Catering Manager - Dedham, MA

Catering Manager

Flik Independent School Dining has been leading the way in transforming private and independent school foodservice across 300 communities for over four decades. Our passionate team of associates is fully committed to delivering exceptional foodservice experiences every single time. Our meals are crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, supporting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit our communities. But we don't stop at just foodservice we take it to the next level by offering cutting-edge nutrition education programs that empower students to make smart, healthy choices daily. By combining nutritious meals with comprehensive education, we equip students with the essential tools they need to lead a healthy and thriving life. We believe in nourishing the whole person, creating community through great food and programming, and doing what's right, every time.

We are nourishing a brighter future.

Job Summary

As Catering Manager, you will lead all catering efforts, ensuring seamless execution of events from planning through completion. You will lead event logistics, staffing, service standards, and client communications while maintaining a strong focus on food quality, presentation, and customer happiness. This role requires strong leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a multifaceted, school-based environment. The Catering Manager plays a meaningful role in upholding our brand standards while crafting memorable dining experiences for students, faculty, and guests.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and implement catering events and campus programs, ensuring perfection in service and presentation.
• Collaborate with campus partners to craft and deliver engaging food-focused events that reflect the school culture.
• Support marketing initiatives including social media content, promotional campaigns, and visual merchandising.
• Lead and participate in staff training passionate about hospitality, service excellence, and guest engagement.
• Gather and analyze guest feedback to continuously improve the dining experience.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with students, faculty, parents, and school administrators to promote positive community engagement.
• Provide on-site support and problem-solving during events to ensure smooth execution.
• Use catering software platforms (e.g., Catertrax, Spoonfed) to handle event details and communications.
• Monitor project timelines, budgets, and results for campus events and community initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in hospitality, food and beverage management, or catering operations.
• Associate's degree or higher in Hospitality Management, Event Planning, Marketing, or related field preferred.
• Experience in event planning, conference services, and campus catering strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of food preparation and presentation standards; culinary background a plus.
• Confirmed leadership and experience managing or training service staff.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize optimally under tight timelines.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; public speaking experience a plus.
• High comfort level in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); experience with catering software systems preferred.
• Creative individual who excels at solving problems and has a passion for hospitality trends, guest engagement, and community-building.

Associates at Flik Independent School Dining are offered many fantastic benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance/AD, disability insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, holiday time off, 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, and personal leave.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed remotely, click here for paid time off benefits information.