KU Catering Supervisor II

Why You'll Love Working Here

KU Memorial Unions’ mission is to create an unparalleled dining experience for our guests, foster a culture of excellence among our well-trained and empowered staff, and provide inviting spaces that reflect the warmth of the KU community. We strive to set a standard that goes beyond nourishment—creating an environment where every meal becomes a highlight of the KU experience.

We employ both full-time and part-time team members to serve the University of Kansas' diverse dining needs. While our operations are large and fast-paced, every role and every employee makes a meaningful impact.

At KU Memorial Unions, we strive to provide a strong work-life balance and usually do—though certain busy periods may call for additional hours or longer days. Even so, our team members enjoy reliable schedules, meaningful time off, and a collaborative atmosphere. You'll take pride in helping deliver exceptional dining experiences for the KU community while continuing to develop your leadership skills.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a KU Catering Supervisor II who enjoys leading teams, creating exceptional guest experiences, and ensuring events run smoothly from start to finish.

This position provides experienced frontline leadership for KU Catering operations by overseeing front-of-house event execution, coordinating staff assignments, supporting inventory and operational processes, and ensuring food safety and service standards are consistently met. You'll serve as a key leader during events, coach team members, and help create memorable experiences for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and campus guests.

You'll thrive in this role if you're organized, customer-focused, adaptable, and enjoy leading by example in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Pay Rate: The anticipated pay for this position starts at $20.25. The final rate will be determined based on qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry.

Schedule: This is a full-time position averaging 40 hours per week. Days and hours of work will vary based on operational needs. Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays are required based on catering event schedules.

What You'll Do

Every day is different in catering, but you can expect to:

• Lead front-of-house catering staff during event setup, service, and teardown while maintaining KU Dining quality standards.
• Drive company vehicles to event locations across the University of Kansas campus.
• Execute opening and closing procedures using established front-of-house checklists.
• Coordinate staff assignments and communicate with management to ensure seamless event execution.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, cleanliness, and operational standards throughout every event.
• Coach and support team members while monitoring service quality, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Manage employee work assignments, attendance communications, and timecard activities.
• Assist with inventory, ordering, and operational documentation.
• Resolve routine guest concerns while providing exceptional customer service.
• Verify completion of required operational logs, including food safety and sanitation documentation.
• Lead multiple event teams while ensuring brand and service standards are consistently achieved.
• Utilize event management software and other operational technology platforms.
• Assist with onboarding, training, and day-to-day coaching of new and existing employees.

Duties & Responsibilities of All KU Memorial Union Positions

1. Adhere to University and KU Memorial Union policies and procedures.
2. Demonstrate the organization's core values and apply the seven Team Principles in your role by aligning your work with our Lines of Effort: Our People, Engaging Programs, Outstanding Service, Collaborative Partnerships, Inviting Spaces, and Budget Management.
3. Support the KU Memorial Unions End State as described by the Executive Director, and work to achieve and uphold the department's mission and core values: community, dignity, empowerment, excellence, innovation, and safety.
4. Follow the 7 Team Principles: competence, creating a cohesive team through mutual trust, creating shared understanding, setting clear leader intent, written/verbal communication, disciplined initiative, and risk management.
5. Demonstrate a positive, solution-oriented attitude in performing job responsibilities and collaborating with colleagues to foster a respectful and productive work environment.
6. Always exhibit professional decorum while representing the KU Memorial Unions and the University, including routine events and meetings that occur outside of the office, around campus, and in the community.

What's Required to Be Considered

• Knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment used in food production and service.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and quality assurance standards.
• Ability to supervise, train, and mentor employees in food service operations.
• Strong communication, active listening, and conflict resolution skills.
• Understanding of basic financial metrics related to inventory, cost of goods, and waste.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Paycom, and vendor portals.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including opening, mid, and closing shifts.
• Ability to assume full operational responsibility in the absence of management.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate strong leadership and decision-making skills in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Enjoy mentoring and developing team members.
• Take pride in delivering exceptional customer service.
• Be highly organized and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Communicate effectively with employees, guests, and campus partners.
• Be dependable, adaptable, and committed to maintaining high operational and food safety standards.

Physical Requirements

This position requires prolonged standing and walking throughout catering events and food service operations, often for eight hours or more per shift. Team members frequently lift, carry, push, and pull catering equipment, food products, tables, serving equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. The role also requires loading and unloading vehicles, transporting equipment across campus, bending, reaching, climbing stairs, and performing repetitive movements while setting up and breaking down events.

We've Got You Covered

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for eligible full-time employees, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Retirement plan with a 7.5% employer match after one year for employees contributing at least 5%
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee meal benefits and other KU employee perks
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within KU Memorial Unions

Ready to Apply?

Ready to help create memorable events at the University of Kansas?

Apply online at www.union.ku.edu/jobs.

Questions? Reach out to unionhr@ku.edu for assistance.

Salary : $20