Dir, Catering Sr - Sacred Heart University

DIR, CATERING SR - SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY

Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services invites applications for the Senior Catering Director position at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT.

Salary: $80,000 - $95,000
Other Forms of Compensation: Health, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO

Chartwells Higher Education is re‑inventing the on‑campus dining experience across more than 300 colleges and universities nationwide. We invest in high‑tech, food‑infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food‑forward difference makers who are passionate about feeding hungry minds and preparing students for success.

We are seeking hungry, humble, and smart associates who want to grow with a diverse organization. Join us and start your career journey with us.

Filling every occasion with great food and service! We are currently searching for a Senior Catering Director for a high‑volume, premiere catering department at Sacred Heart University. The Catering Director will develop and drive catering solutions to meet customer needs while working closely with the Executive Chef on menu development. Events span from coffee services to exclusive VIP dining occasions, hosted on‑campus and off‑campus.

• Coordinate and oversee both internal and external catering events to ensure seamless execution and outstanding customer happiness.
• Develop and maintain the catering marketing plan, offering clients a comprehensive event planning service and detailed menu development that aligns with their needs.
• Lead the hiring, training, and scheduling of catering staff, actively contributing to staff development in service techniques, menu presentation, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure successful operations of catering functions, including control over labor and food costs, and be responsible for preparation, transportation, setup, operation, and cleanup of all events.
• Collaborate with Management and Chartwells Marketing teams to implement strategies that build catering revenue and expand market reach.
• Foster strong client relationships to align programs with their objectives, driving satisfaction and retention.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of dining service operations.

• Associate’s degree preferred.
• Minimum five years of catering leadership experience, including two years in management.
• Proven experience in booking, selecting, and costing menu items, pricing contracts, and sourcing temporary help and equipment.
• Strong ability to supervise food preparation, service, and cleanup, ensuring consistently high standards.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be experienced with computers.
• Serv Safe® Certified.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance / AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. While this job post is not an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements, the company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with applicable laws.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Chartwells Higher Education maintains a drug‑free workplace.