Job Description

Do you strive to create amazing culinary experiences?

Sodexo’s Campus Segment is seeking an experienced and dynamic Catering Manager at Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, PA In this role, you will be responsible for the organization, coordination, and flawless execution of university, campus, and third-party events. The ideal candidate will have a strong catering background, experience managing upscale and high-profile events, and the ability to plan and execute multiple functions simultaneously.

This is a dynamic opportunity for a creative, customer-focused catering professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in delivering exceptional service and memorable dining experiences that bring people together.

What You'll Do

• The position works directly with University Senior Leadership offices, including, but not limited to, the President and Provost Offices, Development and Alumni Relations, Finance & Administration, Deans Offices, and Zoellner Arts Center.
• Manages day-to-day booking of all events, ensuring the sales team responds to customers promptly, communicating event updates and changes to the team, and managing the catering event meetings for all departments.
• Help lead the team with bookings, details, timelines, flight plans, etc., for the larger internal and external events across campus.
• Assist with the budgeting of events with customers and forecast events for financial reporting, including upselling.
• Assist with the execution of our marketing plan to help increase catering revenue
• Oversee setup and presentation to maintain Sodexo’s high standards of service and quality
• Train, develop, and mentor catering staff to deliver outstanding guest experiences
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards

What We Offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

What You Bring

• solid organizational skills;
• excellent leadership/team building skills;
• the ability to handle catering at all levels from students to executives;
• professional demeanor;
• demostrated history of event/catering management of VIP levels and high volume.

Who We Are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experienceMinimum Management Experience - 2 years Minimum Functional Experience – 1 year work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.