Catering Lead (On-site)

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range for this position is $22.10/hr. - $26.40/hr. Please note the realized minimum pay for this position will be $25/hr., steps less than $25/hr. will include an additional amount elevating to $25/hr.
Job Closing Date

This posting will remain open until filled with initial applicant review expected to be on or around November 3, 2025.

This union position is represented by the bargaining unit AFSCME: Service - SX.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.
About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.



Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.
About the Job

At the direction of the Catering Supervisor, the FSW Lead - Catering is responsible for the production and delivery of catering orders which includes operating University vehicles for deliveries both on campus and to external off campus events as well as giving direction to student workers who will operate University vehicles. The FSW Lead - Catering also assists with catered events and assisting the Catering Supervisor with the maintenance of the catering program. The responsibilities include, but are not limited to, processing sales orders, customer service, preparation of orders, deliveries, set up of events, serving events, break down of events, supervision of approximately 8-10 student employees per shift and assisting in the development of catering services. The incumbent will assist the Catering Supervisor with all the necessary tasks for the successful execution of catered events and delivery of catering orders while adhering to the core mission of Catering and Dining Services. The FSW Lead - Catering is a visible member of the Dining Services team; attention to detail, professional and elegant service knowledge and maintain a professional appearance and the ability to communicate effectively with campus' executive leadership and their guests when necessary.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

PRODUCTION AND DELIVERY

• Independently organize, prepare and execute catering events and deliveries which includes transporting items from one campus location to another using University vehicles (golf cart, van, truck, etc).
  
• Set up catering venues, including - erecting tables, setting tables, preparing floral arrangements and assisting affiliates with the tasks necessary for design/set up of a catering event. Independently break down and clean-up as necessary at the completion of a catering event.
  
• Assist with the preparation of food items and small wares necessary for execution of a catering event or food item delivery.
  
• Assist with plating of food items as necessary for plated service catering events.
  
• Provide table service for full-service catering events.
  
• Serve alcoholic beverages responsibly and in accordance with policy and state law.
  
• Off campus delivery of food and catering items which includes transporting items from one campus location to another using University vehicles (golf cart, van, truck, etc).
  

STAFF AND SUPERVISION

• Assist the Assistant Manager with staff training and development.
  
• With the direction of the Assistant Manager, schedule the appropriate student labor for fulfillment of catering obligations.
  
• Assist with tracking of student employee attendance.
  
• Lead a staff of student catering employees.
  
• Supervise student staff at catered events to ensure service needs are met.
  
• Schedule, assign and coordinate work.
  
• Train and evaluate the performance of personnel working in one or more phases of a food service operation.
  
• Check the quality of food prior and throughout events.
  
• Maintain portion control in a kitchen or dining area.
  

SAFETY & SANITATION

• Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  
• Ensure that all student staff are complying with campus guidelines and law when on shift and operating University vehicles.
  
• Keep work area clean & debris free.
  
• Identify & correct hazards.
  
• Set-up/clean equipment, worktables, sinks & drains in kitchen areas at beginning & end of shift.
  
• Ensure compliance with State & Federal Sanitation Guidelines.
  
• Use appropriate cleaning agents to perform general kitchen maintenance.
  
• Notify management of maintenance problems.
  
• Independently safely use, assemble, disassemble & train others to use kitchen equipment following
  
• University Dining Services standards.
  
• Ensures that food quality and safety guidelines are maintained to achieve the highest public health standards and reduce the risk of food borne illness.
  
• Records daily HACCP time and temperature logs.
  
• Adheres to HACCP guidelines to ensure practices are in continued compliance with State and Federal Sanitation Guidelines.
  
• In conjunction with Unit Management, monitors kitchen facilities, property, and staff for safety and security.
  
• Oversees staff in utilizing appropriate cleaning agents for assigned job.
  
• Scrape out containers, use byproducts (leftovers/scraps) for soup, print double-sided, follow production flow plans.
  
• Wash pots, pans, food preparation bowls and dishes.
  
• Perform full range of kitchen cleaning.
  
• Use hand tools, polish silverware & wash equipment and dishes.
  
• Sweep & mop stains/spillage.
  

SUSTAINABILITY

• Sort waste for recycling & pre/post-consumer composting.
  
• Share sustainability knowledge.
  
• Maintain security of Unit equipment and supplies.
  
• Empty trash & recycling receptacles.
  
• Maintain adequate supply closets.
  

SALES, MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT

• Assist with the processing of catering orders using CaterTrax.
  
• Assist with receiving/inputting orders from email or telephone.
  
• Promote and implement marketing initiatives at the direction of the Catering Services Assistant Manager.
  
• Assist with the maintenance and development of the overall catering program, including menu development, policies and procedures.
  
• May assist in maintaining satisfactory customer relations.
  

Qualifications

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training.
  
• 3 years of directly related experience.
  
• Must be Servsafe certified within 90 days of employment.
  
• Valid US Driver's License.
  

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Proficient customer service skills in high end service settings.
  
• Experience following production schedules within specific timelines.
  
• Problem solving skills to troubleshoot problems as they arise, find alternate solutions, and implement solutions in a professional and efficient manner.
  
• Working knowledge of safety and sanitation in food preparation following HAACP standards.
  
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of applications.
  
• Ability to perform basic mathematical equations.
  
• Ability to successfully communicate in English - read, write, and follow oral and written instructions.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people.
  
• Customer service experience to cooperate with public and other staff member and convey a helpful, positive attitude.
  
• Experience leading teams.
  
• Serving experience, food and beverage.
  
• Higher education food service experience. (Preferred)
  

Background Check

Background check required.
Policy Statement

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.



Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/


To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucm/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=81851&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=25&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant







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