Catering Sales Manager - Eugene, OR

The University of Oregon is a prestigious public research university located in Eugene, Oregon. Recognized for its commitment to excellence in education, inclusivity, and community engagement, the university offers a diverse range of academic programs and services. It fosters a vibrant campus culture centered around equity, inclusion, responsibility, and innovation. The University of Oregon's Division of Student Services and Enrollment Management supports the university's mission by providing essential programs that enhance the student experience and promote success. Within this division, University Housing plays a critical role by offering state-of-the-art residential and dining services that support student development, academic achievement, and community building. University Housing is a substantial and dynamic department within the university, with a $100 million budget and operations structured as a self-sustaining, self-liquidating agency. The department manages a wide array of services including Business Services Operations, Dining Services, Facilities Services, Promotions & Student Recruitment, and Residence Life. Its goal is to cultivate inclusive living environments and innovative dining experiences that contribute directly to student retention, academic success, and overall university engagement. The department values equity, inclusion, integrity, responsibility, innovation, learning, and safety, embedding these principles into daily operations and staff practices. The role of Catering Sales Manager at University Housing is essential in ensuring the highest standards of catering service for on-campus and off-site events. This full-time, ongoing position, classified as an Officer of Administration, is based in Eugene, Oregon, with an annual salary range of $60,000 to $66,000. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Dining for Catering & Conference Services, the Catering Sales Manager serves as the primary point of contact for customers seeking catering services. This role demands a combination of sales acumen, organizational skills, and operational oversight to guarantee excellent customer experiences, effective collaboration, and smooth event execution. The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for guiding customers through the catering process by providing expert advice and managing all details from order placement to event follow-up and billing. They collaborate closely with the Catering Chef and Catering Operations Manager to meet customer expectations while ensuring operational efficiency. Leadership is a key component of this position, as the manager supervises an office support staff team of three, overseeing staffing, training, menu pricing, ordering, and daily event coordination. Budget management is also under the purview of the Catering Sales Manager, including allocating resources, managing food and equipment purchases, and controlling costs to maintain financial viability. The position requires experience in large-scale catering or hospitality food service operations, with at least one year specifically in catering or banquet management. Strong skills in customer service, creativity in menu development, and an ability to handle multiple events simultaneously are essential. Candidates with culinary arts or food service management education and prior experience in higher education food service environments are especially well-suited. The University of Oregon emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds. Benefits are robust, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, reflecting the university's dedication to supporting its employees holistically. This role is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional to contribute to a well-respected academic institution while advancing their career in catering management within a supportive and innovative environment.

• Three years of experience in a large catering, restaurant, or hotel food service operation
• One year of catering or banquet experience
• Three years of experience supervising or leading the work of others
• Ability to prepare reports, budgets, and documents
• Ability to understand and apply policies, procedures, and safety information
• Excellent customer service skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations