Supervises staff consisting of managers and hourly employees.
Assumes fiduciary responsibility for fiscal year budgets.
Sells, plans and executes events ranging in size and complexity from single-day functions to large-scale University social gatherings.
Develops business relationships with new and existing clients.
Assists clients in solidifying event details including menu, theme, room setup, and timing.
Coordinates and communicates with vendors.
Oversees all function activities, meeting weekly with the sales office, event management office and culinary team regarding details of upcoming events including event logistics, food presentation, and timelines.
Works in conjunction with the Crimson Catering Events & Engagement Manager, in execution of all styles of events on and off campus, as needed.
Hires and trains staff.
Ensures detailed record keeping and documentation for all aspects of the operation.
Monitors service standards to consistently provide five star hospitality and ensure total guest satisfaction.
Works with Executive Chef to create and maintain a fresh and creative menu.
Works to create an overall creative and exciting total look and feel for each event.
Works to continuously improve and maintain the day-to-day "On the Move" style events to embrace creativity, simplicity, freshness and continuity.
Is a motivational force by providing support, guidance, creativity, clarity, direction and excitement to the overall event execution process from inquiry to table for the entire Crimson Catering team.
Reviews, creates and implements Sales and Event office procedures.
Represents Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) to clients, students, Faculty Deans, faculty, staff, guests and the community; and responds to their needs in a positive and professional manner.
Responsible for maintaining sanitation standards in compliance with city and state laws, Harvard University Environmental Health and Safety regulations, departmental and HACCP policies.
Complies with State of Massachusetts and HUDS' "Food Employment Illness Policy".
Provides appropriate progressive discipline.
Observes religious, physical, and preferential dietary restrictions as required.
Assures compliance with bargaining unit agreement.
Works with Operation Manager to aprrove Maintance and replacement of equipment as necessary.
Executes departmental goals and objectives in an independent and energetic manner.
Works to meet the mission and core values of HUDS with enthusiasm and a spirit of cooperation.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Catering
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree related field or equivalent relevant training and experience
Minimum of 7 years relevant work experience
Supervisory experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Full service, off premise catering experience within a higher education institution or notable catering operation preferred.
Current working experience with food and special event design trends.
ServSafe Certification preferred (must be obtained within one year).
Excellent communication (written and oral) skills.
Experienced handling special dietary needs.
Proven leadership and interpersonal skills, with a concentration on efficiencies, while maintaining a safe, diverse, and enthusiastic work place.
Ability to interact effectively with employees from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to juggle varying demands with energy, humor and grace under pressure.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office.
Active member of at least one industry association (NACE, ISES, MPI, etc) preferred.
History of attendance at industry related conferences preferred.
Working knowledge of Kronos timekeeping, and Catermate/Delphi preferred.
Working Conditions
Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed
Subject to wet floors, temperature extremes, and excessive noise
Standing and walking for significant amounts of time is necessary
Additional Information
Emergency Status Designation: Critical Personnel
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
#LI-JD3
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: Y2058M FD Catering & Evnt Sls Mgt IV
Job Function: Hospitality & Dining Services
Work Format: On-Site
Sub Unit: Dining Services
Salary Grade: 058
Department: Dining Services/ Catering
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Criminal, Drug Testing, Education, Employment, Identity
Schedule: Monday - Friday Flexible Schedule 8 hours per day. Must have the ability to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed.
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
