Oversee catering operations to include such duties as booking events, supervising support staff, developing, selecting and costing menus, pricing, etc.
Assist with components catering forecasts and develops strategies / plans for achieving, including but not limited to development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing plan with associated collateral.
Supervise all aspects of preparation, service, and cleanup for events
Directly supervise catering staff with responsibility for hiring, training, discipline, communication, performance management, retention, and administration.
Ensure establishment, communication, and compliance of appropriate sanitation and safety standards.
Responsible for timely and accurate reporting and communication of all catering related revenue, expenses, and receivables.
Interact with Client Management and maintain effective client and customer relations at all levels with client organization.
Look for opportunities to implement new products and services to support base business growth and client retention.
Keep abreast of and advise client, customers, and staff on current catering trends and products.
Basic Qualifications
Minimum of 2 years' relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
At least 5 years of related sales experience with an off-premise caterer, hotel, collegiate, or corporate caterer.
Demonstrated creativity in developing menus and presentation for simple to complex catered events.
Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service.
Strong communication (verbal, written, interpersonal) skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse constituency.
Strong time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills.
Ability to meet multiple deadlines and manage competing priorities.
Good professional judgment and ability to independently make sound business decisions.
Skilled at addressing a variety situations and negotiating successful outcomes with a diverse group of stakeholders.
Must be adaptable to a frequently changing environment and ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
Works professionally, ethically and with integrity; Uphold the vision and mission of HUDS and the University.
A passion for food and knowledge of current food trends.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel) and ability to learn new software applications as needed.
Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed.
Additional Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management
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 Operations Personnel
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
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: Y2056M FD Catering & Evnt Sls Mgt II
Job Function: Hospitality & Dining Services
Work Format: On-Site
Sub Unit: Dining Services
Salary Grade: 056
Department: Dining Services/ Crimson 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 5 days a week.
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.