Catering Manager 3

Sodexo is a global leader in quality of life services, committed to delivering excellence across a range of integrated facilities management and food services. At Batten University (formerly Virginia Wesleyan University), located in the vibrant coastal region of Virginia Beach, VA, Sodexo proudly supports a community rooted in liberal arts and sciences, fostering scholarship, service, lifelong learning, and environmental stewardship. Batten University inspires its students to build meaningful lives by engaging with Coastal Virginia's dynamic metropolitan region, the nation, and the world, benefiting from an ideal location near the scenic Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay beaches.

Joining Sodexo as a Catering Manager at Batten University means becoming a vital part of a well-established and collaborative team delivering outstanding Dining Services, Catering, and Conference Services tailored to both internal campus needs and external client demands. This role requires a hands-on leader who thrives in managing day-to-day catering operations, ensuring efficient resource use and maintaining impeccable standards in food production, inventory management, and procurement processes. The Catering Manager will oversee the sales process and client communications, orchestrate event logistics by coordinating with Facilities Management for room layouts and setups, handle contracts and invoicing for external events, and be ultimately responsible for setting the tone on safety, quality, and customer satisfaction across all catering and conference operations.

This dynamic role offers an exciting opportunity to develop and execute catering strategies that meet budgetary requirements while controlling costs related to labor, materials, and equipment. Attention to detail and strong communication skills are crucial for balancing client expectations and internal capabilities, as the Catering Manager will work closely with culinary teams, front-of-house staff, and campus stakeholders. The position demands a leader capable of delegating and prioritizing tasks to employees, fostering a positive and solution-oriented culture, and driving a Zero Harm safety mindset to ensure compliance with all regulatory and Sodexo standards. This role is ideal for professionals who excel in fast-paced, high-volume environments and who value collaboration and innovation within a supportive team setting.

Additionally, Sodexo offers fair and equitable compensation reflective of a candidate's education, skills, and experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits package to support employees' overall well-being and professional growth. As part of Sodexo's inclusive culture, employees are valued for their individuality, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sodexo is an equal opportunity employer fostering a respectful, supportive environment where employees can thrive. This position at Batten University not only provides the chance to lead impactful catering services but also to contribute to a broader mission of enhancing quality of life and community well-being on campus and beyond.