Assistant Director Catering at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Milwaukee, WI

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Assistant Director Catering Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Food Service Assistant Director Job Duties: Key Job Responsibilities: Assists in the development of unit focused operating policies and procedures to ensure adherence to production, safe food quality, handling, and sanitation processes and procedures Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees Directs the development of food menus, inventory purchases, and forecasting Monitors and maintains technology systems to support the needs of various working units Assists in the development and implementation of unit focused strategic planning initiatives and programs to ensure appropriate use of resources and exceptional customer satisfaction Monitors contracts and liaises with vendors regarding product purchases and contract compliance Department: Dining and Retail Services (DRS) Dining and Retail Services is a self-operated dining venture on the UWM campus with an $18 million operating budget. The department has three facilities that provide food services across campus; comprised of two residential dining units, two convenient stores, retail offerings in the Student Union including the catering unit, multiple coffee locations, convenience stores, and concessions operations. The department includes a dynamic management team and approximately fifty resolute permanent staff. Our department includes over three hundred student employees in all areas of our operations. Under the general direction of the Director, Dining and Retail Services (DRS), UW-Milwaukee's Dining and Retail Services Department is hiring a dynamic and team-focused Assistant Director of Catering. The position combines strategic oversight, operational management, and team leadership to ensure high-quality catering services and strong revenue performance. As a member of the DRS leadership team, this position will function as the primary campus liaison for catering services partnering with academic units, administrative departments, student organizations, and external clients to deliver high-quality, customized event experiences through 20/20 catering. The Assistant Director of Catering is a key figure in elevating the campus catering program through driving catering excellence, balancing operational efficiency with customer satisfaction, and supporting the organization’s growth through strategic catering initiatives. This role directly supervises two professional Catering Coordinators and provides leadership to full-time staff and student employees. Success in this position requires a balance of firsthand operational management and forward-looking program leadership. Key Responsibilities Catering Program Leadership & Growth – 25% Provide vision and leadership to continuously elevate the 20/20 Catering program , positioning it as the preferred and trusted catering provider for UWM events. Develop and implement strategies to increase catering engagement, revenue, and client retention through service innovation, menu development, and relationship management. Analyze historical data, trends, and client feedback to identify opportunities for program enhancement and operational efficiencies. Collaborate with Dining & Retail leadership, culinary teams, and campus partners to ensure offerings reflect current industry trends, campus needs, and nutritional standards. Campus & Client Relationship Management – 25% Serve as the lead campus ambassador for 20/20 Catering , building strong, collaborative relationships with academic departments, administrative units, student organizations, and external partners. Funct