Catering Manager - Benedict College

Benedict College is a private, historically Black liberal arts college located in Columbia. Founded in 1870 by Bathsheba A. Benedict, the institution was established to provide educational opportunities for formerly enslaved African Americans following the Civil War. Today, Benedict College serves more than 1,700 students and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, engineering, cybersecurity, biology, and computer science. As a recognized HBCU, the college is widely respected for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, community engagement, and student success. The college has a vital role in shaping the future of its students by providing a nurturing and dynamic educational environment.

Thompson Hospitality, one of the largest restaurant, food service, and facilities management companies in the United States, partners with Benedict College to provide exceptional catering services on campus. Established over 33 years ago, Thompson Hospitality is known for its foundational values of doing the right thing, doing the best you can, and treating others as you want to be treated. These principles have helped the company build strong and enduring relationships with clients, guests, and communities nationwide. Thompson Hospitality offers competitive benefits and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion.

The Catering Manager position at Benedict College is a dynamic and integral role that focuses on delivering outstanding culinary experiences and flawless event execution for a variety of campus events. Whether it is an intimate luncheon or a high-profile campus gathering, this role requires a master of hospitality who can manage all facets of catering operations with precision and creativity. The Catering Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for campus catering services, responsible for designing custom menus that meet client needs, leading a dedicated catering team, coordinating logistics, and ensuring every event detail is handled seamlessly. This role demands strong organizational skills, excellent interpersonal communication, and a passion for delivering exceptional service.

The Catering Manager will develop and implement catering strategies that align with the college’s goals and customer expectations. They will oversee budgeting, manage vendor relationships to ensure access to high-quality ingredients and services, and provide leadership and training to the catering staff. The position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules, as well as physical stamina to handle standing and walking for up to 8-10 hours and ability to lift heavy weights as needed for event setup.

This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impression on the Benedict College community by creating memorable and outstanding catering experiences. With a focus on innovation, teamwork, and customer satisfaction, the Catering Manager will be a key contributor to the success of campus events and the overall hospitality environment at this prestigious institution.