Job Description

Position Title:

Catering Operations Manager II

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent and 7 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Managerial and/or lead experience in catering, fine dining, or event operations.

Experience overseeing event preparation and execution for large-volume or multi-event catering operations.

Experience training and overseeing professional staff and student workers.

ServSafe Certified

Job Description:

Iowa State University is seeking a Catering Operations Manager to oversee and coordinate catering operations supporting events across campus, including events connected to the President’s Office and other high-profile university functions. This role is responsible for the execution and operational coordination of catering events, ensuring events are staffed, organized, and carried out according to established plans and service standards.

This position focuses on operations and execution rather than menu development. The Catering Operations Manager works closely with catering leadership; managing a team of four assistant managers, a storekeeper II and up to 70 student employees, to support event needs in an environment where timelines and event details may shift quickly.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee catering operations and event execution for events across campus, including President’s Office-related events.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for operational execution during events, helping ensure staffing and service needs are supported.

• Oversee the work of catering operations staff, including assistant managers, drivers, storekeeper staff, and student employees.

• Manage staffing coverage by developing schedules, responding to call-offs, and adjusting resources based on event needs.

• Coordinate operational details by working with catering leadership and sales staff to translate event plans into staffing and execution support.

• Support training and ongoing development of student employees, helping ensure expectations and procedures are consistently followed.

• Maintain operational readiness by confirming staffing plans, equipment needs, and logistical details prior to events.

• Respond to short timelines or late changes by adjusting operational plans as needed to support successful event execution.

Benefits & Perks You’ll Get

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance beginning on your first day (with timely enrollment)

• Competitive retirement options with strong university contributions

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay, including most Holidays OFF

• Free meal with every scheduled shift worked

About Iowa State University Catering

ISU Dining Catering supports events across campus, including meetings, receptions, and other university functions. Catering operations involve coordinating staff, schedules, and logistics to meet event needs while maintaining consistency and service standards. This role supports events that may involve multiple staff roles and evolving timelines.

Click HERE to watch our team in action!

Example of Duties

• Supervises service delivery, training, safety, sanitation, facilities maintenance, marketing, and cash handling in order to meet departmental goals.

• Assists with the development of operational pricing and budgets to meet sales, budgetary, and financial targets.

• Supervises and participates in food production, including forecasting food ordering, food preparation, and food sanitation.

• Authorizes purchases and monitors inventory control procedures.

• Assists in the planning and execution of dining programs and participates in short and long-term strategic planning.

• Assists in creating and updating policies and procedures used by the department in order to assure compliance with university policies and State and Federal laws.

• Evaluates product offerings and selection to keep current with the popularity of items offered for sale.

• Markets the department and acts as the liaison for the department with various units, committees or task forces.

• Establishes and demonstrates a positive working relationship with vendors to develop product ordering, delivery, and stocking schedules.

• Researches, facilitates, and develops trainings and orientations for new staff.

Level Guidelines

• Aware of key annual objectives of department or work unit

• Understands linkage between daily activities and achievement of annual objectives of department/work unit and explains to direct reports

• Focus on ISU’s mission and meeting department or work unit goals

• Supervises a small department or work team

• Often is a working manager with direct, previous experience performing work of those supervised

• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel; may share part of responsibility with higher level management

• Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope per policy

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applications will be accepted for guaranteed consideration through February 22nd, 2026.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS807

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans

• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans

• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

• Life insurance and long-term disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Various voluntary benefits and discounts

• Employee Assistance Program

• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

February 10, 2026

Posting Close Date:

March 1, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18572