Operations Coordinator Jobs

TheCatering Operations Coordinatoris responsible for overseeing and assisting with the execution of all daily catered events including, but not limited to, Chancellor receptions, private high level receptions, seated dinners, buffet lunches and dinners, continental breakfasts, breakfast buffets, and coffee breaks.

TheCatering Operations Coordinatorwill work closely with the Catering Operations Manager to oversee the work of contracted wait staff, student staff, and Vanderbilt Campus Dining hourly union employees. This position will be responsible for training, preparing daily pull sheets, daily task sheets, assisting with event set up and breakdown, and overseeing all catering operations at selected events.

About the Work Unit:

Vanderbilt Catering & Events delivers the excellence expected from Vanderbilt University. As a division of Vanderbilt Campus Dining, we are engaged with our campus community. Whether the function is a continental breakfast for ten, a buffet for one hundred or a gala dinner for one thousand, Vanderbilt Catering will provide the caliber of food and distinction of service the University expects from its on-campus caterer.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Maintains a safe work environment by enforcing all safety standards and performing safety audits
• Executes and develops catering events in order to meet established goals, objectives and timelines.
• Supervises the work of contracted wait staff, student staff, and Campus Dining hourly union employees. Monitor their work and event set ups to ensure their daily tasks are completed and they meet department standards.
• Demonstrates knowledge of how and when to impose deadlines for task delegation.
• Assist with delivery of equipment and order for Campus Dining and other special events within the department
• Communicates with kitchen staff to coordinate food deliveries to ensure the quality and safety of food.
• Works with Catering Management team to develop and implement continuous improvement trainings
• Manages quality control process in areas of customer service and employee satisfaction.
• Maintains appropriate documentation of events to ensure compliance with Vanderbilt Catering policies and procedures.
• Coaches and supports team members by providing guidance and direction for assigned tasks.
• Trains and supervises contracted wait staff and Campus Dining hourly union employees and student employees.
• Manages group or interpersonal conflict situations and escalates issues when appropriate.
• Supervise breakdown and clean up after events, including distributing catering equipment,rental items, décor, etc. to appropriate locations
• Controls catering inventory of event supplies (i.e. alcohol, uniforms, equipment, linen, props, and vehicles) and make recommendations for repair and replacement.
• Provides insight and recommends strategies to promote continued change, growth or expansion of Vanderbilt Catering.
• Continuously complies, reviews and analyzes operation needs against the established goals, objectives and guidelines.
• Records event details and makes improvements to future catering events.
• Writes daily event pull sheets and daily task assignments to ensure successful execution of all catering events.
• Works with the Operations Manager to plan the timeline for the set up and breakdown of special events.
• Works with the Operations Manager to develop the overall logistical plan necessary to successfully carry out special events.Communicates and delegates tasks to contracted wait staff, student staff, and Campus Dining hourly union employees.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position reports to the Operations Manager.This position is responsible for directing contracted wait staff, hourly union employees and student employees.

Education and Certifications:

• A clean valid driver’s license is necessary at time of hire and throughout entire tenure in the position.
• Must be ServSafe certified within 3 months of hire and expected to pass renewal every five years
• A high school diploma or GED is necessary.
• An Associate’s degree from an accredited higher education institution is preferred.

Experience and Skills

• Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service isnecessary
• At least 1 year of related experience is necessary
• Ability to make on-site decisions to resolve problems brought forth by customers, vendors, contracted wait staff, etc.
• Previous experience as a Banquet Manager or Banquet Captain is preferred
• Manage people, maintain confidentiality and be accountable for Vanderbilt assets is necessary.
• Proactive, enthusiastic attitude, and possess excellent customer service skills
• Strong supervisory and interpersonal skills
• Ability to drive a catering van and 24’ box truck is necessary
• Strong communication (verbal, written, interpersonal) skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population isnecessary.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and Food and Labor Management Systems isnecessary
• At least 1 year offsite catering, restaurants, or specialty events experience is strongly preferred
• Strong time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills and an eye for detail isnecessary

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Be able to work on a team and also be a self-starter.
• Ability to walk or stand for extended time periods, up to 6 hours
• Must be flexible, high energy and passionate in getting things done
• Ability to bend, stretch, twist and lift
• Must enjoy fast-paced working environment.
• Ability to frequently lift/transport hot food items in hotboxes (200#) onto and off box trucks and to event locations
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and frequently lift, push, pull, or carry up to 30 lbs.
• Must be able to work a varied schedule, including nights and weekends

This is a full time non-exempt position.

Shift hours vary; must be available to work nights and weekends. Flexibility in workplace locations, days and hours is essential, including willingness to work long, non-standard workdays.

Key Characteristics of a Successful Team Member in this Unit:

• Works through Issues– Recognizes that the work is about successful outcomes. If things aren’t going well, outcomes suffer. Is willing to have crucial conversations if things aren’t going well.Doesn’t just complain to management, does everything possible to remedy the situation directly first.
• Reliable– Does what they say they will do, when they say they will do it. Shows up for work when expected. Doesn’t push the burden of work volume or deadlines to others.
• Raises the Bar– Expects and delivers excellence. Is a creative problem solver. Is proactive. Welcomes input on making things better.Places a high value on learning and getting better
• Detail-Oriented– Accurately assesses information and applies applicable procedures. Understand even small mistakes can create big issues; attention to detail work indicates care about the outcomes.
• Teamwork– Genuinely values teamwork and co-workers; make them feel valuable and important by acknowledging what they do well.Doesn’t expect from others effort that one is unwilling to do themselves.Finds ways to acknowledge other’s strong suits.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff.Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.