Catering manager

Be Creative. Create Experiences. Make Every Event Memorable.

Creative Dining Services is seeking a passionate and organized Catering Manager to join our team at Dordt University in Sioux Center, IA!

Do you love bringing people together and creating memorable experiences? Are you a natural relationship-builder who thrives on organization, hospitality, and exceptional customer service? If you enjoy turning event details into successful experiences, we want you on our team!

As the Catering Manager, you’ll play a key role in creating outstanding catered events for the Dordt University community. From the first client conversation to the final detail of an event, you’ll coordinate with clients, culinary teams, conference services, and dining leadership to ensure every event is executed with care, professionalism, and creativity.

What You’ll Do

• Create exceptional experiences: Work directly with clients to understand their vision and ensure their needs are met throughout each event.
• Build relationships: Develop strong relationships with current and potential clients while identifying opportunities to grow catering business.
• Coordinate the details: Plan and coordinate catered events with production, conference services, sales, and dining services teams.
• Bring events to life: Ensure food is presented attractively and that service standards are consistently exceeded.
• Be customer-focused: Communicate professionally and respond promptly to catering inquiries, special requests, and dietary needs.
• Keep the operation organized: Maintain accurate event records, billing, menus, and other catering documentation.
• Stay creative: Keep up with catering trends and look for ways to enhance menus, presentation, and the overall guest experience.
• Be a team player: Support the General Manager and dining services team with other operational needs as necessary.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a relationship-focused hospitality professional who is organized, creative, and passionate about delivering exceptional service.

The ideal candidate will have:

• High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience.
• ServSafe Certification.
• Experience with catering, event planning, food service, or hospitality preferred.
• Knowledge of proper table service techniques and event presentation preferred.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn event management software.
• A positive, professional attitude and the ability to work effectively with students, clients, vendors, and team members.

We Take Care of Our Team

At Creative Dining Services, we believe great hospitality starts with taking care of our people. Full-time employees enjoy:

• Competitive pay
• Daily Pay – access your earned wages when you need them
• Bonus opportunities
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Career growth and development opportunities
• And much, much more!

Why Creative Dining Services?

Creative Dining Services partners with colleges and universities, Fortune 100 companies, senior living communities, conference centers, and K-12 schools and camps to provide a different kind of hospitality experience—one that’s fun, innovative, and focused on community.

At Dordt University, you’ll have the opportunity to make an impact every day by creating events that bring students, faculty, staff, and guests together.

If you’re an organized, energetic hospitality professional who loves people, creativity, and creating exceptional experiences, bring your talents to Creative Dining Services!

Apply today and help us make every event worth remembering!

Creative Dining Services is an Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly Employer.