Job Summary: Connecticut College is conducting a regional search for an Assistant Director of Catering who will be responsible for all aspects of requested catering services including but not limited to ensuring customer satisfaction, maximizing net revenue, food production, ordering product, managing inventory, scheduling staff, supervising setting up and tearing down events. Ensure implementation of departmental goals, budget, policies and procedures while managing the day-to-day operations to provide consistently high-quality food and service in a cost-effective manner. Follow event and culinary trends maximizing creativity and efficiency in food production and event management. To accomplish these expectations the Assistant Director of Catering must be able to achieve a high level of morale and motivation in those that report to him/her. The Assistant Director of Catering must operate with minimal supervision and must be self-directed, providing operational leadership, coordination and supervision to a diverse staff. Compensation includes an excellent benefits package.
General Duties & Responsibilities:
Hire, train, develop, advise, supervise and evaluate a staff of 5-10
Develop and maintain a student workforce of qualified set up and service staff
Train personnel in safety including food handling and labeling, equipment operation and OSHA requirements Ensure safe and sanitary work conditions, food handling and operating procedures in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and industry standards
Periodically review campus catering guide to update pricing, revise menus to reflect trends and diversify CC Catering offerings.
Maintain high levels of customer service, event presentation and food quality to assist in positioning CC Catering on campus as the college caterer of choice
Oversee staffing for all events; if necessary arrange for assistance from other departments; manage weekly staff schedule and payroll to ensure that all events are covered and account for all hours
Act as liaison with Board Plan Manager to coordinate equipment needs and staff when necessary for large campus events
Review equipment and stock to ensure staff have the tools necessary to provide expected services; order all food and supplies required for functions and work with Catering Supervisor to ensure that all equipment lists are complete
Monitor and analyze catering billing statements and provide feedback on guide pricing to help control costs
Guide Catering Chef de Cuisine in maintaining food quality, effectively control inventory, and minimize costs.
Work with the Director to develop menus and catering recipes to maximize customer satisfaction, minimize inventory and efficiently use existing products
Review and update system and ensure that catering team has all requested orders
Review monthly billing for customer count, event specifics and fiscal accuracy and advise Director of any discrepancies
Must demonstrate proficiency in time management to balance time between floor supervision, administration, culinary production, inventory, employee training, staff mentoring and communications/interactions with client and Events Office
Provide onsite event management including problem solving, decision making and interactions with individual customers and the greater campus community
Supervise catering liquor license in lawful way and ensure staff are appropriately trained to manage risk
Enter alcohol usage per event on annual liquor spreadsheet
Meet with customers to guarantee that expectations are known and needs will be met for booked events
Develops themes for banquet events and uses creativity in set ups
Culinary / Production:
Review catering work orders for functions to identify events needs
Participate in menu development and product selection
Work with vendor and product representatives on integrating new items into CC Caterings menus
Manage all inventory and ordering in accordance with budget and menu needs.
Proper sanitation standards used, storage of meats, labeling leftovers, rotating stock, wearing gloves when handling food, tasting food with spoons etc.
Take inventory to maintain awareness of available products to ensure they are used in an efficient manner and provide menu suggestions that incorporate available stock and reduce waste
Ensure high quality food and consistency within culinary production team.
Create prep lists for Chef de Cuisine, based on daily and weekly needs for events
Work with CC Catering staff to minimize and appropriately utilize leftover and excess product.
Meet with Director and clients to plan menus for events
Maintain knowledge of current food and beverage trends, implementing when applicable for CC Catering.
Work with Chef de Cuisine to prepare all event food and coordinate the side work as needed
Provide service as required, such as buffet carving, buffet running or on site event assistance such as the President's house events
Inspect all equipment and entire facility for cleanliness before closing
Provide work direction to student employees
Responsible for quality and visual presentation of food served
Interact with customers and resolve problems as necessary
Operate dish machine and wash pots and pans as necessary
As needed transport, set up and break down functions; prepare linens and table settings
Label foods paying close attention to allergy causing food ingredients such as nuts
Assist in menu development and food costing.
Ensure that existing catering standards are being met by all staff and student employees
Qualifications:
Knowledge and abilities normally obtained through a bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Service Management or a related field, plus 3 - 5 years of increasingly responsible experience in college/university or general catering including 3 or more years of supervisory experience
Knowledge of food and supply ordering, storage and inventory controls
Knowledge of food preparation, presentation and customer service a must
Knowledge and understanding of current food and beverage trends, including knowledge of allergens, menu development and recipe creation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to interact well with a variety of people from all aspects of the college and community
Proficient in various computer-based production systems including MS word, MS Excel and Windows XP
Ability to foster a cooperative work environment and demonstrate positive leadership characteristics
High integrity needed to handle inventory
Attention to detail
Ability to multi task and demonstrated excellence in time management
Well-organized, able to work under pressure, plan and accomplish goals
Demonstrated strong supervisory and interpersonal skills
Must be prepared for varied work week and constantly changing schedule.
Some travel required and valid driver's license required
Required Documents: Cover Letter, Resume
Applicant Credentialing: Thorough applicant credetialing, including criminal records check, will be conducted on the selected applicant.
Connecticut College requires employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This includes the booster vaccine. New employees must present their COVID-19 vaccination record to Human Resources prior to the first day of employment. Individuals who have a medical condition or sincerely held religious beliefs that prevent them from getting the vaccine may confidentially request an exemption through the office of Human Resources.
As a highly selective residential liberal arts college, Connecticut College is committed to creating a vibrant community enriched by diverse perspectives, talents and experiences. We encourage applications from candidates who share this commitment and will contribute to the diversity of our college community, especially members of historically under-represented groups. AA/EOE
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