Yale University · 3 days ago
Managing Director, Yale Catering
New Haven, CT
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$90K/yr - $166K/yr
10+ years expYale University is a prestigious institution dedicated to fostering a better tomorrow. The Managing Director of Yale Catering will provide strategic direction and oversight for the Catering department, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and strong financial performance while leading a high-performing team.
AssociationBusiness DevelopmentEducationMedicalSocial Entrepreneurship
Responsibilities
Work with Senior Director of Auxiliary Services to develop and implement the long-term vision, strategy, and goals for Yale Catering, ensuring alignment with Yale Hospitality’s mission, departmental policies, and institutional priorities
Lead business planning initiatives to drive growth, operational efficiencies, service innovation, and operational excellence across catering services
Guide the planning and coordination of events, ensuring client needs, university priorities, and service standards are seamlessly integrated into event design and execution
Shape event concepts and service models that elevate the University’s brand, creating experiences that reflect Yale’s culture, traditions, and institutional priorities
Oversee all financial aspects of the catering program, including budgeting, forecasting, labor, pricing, and cost control
Ensure revenue and expense targets are met through sound fiscal management, analysis of financial performance, and proactive decision-making
Analyze business segments and maintain reporting on sales, profitability, and performance trends to inform decision-making and strategy
Provide leadership and direction to the Assistant Director of Catering, Senior Executive Chef, Catering Support Center, and the Catering Sales & Events team
Ensure consistent execution of high-quality food, beverage, and service standards for events of all sizes, from small meetings to large-scale campus functions
Monitor systems, workflows, and resources to optimize efficiency, scalability, and guest satisfaction
Serve as the primary liaison with campus partners, clients, and vendors, cultivating strong relationships built on trust, collaboration, and responsiveness
Engage directly with clients and partners during the pre-event planning process to understand objectives, manage expectations, and ensure seamless coordination with culinary and operations team
Collaborate closely with Yale Hospitality colleagues across all departments to ensure consistency, alignment, and seamless delivery of services
Partner with university leadership, departments, and internal stakeholders to anticipate needs, identify opportunities, and deliver exceptional hospitality experiences
Collaborate with union leadership to maintain strong working relationships, address operational needs, and support a productive and positive workplace environment
Foster a culture of accountability, and professional growth across the catering team
Mentor and support direct reports, providing guidance on leadership, performance, and professional development
Provides coaching, training, and mentoring to employees, while setting clear expectations, delegating effectively, and fostering a motivating work environment that drives productivity
Ensure adherence to Yale Hospitality and University policies, procedures, health and safety regulations, and industry standards
Champion continuous improvement by introducing creative menu concepts, innovative service models, and sustainable practices
Implement systems to gather client and guest feedback, using insights to refine catering services, enhance event planning, and continuously improve the guest experience
Qualification
Required
Proven track record of financial management, including budget development, forecasting, cost control, and profitability analysis
Demonstrated success in strategic planning, event operations, and client relationship management
Experience leading large, diverse teams, including culinary and sales/event staff, with strong skills in coaching, mentoring, and talent development
Background in managing high-profile and complex events with a focus on excellence in service and guest experience
Familiarity with sustainability practices, health and safety regulations, and compliance standards in foodservice
Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field required and a minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in catering, hospitality, or foodservice management, preferably in a university, corporate, or large-scale institutional environment
ServSafe Certified and Valid Driver's License
Sustained standing and frequent bending are required
Must be able to move, lift, and carry supplies, equipment, and materials weighing up to 25 pounds from floor to waist height and up to 20 pounds to shoulder height, without assistance
Ability to carry supplies up and down stairs is also required
Preferred
Union experience preferred
Company
Yale University
Yale University is a research and education institution that prioritizes its students.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Yale University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (355)
2024 (449)
2023 (214)
2022 (208)
2021 (190)
2020 (155)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$42.86MKey Investors
Bezos Earth FundAlfred P. Sloan FoundationHyundai Hope On Wheels
2025-10-23Grant
2025-05-21Grant· $0.05M
2023-01-01Grant· $1.27M
Leadership Team
Geoffrey Chatas
Senior Vice President for Operations
Jack Callahan
Senior Vice President for Operations
Recent News
2025-12-10
Company data provided by crunchbase