Catering Supervisor

About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu.

Application deadline: 9/28/2026

Minimum Starting Salary

$15.96 - $17.55 per hour / 7.5 hour workday

Summary

The Catering Supervisor will organize, set up and deliver requested catering services to specific requested location. Under general supervision from a designated supervisor, individuals in this series plan and supervise food service for special groups such as banquets, receptions, simple service, conference luncheons, and dinners.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinates and discusses plans for each function with (i.e. dignitaries) and appropriate personnel working directly with chefs including pastry chef, service managers, floral designers to estimate a menu’s cost, ingredients/supplies, etc. for catered (small, large) events.
• Oversees and coordinates preparation and executes catered events by making arrangements for catering including cost menus, estimates, bids, set-ups, floral arrangements decorations, and/or transportation; serves as primary contact person and/or liaison throughout an event (i.e. banquet, reception, etc.) checking food items before serving to ensure adherence to client’s expectations, and to establish standards and guidelines.
• Assists in the control of overhead and labor costs, requisitions food, equipment, and supplies to ensure sound fiscal management practices are being followed and quality and timely services are being provided.
• Assigns and supervises personnel during the performance of designated duties.
• Advises on best options for catering services to meet particular needs including menu planning and sanitation.
• Maintains records and other forms such as accident reports, event reports, alcoholic beverage forms, work schedules and procedures, etc.
• Recommends new methods, techniques, and procedures to improve operations, may conduct research for new concepts and themes for program presentation; implements established policies and procedures.
• Is responsible for detecting malfunctions and ensuring proper repair of all kitchen equipment and machinery; checks contracts, correspondences, and catering arrangements.
• Hires and trains service, production, and clerical staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school graduation or equivalent
2. Two (2) years (24 months) of responsible work experience in food service that includes event planning within a catering environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Food handler License

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of food service organization and operation
• Knowledge of techniques and equipment associated with food products (both plant and animal) for preparation and consumption, including storage/handling techniques
• Knowledge of high-end cuisine and event coordination
• Knowledge of basic mathematics, statistics and their applications
• Knowledge of basic computer office applications and catering program applications
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects
• Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
• Skill in motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job
• Skill in monitoring/assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action
• Skill in teaching others how to do something
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Ability to understand written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
• Ability to supervise the work of others
• Ability to pass State of Illinois Sanitation Certification exam
• Ability to organize, prioritize and multi-task
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relations with staff and students
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service

Physical Demands

• Standing: Frequently
• Walking: Frequently
• Sitting: Frequently
• Lifting: Frequently
• Carrying: Frequently
• Pushing: Frequently
• Pulling: Frequently
• Climbing: Frequently
• Balancing: Frequently
• Stooping: Frequently
• Kneeling: Frequently
• Crouching: Frequently
• Crawling: Frequently
• Reaching: Frequently
• Handling: Frequently
• Grasping: Frequently
• Feeling: Frequently
• Talking: Frequently
• Hearing: Frequently
• Repetitive Motions: Frequently
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently
• Taste/Smell: Frequently
• Performing Manual Tasks: Frequently

Working Conditions

• Extreme cold: Occasionally
• Extreme heat: Occasionally
• Humid: Frequently
• Wet: Frequently
• Noise: Frequently
• Hazards: Occasionally
• Temperature Change: Occasionally
• Atmospheric Conditions: Occasionally
• Vibration: Occasionally

Employment Policies and other information

Failure to accurately describe work experience, or failure to submit college transcripts may result in an applicant not being admitted to the exam. The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations.

Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility. This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System. You will not pay Social Security taxes and your earning will not be on your Social Security Record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages. Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your: Social Security benefit and Social Security benefit as a spouse.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at hremployment@uis.edu or call 217-206-6652.

***Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.