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Senior Catering Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sodexo is seeking a Catering Manager at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN.East Tennessee Dining Services, operated by Sodexo, is the premier food service provider for East Tennessee ...

Senior Catering Assistant- Permanent Salary: Competitive Sociable hours- open through the day with ... YouwillberesponsibleforsupportingtheOperational Catering Manager and Area Manager in menu planning ...

Reporting to the Senior Catering Manager, this position will also be responsible for day-to-day maintenance and event prep. Pay Rate: $28 per hour Responsibilities : * Support the Catering team which ...

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Senior Catering Manager information

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$35K

$67.7K

$91K

How much do senior catering manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior catering manager in the United States is $67,711.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Catering Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Catering Manager, you need strong organizational skills, event planning experience, and a background in hospitality management, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with catering software, budgeting tools, and food safety certifications is typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities are vital for managing staff and exceeding client expectations. These skills ensure successful event execution, client satisfaction, and the efficient operation of catering services.

What are some common challenges Senior Catering Managers face when coordinating large-scale events?

Senior Catering Managers often encounter challenges such as managing tight timelines, coordinating with multiple vendors, and adapting to last-minute client requests or changes. Ensuring seamless communication among staff, maintaining high-quality service standards, and handling logistical issues—like equipment shortages or unexpected weather—are also frequent hurdles. Success in this role relies on strong organizational skills, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, especially during peak event seasons.

What does a Senior Catering Manager do?

A Senior Catering Manager oversees all aspects of catering operations, including planning, organizing, and executing events such as weddings, corporate gatherings, and private parties. They manage teams of catering staff, coordinate with clients to understand their needs, and ensure high-quality food and service are delivered. Additionally, they handle budgeting, vendor relations, menu planning, and logistical details to ensure events run smoothly. Senior Catering Managers also focus on maintaining customer satisfaction and upholding company standards.

What is the difference between Senior Catering Manager vs Catering Supervisor?

AspectSenior Catering ManagerCatering Supervisor
CredentialsExperience in catering management, relevant certifications (e.g., ServSafe, HACCP)Food safety certifications, experience in catering or food service
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple catering events, manages staff, plans menusSupervises daily catering operations, assists in event setup and service
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, event venues, catering companiesHotels, restaurants, catering firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles, career progressionOperational duties, team supervision

The Senior Catering Manager typically holds a higher level of responsibility, overseeing multiple events and managing staff, while the Catering Supervisor focuses on daily operational tasks and team supervision. Both roles require relevant food safety certifications and experience in catering, but the Senior Catering Manager's role is more strategic and managerial.

More about Senior Catering Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Catering Manager jobs? Cities with the most Senior Catering Manager job openings:
What states have the most Senior Catering Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Catering Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Catering Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,711 per year, or $32.6 per hour.
Senior Catering Manager

Senior Catering Manager

Sodexo

Johnson City, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 1,098 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

299th of 424 rated business services


Job description

Role Overview

Working together, supporting your team, and reaching for the best in a high-volume, high-paced environment is second nature to you.

Sodexo is seeking a Catering Manager at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN.East Tennessee Dining Services, operated by Sodexo, is the premier food service provider for East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee.Our team delivers exceptional culinary experiences across campus, including residential dining, retail outlets, and full-service catering for university events and community functions.We are committed to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, fostering a culture that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Do
  • Oversight of Sodexo resources, recipes, systems, and use of catering programs to direct daily catering events, including food production, inventory, product deliveries, invoices, and procurement operations.
  • Oversight of the sales process for catering and/or conference services. Works with clients and customers to design events.
  • Ensure employees have appropriate equipment, supplies, and resources to perform their jobs and meet goals, cost controls, and deadlines as assigned.
  • Establish and maintain a safe work environment, including both food and physical safety, in order to comply with all regulatory and Sodexo standards in various environments. Drives the Zero Harm mindset.
  • Comply with budget requirements by controlling costs (i.e., labor, inventory, equipment, materials) and making adjustments when necessary.
  • Supervise employees by delegating, assigning, and prioritizing activities, and monitoring operating standards.
What We Offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

What You Bring
  • Previous experience facilitating communication between sales, culinary, and front-of-house teams to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment of all orders, including last-minute needs, efficiently and collaboratively.
  • Ability to adhere to timekeeping and labor cost control procedures by maintaining staff payroll and schedule in Kronos.
  • Attention to detail and ability to review all catering event orders and weekly catering sheets to ensure accuracy.
  • Positive, practical solutions to client queries while adhering to our catering policies and procedures and offering solutions to staff.
Who We Are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Management Experience - 3 years

Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years of experience in catering, food production, or food service management or a related field


    Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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