Catering Manager 3

Sodexo is a global leader in integrated food services and facilities management, committed to enhancing quality of life and contributing to community progress. With a diverse portfolio spanning various sectors including education, healthcare, business, and government, Sodexo partners with clients to deliver exceptional services that enrich day-to-day experiences and foster sustainable growth. The company is renowned for its dedication to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, making it a trusted partner for organizations across the world. Sodexo values diversity and inclusion as essential pillars, ensuring a workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

The Catering Manager role at Virginia Wesleyan College (which will be renamed Batten University effective July 1, 2026) in Virginia Beach, VA, offers a unique opportunity to join a vibrant community dedicated to liberal arts education, environmental stewardship, lifelong learning, and community engagement. The institution sits in Coastal Virginia, an area rich with cultural and natural beauty, ideal for fostering both personal and professional growth. As a Catering Manager within Sodexo’s Dining Services team at the college, you will play a pivotal role in managing the catering and conference services that support the campus’s dynamic event calendar. Your leadership will help maintain high standards of food quality, customer service, and operational efficiency.

This full-time leadership position involves coordinating with diverse campus stakeholders to facilitate smooth execution of events ranging from large conferences and academic functions to more intimate campus gatherings. You will oversee the day-to-day catering operations, ensuring adherence to recipes, inventory protocols, and procurement procedures, while also managing invoicing and contract details for external events. Collaboration with campus Facilities Management will be essential for creating detailed room diagrams and ensuring precise event setups that meet client expectations and safety standards.

The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills to liaise effectively between sales, culinary, and front-of-house teams, ensuring seamless delivery of catering services, even under high-pressure or last-minute circumstances. You'll be responsible for managing staff schedules and payroll using Kronos, enforcing labor cost controls, and fostering a safety-first culture aligned with Sodexo’s Zero Harm initiative. Your ability to balance customer satisfaction, compliance with regulatory requirements, budget management, and employee supervision will be critical to success in this role.

Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package and values fair compensation aligned with your education and experience. Joining Sodexo means being part of a respected organization that supports career development, values work-life balance, and promotes an inclusive work environment where every team member can thrive. If you are a motivated, detail-oriented catering professional passionate about hospitality and operational excellence, this role at Virginia Wesleyan College will provide a rewarding and impactful career path.