Catering and Service Manager

Catering and Service Manager

Northwestern College | Orange City, IA | Full-Time

About Creative Dining Services

Creative Dining Services is a hospitality and food-service management company headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan. We partner with organizations across the country, including corporate offices, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and senior living communities. Our focus goes beyond providing meals; we create memorable dining experiences, build relationships, and bring people together through hospitality.

Where everyone has a seat at the table.

About the Role

Creative Dining Services is seeking a Catering & Service Manager to lead front-of-house and catering operations within our dining services program. In this role, you'll oversee the service team, coordinate catered events, and ensure guests and clients receive exceptional hospitality across every dining experience. From daily service and special events to large-scale catering functions, you'll help create welcoming environments, maintain high standards for food presentation and service, and build strong relationships with clients and guests. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys developing teams, coordinating events, and bringing hospitality to life.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and Develop Your Team: Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and supervise front-of-house and catering staff, including supporting performance evaluations, timekeeping, and disciplinary actions.
• Oversee Daily Service Operations: Coordinate front-of-house activities and ensure consistent customer service, attractive food presentation, and a welcoming dining environment.
• Coordinate Catering Events: Plan and oversee catered events of varying sizes and styles, working closely with production, conference services, sales, and other departments to coordinate event details and execution.
• Deliver Exceptional Guest Experiences: Build positive relationships with clients, guests, vendors, and community members while responding to feedback, resolving concerns, and ensuring customer expectations are met.
• Support Catering Sales and Client Relationships: Respond promptly to catering inquiries, communicate menu options, accommodate special dietary needs, and help develop relationships that support catering business growth.
• Maintain Service and Presentation Standards: Ensure food, table settings, service areas, and event spaces meet company standards while incorporating seasonal themes, current trends, and special event details.
• Coordinate Marketing and Special Events: Implement company marketing initiatives, promotions, and special events while maintaining accurate records and communicating results to the appropriate teams.
• Manage Supplies and Equipment: Maintain appropriate inventory of service and catering supplies, decorations, and equipment while ensuring work areas remain organized and equipment is properly maintained.
• Monitor Customer Satisfaction: Conduct and respond to customer satisfaction surveys, maintain comment card systems, and identify opportunities to improve the dining and catering experience.
• Evaluate Operations: Review service and catering performance, maintain accurate records, and recommend operational improvements to the Dining Services Director.

What You’ll Bring

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year of supervisory or management experience.
• At least three years of catering, banquet, or event food service experience
• ServSafe certification.
• Strong communication, organization, and customer service skills.
• Ability to lead, train, and motivate a team while managing multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn and effectively use event management software and other operational systems.
• A positive, professional, and hands-on approach to leadership, with the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in hospitality or a related field.
• Experience managing and developing larger teams.
• Knowledge of proper table service techniques, event coordination, and dining room presentation.
• Experience with catering sales, client relationships, special events, and hospitality marketing initiatives.

Top Benefits

• Competitive compensation: $65,000 annually + Bonus opportunities 
• Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) Retirement with company match
• Generous PTO policy
• DailyPay earned wage access
• Significant discounts with partner companies
• Access to pet insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

Why Creative Dining Services?

At Creative Dining Services, we believe hospitality is about more than food, it's about creating connections and making a positive impact on the people and communities we serve. Join a team that values creativity, collaboration, and delivering exceptional experiences.

Why just work when you can be Creative.