What are the responsibilities and job description for the Catering Director - Mississippi Valley State University position at Thompson Hospitality Corporation?
Overview:
Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) is a historically Black university located in Itta Bena, Mississippi, USA. Founded in 1950, it plays a crucial role in providing educational opportunities to African American students, especially in the Mississippi Delta region. MVSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with an emphasis on academic excellence, research, and community engagement, striving to empower its students and uplift the local community.
Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Join our team as a Catering Director at Mississippi Valley State University! As the Catering Director for our campus dining facility, you'll be at the forefront of planning, executing, and overseeing all catering operations. This key role includes strategic planning, client relations, menu development, event coordination, and team management. You'll play a vital part in delivering exceptional catering services for campus events, meetings, and special occasions. If you're passionate about creating memorable culinary experiences and are ready to lead a dynamic team, we welcome you to join our college community. Your role as Catering Director will have a significant impact on our campus.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a strategic catering plan, aligning with organizational goals, target markets, pricing strategies, and promotions to boost catering business growth.
- Cultivate strong client relationships via effective communication, understanding needs, and ensuring client satisfaction throughout the catering process.
- Customize catering menus for various events while maintaining high-quality food presentation and taste.
- Coordinate all aspects of catering events, including logistics, staffing, and ensuring seamless execution.
- Manage the catering budget efficiently, monitor financial performance, and make data-driven decisions for enhanced profitability and efficiency.
Physical Requirements – Catering Director
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time (up to 8–10 hours as needed during events).
- Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting in support of catering operations and event setup.
- Must be able to lift, push, or pull up to 25–30 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
- Manual dexterity to handle catering equipment, technology systems, and event setup materials.
- Ability to work in diverse environments, including kitchens, event venues, outdoors, and storage areas, with exposure to varying temperatures.
- Adequate vision, hearing, and communication skills to effectively coordinate with staff, clients, and vendors.
- Must be able to drive company or personal vehicle for catering, client visits, and meetings; valid driver’s license required.
- Flexibility to work extended or irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules.
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
- 2 – 5 years catering/event management experience.
- Expertise in menu diversity and cost-effective food presentation.
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
- Proficient in budget management and vendor negotiation.
- Previous experience in a college or university dining facility is preferred.
Who We Are:
Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) is a historically Black university located in Itta Bena, Mississippi, USA. Founded in 1950, it plays a crucial role in providing educational opportunities to African American students, especially in the Mississippi Delta region. MVSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with an emphasis on academic excellence, research, and community engagement, striving to empower its students and uplift the local community.
Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.