Catering Manager 3

Lead Exceptional Events. Create Memorable Experiences. Inspire Hospitality. 

Sodexo's Campus Segment is seeking an experienced Catering Manager 3 to lead and grow catering operations at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY. In this highly visible leadership role, you will oversee all aspects of a dynamic catering program, delivering exceptional experiences for events ranging from daily meetings and student functions to elegant receptions, plated dinners, donor events, and prestigious Board of Trustees gatherings.

The ideal candidate is a hospitality-driven leader with a passion for delivering memorable guest experiences, developing high-performing teams, and building strong client relationships. This position offers the opportunity to bring creativity, operational excellence, and innovation to one of the nation's premier research universities.

• Lead all catering operations, ensuring exceptional service and flawless event execution.
• Manage a wide variety of events, including campus meetings, student programs, alumni events, VIP receptions, formal dinners, and Board of Trustees functions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with university clients, campus partners, and key stakeholders.
• Hire, train, coach, and develop a high-performing catering team while fostering a culture of hospitality and accountability.
• Oversee event planning, staffing, scheduling, and logistics to ensure operational excellence.
• Manage budgets, labor, food costs, and financial performance while identifying opportunities to grow catering revenue.
• Ensure compliance with Sodexo standards for food safety, sanitation, and quality assurance.
• Partner with culinary leadership to create innovative menus and memorable dining experiences.
• Drive continuous improvement through creative solutions, operational efficiencies, and exceptional customer service.

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.

• Catering or hospitality management experience, preferably in higher education, hotels, convention centers, or large event venues.
• Experience managing high-volume catering programs with diverse event styles and service levels.
• Strong client relationship and event planning skills with the ability to anticipate customer needs.
• Proven leadership experience developing, coaching, and motivating frontline teams.
• Financial acumen with experience managing budgets, labor, food cost, and revenue growth.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and catering best practices.
• Proficiency with catering management systems and Microsoft Office applications is preferred.

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.

Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum 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.