Columbia University Facilities & Operations
Manager, Catering Operations
Columbia University Facilities & Operations, New York, New York, us, 10261
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Pay Base pay range: $90,000.00/yr - $95,000.00/yr
Salary Range: $90,000 - $95,000
Job Type: Officer of Administration
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Hours Per Week: 35
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary Under the direction of the Assistant General Manager/General Manager, the Manager will provide full oversight to ensure all events are delivered in accordance with the department’s standards for quality and consistency. The Manager is expected to help create a pleasant environment and experience for guests. The Manager will provide on and off‑site supervision for all supported events and make recommendations for improving services, event policies, and procedures.
Responsibilities Event Support (30%)
Oversee event setup by reviewing menus, coordinating timing with culinary staff, and ensuring successful execution.
Arrange temporary staff, room assignments, décor, and enhancements for events; train and direct front‑of‑house staff to maintain UEM’s service standards.
Prepare and adjust work schedules to meet business demands, monitoring staff appearance and professionalism; communicate daily activities to ensure seamless transitions and client satisfaction.
Ensure compliance with Federal, State, Local, and Columbia University sanitation and OSHA regulations.
Support the General Manager/Assistant General Manager with event logistics, including coordination of staff, equipment, and transportation.
Manage event delivery for high‑quality execution, reviewing event orders to determine staffing, setups, and décor needs.
Serve as primary liaison during events in the absence of the Assistant General Manager, handling issues and event closure.
Maintain housekeeping and equipment condition of event spaces; recommend and implement operational improvements for efficiency and cost savings.
Plan and organize materials and support needed for smooth event execution.
Administrative Support (25%)
Support the sales team in soliciting university and external events, collaborating to achieve sales goals, and upselling menus and services.
Manage event staff scheduling and payroll.
Partner with the General Manager/Assistant General Manager to assess customer feedback and enhance services.
Prepare menu cards, signage, and printed materials for events.
Assist with onboarding and orientation of new staff.
Conduct regular walkthroughs to identify maintenance needs, report issues, and ensure timely resolution.
Customer Service (20%)
Resolve client concerns diplomatically and follow up on service issues, communicating with the Assistant General Manager.
Collaborate on policies for UEM‑managed spaces, including food service, AV, and outdoor events.
Deliver superior service to exceed customer expectations.
Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders to ensure productive relationships.
Engage respectfully with diverse clientele, departments, and student organizations to maintain a customer‑friendly environment.
Perform other related duties and assist with special projects as assigned.
Training & Development (20%)
Partner with HR to enhance staff performance through training, clear objectives, and professional development.
Review guest satisfaction results and train employees to meet service standards.
Observe performance and provide constructive feedback to maintain high service quality.
Assist with corrective action plans and foster a feedback‑rich, collaborative work culture.
Proactively identify opportunities to improve service and team performance.
Marketing (5%)
Support the sales team with event solicitations and upselling of services.
Assist the Assistant/General Manager with marketing initiatives.
Represent University Event Management at bridal shows and promotional events.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree and/or equivalent experience.
Valid driver's license.
Minimum of 3 years related experience in the hospitality field or equivalent experience preferred.
Ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain professionalism in all situations.
Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends to support events year‑round.
Proficiency in MS Word and Excel.
Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Kronos Payroll System.
Experience with catering/event management systems (e.g., EMS).
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Higher Education
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Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Pay Base pay range: $90,000.00/yr - $95,000.00/yr
Salary Range: $90,000 - $95,000
Job Type: Officer of Administration
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Hours Per Week: 35
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary Under the direction of the Assistant General Manager/General Manager, the Manager will provide full oversight to ensure all events are delivered in accordance with the department’s standards for quality and consistency. The Manager is expected to help create a pleasant environment and experience for guests. The Manager will provide on and off‑site supervision for all supported events and make recommendations for improving services, event policies, and procedures.
Responsibilities Event Support (30%)
Oversee event setup by reviewing menus, coordinating timing with culinary staff, and ensuring successful execution.
Arrange temporary staff, room assignments, décor, and enhancements for events; train and direct front‑of‑house staff to maintain UEM’s service standards.
Prepare and adjust work schedules to meet business demands, monitoring staff appearance and professionalism; communicate daily activities to ensure seamless transitions and client satisfaction.
Ensure compliance with Federal, State, Local, and Columbia University sanitation and OSHA regulations.
Support the General Manager/Assistant General Manager with event logistics, including coordination of staff, equipment, and transportation.
Manage event delivery for high‑quality execution, reviewing event orders to determine staffing, setups, and décor needs.
Serve as primary liaison during events in the absence of the Assistant General Manager, handling issues and event closure.
Maintain housekeeping and equipment condition of event spaces; recommend and implement operational improvements for efficiency and cost savings.
Plan and organize materials and support needed for smooth event execution.
Administrative Support (25%)
Support the sales team in soliciting university and external events, collaborating to achieve sales goals, and upselling menus and services.
Manage event staff scheduling and payroll.
Partner with the General Manager/Assistant General Manager to assess customer feedback and enhance services.
Prepare menu cards, signage, and printed materials for events.
Assist with onboarding and orientation of new staff.
Conduct regular walkthroughs to identify maintenance needs, report issues, and ensure timely resolution.
Customer Service (20%)
Resolve client concerns diplomatically and follow up on service issues, communicating with the Assistant General Manager.
Collaborate on policies for UEM‑managed spaces, including food service, AV, and outdoor events.
Deliver superior service to exceed customer expectations.
Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders to ensure productive relationships.
Engage respectfully with diverse clientele, departments, and student organizations to maintain a customer‑friendly environment.
Perform other related duties and assist with special projects as assigned.
Training & Development (20%)
Partner with HR to enhance staff performance through training, clear objectives, and professional development.
Review guest satisfaction results and train employees to meet service standards.
Observe performance and provide constructive feedback to maintain high service quality.
Assist with corrective action plans and foster a feedback‑rich, collaborative work culture.
Proactively identify opportunities to improve service and team performance.
Marketing (5%)
Support the sales team with event solicitations and upselling of services.
Assist the Assistant/General Manager with marketing initiatives.
Represent University Event Management at bridal shows and promotional events.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree and/or equivalent experience.
Valid driver's license.
Minimum of 3 years related experience in the hospitality field or equivalent experience preferred.
Ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain professionalism in all situations.
Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends to support events year‑round.
Proficiency in MS Word and Excel.
Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Kronos Payroll System.
Experience with catering/event management systems (e.g., EMS).
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr