Catering Manager 3

Sodexo is a global leader in food services and facilities management, committed to enhancing the quality of life for those it serves. Operating across various sectors including corporate, education, healthcare, and government, Sodexo partners with clients to deliver exceptional service and integrated solutions that improve everyday experiences. The Campus Segment of Sodexo specializes in providing tailored food and dining solutions to educational institutions, ensuring that students, faculty, and campus visitors receive high-quality and memorable culinary experiences.

At Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, Sodexo is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Catering Manager to join their dynamic team. This role is pivotal in orchestrating the planning and flawless execution of catering services for university events, campus functions, and special third-party occasions. The Catering Manager will work closely with university senior leadership offices including the President and Provost Offices, Development and Alumni Relations, Finance & Administration, Deans Offices, and the Zoellner Arts Center to ensure event success.

The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and excels at managing multiple high-profile events simultaneously while maintaining exceptional service standards. They will lead a talented team, ensuring seamless communication and coordination throughout the booking and event management processes. This position involves close collaboration with the sales team to manage bookings, respond promptly to customer needs, and oversee the logistics of catering events.

Beyond event coordination, the Catering Manager will assist in budgeting events, forecasting financial outcomes, and strategically upselling to maximize revenue. They will also play an active role in executing marketing strategies designed to enhance catering revenue growth. Maintaining Sodexo’s rigorous standards for food safety, workplace safety, presentation, and quality of service is a key responsibility.

With a strong background in catering, especially in managing upscale and VIP-level events, the Catering Manager will train, develop, and mentor catering staff to uphold the highest standards of guest experience. This role suits a creative and customer-focused professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in delivering memorable dining experiences that foster community and connection.

Sodexo offers a competitive and equitable compensation package for this position, with salary determined by education level, relevant experience, skills, and training. Benefits include a comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care program, wellness initiatives, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, paid time off and company holidays, career growth opportunities, and tuition reimbursement.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a company that values diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity employment. Sodexo fosters an environment where every employee’s ideas and individual contributions count, promoting a culture of respect and fairness. If you are passionate about food service and catering management and eager to work in a supportive and engaging environment, Sodexo at Lehigh University welcomes you to apply.