Fast-Paced. Never Boring.
You thrive on the variety that each day brings!
Sodexo’s Campus Segment is seeking a Senior Catering Manager for the University of Maine (UMaine) in Orono, ME — the flagship and Showcase account for the entire University of Maine System. With 12,000 students and growing, UMaine hosts a significant number of high-level clients, dignitaries, and VIP events throughout the year. It is one of the largest Sodexo campuses in New England and offers expansive Dining, Retail, Catering, and Concessions services to over 3,200 residential students and the greater Orono community.
In this key leadership role, you will oversee a high-profile, VIP-focused catering program with tremendous visibility and growth opportunity. You’ll lead menu development, client engagement, operational excellence, and a high-performing team to deliver memorable experiences across campus.
Lead and manage all Catering & Event Operations, including VIP and high-profile functions.
Plan creative, customized menus aligned with client expectations and campus culture.
Build strong, trust-based relationships with campus partners and high-level clients.
Ensure seamless event execution through excellent presentation skills and hands-on leadership.
Oversee inventory management, purchasing, food & labor costing, and scheduling.
Maintain rigorous safety, sanitation, and HAACP compliance standards.
Train, coach, and develop catering teams to ensure exceptional service and execution.
Drive catering sales growth, track performance metrics, and support expansion opportunities.
Respond quickly and resourcefully to client and customer needs.
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:
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
Proven experience in catering management, event operations, or hospitality leadership.
Strong client-facing and relationship-building abilities, especially with VIP stakeholders.
Expertise in menu planning, event execution, and service presentation.
Experience managing budgets, inventory, food & labor costs, and procurement.
Excellent communication, organization, and team leadership skills.
A customer- and client-centered mindset with a drive to exceed expectations.
Knowledge of safety, sanitation, and HAACP compliance standards.
The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with significant visibility and growth potential.
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.
Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 2 years
Minimum Functional Experience – 1 year work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.