Catering Manager

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University are esteemed liberal arts institutions located in St. Joseph, Minnesota, known for their commitment to fostering an inclusive and values-driven educational environment. As comprehensive universities, they collaboratively offer a wide range of academic programs and student services that emphasize cultural understanding, community engagement, and personal growth. Both institutions pride themselves on providing a supportive, respectful, and collaborative workplace for their employees, which aligns with their mission to advance education through diverse perspectives and inclusive practices. With a strong dedication to equity and excellence, these universities are recognized as prominent regional educational leaders, attracting faculty and staff who are passionate about delivering exceptional service and contributing to the broader campus community.

The position of Catering Manager at the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University Culinary Services is a full-time exempt administrative role with an annual salary range between $50,000 and $55,000. This role is essential to the successful planning, coordination, and management of catering and event services provided by the culinary department. The Catering Manager’s responsibilities include supervising daily onsite event operations to ensure the highest standards of service are met. This entails effective leadership of the catering team, efficient workflow management, and productive collaboration with other campus departments. The manager is tasked with recruiting, training, and mentoring a diverse team consisting of professional staff, student employees, and part-time servers and bartenders. By setting high expectations for customer service and maintaining operational compliance, the Catering Manager supports an exceptional event experience reflective of CSB/SJU’s standards.

This role also extends beyond event execution to include strategic planning and financial oversight. The Catering Manager plays a critical role in budget development and financial performance monitoring by overseeing the processing of invoices, managing labor costs, and controlling inventory for food, beverages, and supplies. Cooperation with campus facilities, media services, and event setup teams is vital to ensure smooth preparation and delivery of events. Furthermore, the manager supports continuous improvement initiatives through regular staff meetings, equipment maintenance, and operational optimizations. The position requires flexibility, adaptability, and a proactive approach to solving potential issues that could arise during events, supporting both small institutional gatherings and larger university events.

As part of the institutions’ inclusive vision, the Catering Manager contributes to cultivating an equitable community grounded in respect and appreciation of cultural differences, reinforcing CSB/SJU’s dedication to an inclusive workplace. Candidates will find a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid holidays and vacation time, life and long-term disability insurance, tuition remission for eligible dependents, employer contributions to the retirement plan, and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that supports counseling and other resources. The position accommodates a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend event coverage, and entails occasional travel between campuses. Candidates are encouraged to apply online and will undergo a background check and employment verification through E-Verify. The role is designed for professionals with a passion for culinary event management, demonstrated leadership skills, and a commitment to excellent customer service within a dynamic campus environment.