Catering Event Sales Manager

Harvard University

  • Cambridge, MA
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 months ago
Job CodeY2056P FD Catering & Evnt Sls Pro IISub-UnitDining Services056Time StatusFull-timeUnion00 - Non Union, Exempt or TemporaryAdditional Qualifications and SkillsBasic Qualifications:
  • HS Diploma and at least 5 years prior front of the house catering experience in high volume, fine dining events with off-premise or hotel catering operations.
  • Previous supervisory experience, with ability to hold team members accountable.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams). Ability to learn other software applications as needed.
  • Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.
  • A valid driver's license and willingness/ability to drive.
  • Ability to develop creative concepts/menus to provide clients with unique and personalized experiences.
  • Knowledgeable about current food and event management trends.
  • 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.
  • Must be adaptable to a frequently changing environment and ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations.
  • Works professionally, ethically and with integrity; Uphold the vision and mission of HUDS and the University.
Additional Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Hotel/Hospitality Management, or 5-years' experience of high volume catering, fine dining events with off premise or hotel catering operations.
  • TIPS, CPR/Heimlich, and Serv-Safe sanitation certification.
Additional InformationEmergency Status Designation: Essential PersonnelHarvard University Central Administration's commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging is rooted in our belief in drawing on the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity. Our community strives to uphold these beliefs by honoring the rights, differences, and dignity of others and embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. We aim to foster a campus culture where everyone can thrive, a key to which is ensuring that each of us experience a profound sense of inclusion and belonging.DepartmentDining Services/ Harvard Law SchoolPre-Employment ScreeningCriminal, Drug Testing, Education, Employment, IdentityScheduleSunday - Saturday 40 hours per week flexible scheduleJob FunctionHospitality & Dining ServicesSchool/UnitCampus ServicesBasic Qualifications
  • Minimum of 2 years' relevant work experience
Physical Requirements
  • Position frequently involves long hours and widely diverse duties
  • Must be able to lift (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bend, stoop and perform other physical exertion
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time
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
Position DescriptionThe Catering Event Manager is responsible for creating an event experience for clientele through creativity, menu development, execution of events, through building relationships with the community through professionalism, and effective communication making customer service a priority.Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Manage all aspects of an event through conceptions and execution in multiple locations. Including assigning staff duties and responsibilities, pre-meal meetings, event timeline, special requests, and clean-up.
  • Manage by assigning staff duties, addresses performance issues, including discipline, in a timely and consistent manner.
  • Develop collaborative working relationships with catering clientele, community, on-site management. Maintains a continuous communication channel with clients and vendors to discuss timelines and expectations.
  • Orders all materials necessary for an event, including linen, equipment rentals, bar services, temporary waitstaff, and floral décor.
  • Creates unique and imaginative themes and properly executes the look for a variety of banquet events.
  • Performs location site visits prior to event to review sales staff and client's vision for the event.
  • Selects, develops, and retains hourly and temporary waitstaff to create a diverse workforce delivering excellence in service.
  • Meets weekly with the catering office and production staff regarding details of upcoming events, including event logistics, food presentation, and arrival/departure timelines.
  • Ensures employment practices are compliant with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement and all University personnel policy and procedures.
  • Represents HUDS to students, faculty, staff and guests in a positive and professional manner at all times.
  • Utilizes the EMS (Event Management System) to maintain, update, and communicate event information.
  • Communicates updates diagrams/setups to HLS Event office as needed
  • Responsible for ensuring sanitation standards are in compliance with city and state laws, Harvard Environmental Health and Safety regulations, departmental and HACCP policies.
  • Ensures compliance with State of Massachusetts and Dining Services' “Food Employee Illness Policy”.
  • Ensures Unit-specific sustainability goals and programs are met and adhered to.
  • Must have strong abilities be to multitask, problem solve, work with teams, communicate, and perform under pressure.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and BelongingHarvard 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.BenefitsWe invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( ) 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.
Work FormatOn-SiteLinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)#LI-RT1Work Format DetailsThis position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Harvard University