DISTRICT MANAGER OF CATERING - REDMOND, WA

Job Summary

The District Manager of Catering ensures the highest level of service, food quality, and variety in catering operations for the Puget Sound campus.  The District Manager of Catering oversees all catering operations & delivery of catering services for the Microsoft population and will report to the Regional Director of Eventions.  The District Manager is a critical contributor in establishing Compass Group as both a trusted partner in delivering business results, as well as advocating Compass Group values and reputation as an employer of choice. 

The District Manager of Catering is directly responsible for managing & leading the Catering Operations team (Campus Catering, Conference Center Catering) all of which oversee their respective departments and support all catering functions of the Eventions business. The District Manager is ultimately accountable for all levels of management and associates who report to the Campus and Conference Center Catering team.

Essential Functions:

• Advocates company culture for the Eventions Department; ultimately responsible for values-based leadership within the business, including transparency, accountability, and appreciation of all associates – fostering an environment focused on people, growth & inclusion.
• Collaborates with R.D. of Eventions, client and internal stakeholders to promote an industry-leading vision for catering operations in a corporate environment, ensuring department goals align to key initiatives.
• Develops and communicates business strategies to effectively achieve the defined vision & desired results; evaluates outcomes and adjusts approach to best meet business objectives.
• Holds leaders accountable for implementation of business strategies that align to the vision, effective process management, and adherence to Department and Company values.
• Defines & presents key metrics for measuring the success of the Department.
• Partners with stakeholders/business leaders to establish, execute, and present results related to quarterly account Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Works with internal marketing team to maintain a relevant brand image for the department; ensures that the brand is cohesive, engaging, and effective in relation to our client, customers, internal Compass Group team members, and external parties, including suppliers and applicants.
• Acts as a gatekeeper for all leadership positions in the department, ensuring management level positions are filled with effective business leaders.
• Directly oversees all catering operations of the Eventions business and ensures that all functional areas effectively partner to deliver results.
• Brings forth innovations and initiatives to bolster the Eventions programs, incorporating technology to continually advance the current state.
• Effective change management within the department, to include leading change, as well as ensuring business leaders are directing change effectively in their respective areas of the department.
• Manages planning, budget analysis & financial reporting.
• Effectively facilitates internal, external and client-facing meetings.
• Identifies critical issues & manages escalations from senior leadership and the client to ensure concerns are resolved to the satisfaction of the client and internal leadership.
• Works directly with other department leaders to achieve enterprise goals & initiatives and ensures the highest level of satisfaction for customers & clients.

• Supports senior leadership in setting the cultural tone across departments; meets regularly with team and partners to ensure full visibility, understanding, safety, and accountability

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role (Director, District Manager, or Department Head) within catering or hospitality operations, with full financial accountability and experience collaborating across departments (e.g., Finance, Marketing, Project Management).
• Proven ability to lead and develop large, diverse teams across multiple locations.
• Strong expertise in client and vendor relationship management, including contract negotiation and partnership development.
• Strategic thinker with excellent business acumen, time management, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to assess client needs, resolve issues efficiently, and implement effective operational solutions.

Preferred:

• Extensive experience in catering operations, including food service management, customer service, and budget oversight.
• Track record of growing business units and improving operational performance.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Exceptional communication skills—verbal, written, listening, and influencing.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and team engagement.
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and take initiative.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant business tools.