Catering Operations Manager II

Catering Operations Manager II

Iowa State University is seeking a Catering Operations Manager to oversee and coordinate catering operations supporting events across campus, including events connected to the President's Office and other high-profile university functions. This role is responsible for the execution and operational coordination of catering events, ensuring events are staffed, organized, and carried out according to established plans and service standards. This position focuses on operations and execution rather than menu development. The Catering Operations Manager works closely with catering leadership; managing a team of four assistant managers, a storekeeper II and up to 70 student employees, to support event needs in an environment where timelines and event details may shift quickly.

What You'll Do

• Oversee catering operations and event execution for events across campus, including President's Office-related events.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for operational execution during events, helping ensure staffing and service needs are supported.
• Oversee the work of catering operations staff, including assistant managers, drivers, storekeeper staff, and student employees.
• Manage staffing coverage by developing schedules, responding to call-offs, and adjusting resources based on event needs.
• Coordinate operational details by working with catering leadership and sales staff to translate event plans into staffing and execution support.
• Support training and ongoing development of student employees, helping ensure expectations and procedures are consistently followed.
• Maintain operational readiness by confirming staffing plans, equipment needs, and logistical details prior to events.
• Respond to short timelines or late changes by adjusting operational plans as needed to support successful event execution.

Benefits & Perks You'll Get

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance beginning on your first day (with timely enrollment)
• Competitive retirement options with strong university contributions
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay, including most Holidays OFF
• Free meal with every scheduled shift worked

About Iowa State University Catering

ISU Dining Catering supports events across campus, including meetings, receptions, and other university functions. Catering operations involve coordinating staff, schedules, and logistics to meet event needs while maintaining consistency and service standards. This role supports events that may involve multiple staff roles and evolving timelines.

Level Guidelines

• Aware of key annual objectives of department or work unit
• Understands linkage between daily activities and achievement of annual objectives of department/work unit and explains to direct reports
• Focus on ISU's mission and meeting department or work unit goals
• Supervises a small department or work team
• Often is a working manager with direct, previous experience performing work of those supervised
• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel; may share part of responsibility with higher level management

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date: February 10, 2026

Posting Close Date: March 1, 2026

Job Requisition Number: R18572

Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community.

Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website.