendor policies.

Overall, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a vital community mission through expert management of catering services, blending operational expertise with a passion for service and community impact. It is a position that not only demands technical and leadership skills but also a genuine commitment to food security and organizational values.