CATERING OPERATIONS MANAGER - UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI (WATSCO CENTER)

Job Summary

Filling every occasion with great food and service!  We are currently seeking a Catering Operations Manager for a high-volume and premiere catering department at the University of Miami - Watsco Center in Miami, FL.  The Watsco Center is the 200,000 square foot, 7,972-seat arena that is home to the University of Miami men’s and women’s basketball teams. Chartwells Higher Ed oversees the food service operations for the arena which encompasses the arena, the Basketball Club (150-300 guests per event) and 26 arena suites.  Our Catering Operations Manager will be responsible for all catered events produced in the Watsco Arena Kitchen as well as all arena events.  Will also be responsible for developing and driving catering solutions to meet our customer needs, while working closely with the Executive Chef on menu development. Events encompass a diverse spectrum, spanning from coffee services to concessions to exclusive VIP dining occasions, hosted at Watsco Arena .  

Key Responsibilities:  

• Consults clients as to scope, expectations, setting, menu, collateral entertainment to have a successful and appropriate event within the client’s budget
• Plans menus in consultation with the clients and chefs
• Negotiates individual vendor contracts
• Delegates to, and ensure that, the Event Manager coordinates and executes the event within the parameters established by the Catering Event Manager
• Recruits, interviews, selects, and trains permanent and casual staff
• Organizes, leads and motivates the catering team
• Plans staff and event schedules
• Maintains and develops accurate financial and administrative records
• Serves as liaison and coordinator between Sales Catering Managers, Supervising Chefs, Staffing, Captains, Suppliers, Vendors, Rental Companies and Clients as needed to plan events
• Assesses contract requirements and ensure satisfaction with the services delivered
• Performs final review and assessment of catering events to determine if they meet performance and quality standards
• Resolves customer concerns and ensures timely customer payment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Operationally savvy industry professional with demonstrated leadership in managing people, events and the overall guest experience
• Strong organization, time management and team motivation skills are essential for success in this role
• Ability to work independently with little direct supervision
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) with clients, senior management, and WPC support staff
• Ability to respond effectively to continuously changing demands
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, P&L, labor and sales forecasting and reporting
• Effective use of discretion to problem solve in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent negotiating skills
• Ability to establish credibility with senior culinary professionals
• 3-5 years’ experience in a hospitality management environment - preferably in a high volume fast-paced catering environment
• The ability to manage in an environment with focus on client service, entrepreneurship and building and growing a strong business
• ServSafe® Certified.  

Embark on a dynamic career journey with us, where innovation and creativity thrive, and your contributions make a tangible impact on campus life! Join our team and be part of shaping exceptional dining experiences at the University of Miami Watsco Arena.