Catering Manager

Sign-On Bonus $750
(Restrictions may apply)

Summary

The Catering Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and daily operations of the catering program within GESMV's Developmental Disabilities (DD) Division. This position will also provide support to GESMV Good Connections Café and Good Connections Food Trailers. This role blends food service management and operational knowledge with a person-centered approach, providing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) meaningful vocational opportunities in catering and food service. The Catering Manager ensures food safety and regulatory compliance, oversees catering events from planning to execution, and leads a team of program staff and job coaches in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Program Operations & Catering Event Coordination

• Plan, coordinate, and execute all catering orders and events on behalf of the DD division program.
• Develop menus, manage food inventory, and oversee food preparation in compliance with applicable health and safety standards and in collaboration with a dietician.
• Support operations, menu development, and food service standards for Good Connections Café and Good Connections Food Trailers.
• Maintain full compliance with ServSafe standards, local health department requirements, and all organizational food safety policies.
• Manage catering schedules, client communications, logistics, and delivery from intake through completion.
• Understand specific food preparations such as low-sodium meals, pureed meals, sugar-free meals, etc.
• Oversee and maintain the program budget to reach financial objectives and goals for operation.
• Supervise catering staff and collaborate with GESMV job coaches
• Build and maintain positive relationships with internal departments and external catering clients.

Working with Individuals with Disabilities

• Work directly alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a strength-based, person-centered manner.
• Provide hands-on job coaching and vocational training in food preparation, catering setup, customer service, and related skills.
• Collaborate with case managers, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and families to ensure activities align with each participant’s Individual Service Plan (ISP).
• Model professionalism, patience, and genuine inclusion in every interaction with program participants.
• Support participants in achieving vocational goals while maintaining dignity, respect, and personal choice.

Administrative & Compliance

• Maintain accurate records related to catering revenue, food logs, expenses, and participant attendance.
• Work within prescribed budget and financial projections
• Prepare regular program reports for the Program Director and division leadership as requested.
• Ensure all program activities comply with agency policies, DD division regulations, and applicable state and federal guidelines.
• Participate in program planning meetings, staff training, and organizational events as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise catering program staff, job coaches, and volunteers.
• Provide ongoing training, performance coaching, and constructive feedback to direct reports.
• Lead onboarding of new team members and ensure consistent adherence to to program standards.
• Foster a team culture centered on accountability, compassion, and quality service delivery.

Education Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, Hospitality Management, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• ServSafe Food Manager Certification required (or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire).

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in food service, catering, or restaurant management required.
• Prior experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
• Experience in a vocational, day program, or human services setting preferred.
• Familiarity with Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and person-centered planning a plus.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to GESMV’s liability insurance provider.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Ability to pass random drug screenings.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals with disabilities in a community-based setting.
• Demonstrated leadership and staff supervision skills.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and catering operations.
• Proficiency in basic record keeping and program documentation.
• Bilingual abilities are a plus.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The ability to comfortably work in a kitchen and community-based environment.
• The ability to regularly stand, walk, use of hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls
• The occasional ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and smell.
• The ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• The ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• The ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• The ability of close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee works in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

The above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job and/or apply for the position, absent undue hardship.This job description is not to be interpreted as an all-inclusive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform additional job- related tasks as assigned, subject to reasonable accommodation.