Catering Manager

Creative Dining Services is seeking a full-time Catering Manager to join our team at a large conference center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Catering Manager plays a key role in delivering fresh, sustainable, innovative, and customized hospitality experiences. This position ensures excellence in customer service throughout each catered event, presenting food attractively and responsibly while operating with integrity and in open, trusting relationships.

The Catering Manager works collaboratively as a valued member of the dining services management team and supports any aspect of the operation as needed.

• Maintains excellent public relations with customers, clients, staff, vendors, and the community; achieves high levels of satisfaction by communicating professionally and sensitively during events to ensure needs are met
• Builds strong, trust-based relationships with current and prospective clients to grow catering sales; responds promptly, creatively, and professionally to all catering inquiries
• Maintains established food presentation and service standards while incorporating enhancements that reflect current industry trends and sustainable practices
• Updates production and catering staff on all changes to catered events, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and flexibility
• Communicates catering menu offerings in an attractive, inclusive, and effective manner, with attention to diverse cultural and dietary needs
• Collaborates with production, conference services, and sales teams to plan and coordinate event details, fostering a supportive, family-oriented team environment
• Prepares accurate billing for all catered events
• Maintains an organized system of comprehensive record-keeping for each event
• Keeps a neat and organized office area and performs additional office duties as directed by the General Manager

• Previous experience managing events and clients
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with demanding clients and under tight timelines with resilience and determination
• A customer-service and hospitality-focused mindset
• Previous experience managing and developing a team
• A solutions-driven approach to challenges and last-minute changes
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent time-management skills and the ability to prioritize effectively
• The ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in high-pressure situations
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and fluctuating schedule demands
• High school diploma or equivalent;
  Bachelor’s degree in hospitality or related field preferred
• Serv Safe Certification (or ability to quickly obtain this certification)
• Knowledge of proper table service techniques and design preferred
• Proficiency with MS Office products and the ability to learn event management software
• A demonstrated commitment to integrity, creativity, flexibility, sensitivity, sustainability, and fostering an inclusive environment

Competitive pay and bonus opportunities

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with a company match
• Paid time off
• And much, much more!

Creative Dining Services partners with colleges, universities, Fortune 100 companies, full-service senior living communities, conference centers, and K-12 schools and camps to provide a different kind of hospitality and facility management experience — one that’s fun, innovative, community-focused, and grounded in our core values. We operate with integrity, creativity, flexibility, sensitivity, sustainability, and a deep commitment to diversity, ensuring that every guest experience is welcoming and memorable.

Creative Dining Services is an Equal Opportunity and Veteran-Friendly Employer.