Catering Manager 2

Sodexo is a global leader in quality of life services, committed to creating better everyday experiences for individuals and communities. Operating in multiple sectors including food services, facilities management, and integrated solutions, Sodexo is driven by its purpose to improve the quality of life for those it serves while contributing positively to economic, social, and environmental progress. The company prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives and ideas to the table. Sodexo’s culture emphasizes fairness, respect, and equal opportunity for all, ensuring a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. At its core, Sodexo partners with clients worldwide to deliver exceptional service experiences that enhance both customer satisfaction and employee engagement.

The Sodexo Campus segment is actively seeking an experienced Catering Manager 2 to join its team at Merrimack College, a private Catholic Augustinian institution located in North Andover, Massachusetts. Established in 1947, Merrimack College has evolved into a thriving academic community characterized by its commitment to academic excellence, experiential learning, and a strong ethos of service. The campus hosts a vibrant calendar of academic, social, and professional events throughout the year, all of which demand high-quality catering and dining services. Sodexo’s role in supporting Merrimack College is critical to elevating the campus experience through impeccable catering operations.

As a Catering Manager 2, you will be entrusted with the full spectrum of responsibilities related to campus catering services. This includes planning, coordinating, and executing catering operations that meet the highest standards of quality, hospitality, and professionalism expected by Merrimack College Dining. Your leadership will be pivotal in managing events ranging from intimate meetings to large-scale ceremonies, student programs, admissions events, and external conferences. The position requires close collaboration with dining leadership, campus partners, culinary teams, and clients to oversee event logistics such as setup, staffing, and equipment coordination as well as financial management including billing and invoicing.

The role demands a hands-on approach to training and supervising catering personnel, ensuring consistency in service excellence and presentation. You must be adept at managing inventory, maintaining equipment and supplies, and strictly adhering to health, safety, and sanitation standards. Equally important is your ability to build strong relationships through effective communication and responsiveness, adapting skillfully to the dynamic and fast-paced nature of campus events.

Compensation for this position is competitive and commensurate with the applicant’s education, experience, and skills. In addition to a fair salary, Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the overall well-being and career development of its employees. This includes medical, dental and vision care, wellness programs, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, paid time off, company holidays, career growth opportunities, and tuition reimbursement. New hires receive detailed information regarding benefits upon joining.

This position requires prior experience in catering, hospitality management, or high-volume food service, ideally within a higher education or similar institutional setting. Candidates must demonstrate strong organizational skills that enable them to juggle multiple simultaneous events seamlessly. Excellent communication and customer service capabilities are essential, alongside proven leadership skills to guide and motivate service teams. A keen eye for detail is necessary to ensure the flawless execution of events and accuracy in financial processes, including billing and Banquet Event Orders (BEOs). Flexibility and professionalism are key as you navigate the demands of a varied schedule that includes evenings and weekends based on event requirements.

Joining Sodexo at Merrimack College means becoming part of a global organization dedicated to creating a better everyday life for all. It means contributing to a supportive, inclusive, and values-driven culture where your contributions make a meaningful difference and your professional growth is encouraged. If you are passionate about delivering exceptional catering experiences in a dynamic environment, this opportunity offers the platform to excel and advance your career.