Catering Director - Hampton University

Overview

Are you someone who loves bringing people together through food and creating events that people remember? Join us as a Catering Director at Hampton University and help us make every campus occasion unforgettable.

In this role, you''ll take the lead on all things catering-from planning menus and coordinating events to building relationships with clients and guiding your team to deliver amazing service. Whether it''s a small meeting or a big campus celebration, you'll be the one making sure everything runs smoothly and feels special. If you''re passionate about food, love working with people, and want to be part of a close-knit campus community, we'd love to have you on board.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic catering plan, aligning with organizational goals, target markets, pricing strategies, and promotions to boost catering business growth.
• Cultivate strong client relationships via effective communication, understanding needs, and ensuring client satisfaction throughout the catering process.
• Customize catering menus for various events while maintaining high-quality food presentation and taste.
• Coordinate all aspects of catering events, including logistics, staffing, and ensuring seamless execution.
• Manage the catering budget efficiently, monitor financial performance, and make data-driven decisions for enhanced profitability and efficiency.
• Requires 50-55 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as business needs dictate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field.
• 2 - 5 years catering/event management experience.
• Expertise in menu diversity and cost-effective food presentation.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Proficient in budget management and vendor negotiation.
• Previous experience in a college or university dining facility is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events and site visits
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 30-40 lbs (event materials, sample trays, equipment as needed)
• Frequent walking between event spaces, kitchens, offices, and venues
• Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching during event setup and breakdown
• Ability to work long and irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments and manage multiple events simultaneously
• Visual and auditory acuity to oversee event execution, staffing, and guest satisfaction

Competitive Benefits:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k), matched up to 4%
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Pet Insurance
• Discounts: Hotels, Travel, Tickets, Restaurants
• Employees and their relatives are eligible for a discounted meal plan at any of our HBCU client locations while they are attending school.

Who We Are:

Hampton University is a historically Black university located in Hampton, Virginia, with a rich history and strong ties to the African American experience. Located on the scenic Virginia Peninsula where history meets innovation, HU offers a vibrant academic community with top-tier programs in liberal arts, technology, and graduate studies. Representing 49 states and 35 countries, our close-knit campus is alive with diversity and drive. Hampton University offers more than an education - it's an experience that shapes leaders, inspires dreams, and launches futures.

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.