Assistant Manager, Catering Operations & Events
Overview
You own daily catering and front-of-house operations for Harvard Kennedy School, coordinating 5+ years of high-volume, fine-dining events. You lead a unionized team, manage Kronos payroll and scheduling, and ensure every event meets HUDS standards. You partner with the Senior General Manager and Human Resources to enforce the Collective Bargaining Agreement and maintain a positive, collaborative work culture. This role stands out for its direct impact on student and faculty dining experiences at a world-renowned university.
What You'll Do10
- 1Schedule and assign staff using Kronos, ensuring coverage for events and daily operations while approving timecards and processing payroll each Monday.
- 2Coach, counsel, and retrain personnel to maintain superior performance standards, holding team members accountable to HUDS and University policies.
- 3Supervise catering deliveries and event execution, conducting spot checks to ensure Catering standards for food, beverage, and meeting specifications are met.
- 4Review event orders to determine staffing levels, coordinate with the sales department, and ensure proper food delivery and pick-up times.
- 5Input sales and create diagrams for events in Social Tables, assisting the sales office as needed.
- 6Maintain professional relationships with union employees and shop stewards, ensuring compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and personnel policies.
- 7Communicate with kitchen staff on event timelines and specifications, ensuring seamless coordination between front and back of house.
- 8Step into management roles as required, providing cross-training and additional support across operational areas.
- 9Use the Kronos Dialer to fill open shifts in compliance with Union Local 26 policies.
- 10Ensure sustainability goals are met by implementing unit-specific programs and monitoring adherence.
Requirements10
- 1HS Diploma and 5+ years front of the house catering experience in high-volume, fine dining, off-premises or hotel operations.
- 2Previous supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to hold team members accountable.
- 3Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications: Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, EMS, Social Tables.
- 4Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- 5Knowledge of current food and event management trends.
- 6Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service.
- 7Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills for a diverse constituency.
- 8Strong time management, organizational, and multi-tasking skills with ability to meet multiple deadlines.
- 9Sound professional judgment and independent decision-making in a frequently changing environment.
- 10Experience managing in a unionized environment is preferred; knowledge of Kronos timekeeping software is a plus.
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