Position Title:Catering Operations Manager II
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalent and 7 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:Managerial and/or lead experience in catering, fine dining, or event operations.
Experience overseeing event preparation and execution for large-volume or multi-event catering operations.
Experience training and overseeing professional staff and student workers.
ServSafe Certified
Job Description:
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.
Click HERE (http://catering.iastate.edu/) to watch our team in action!
Example of Duties
Supervises service delivery, training, safety, sanitation, facilities maintenance, marketing, and cash handling in order to meet departmental goals.
Assists with the development of operational pricing and budgets to meet sales, budgetary, and financial targets.
Supervises and participates in food production, including forecasting food ordering, food preparation, and food sanitation.
Authorizes purchases and monitors inventory control procedures.
Assists in the planning and execution of dining programs and participates in short and long-term strategic planning.
Assists in creating and updating policies and procedures used by the department in order to assure compliance with university policies and State and Federal laws.
Evaluates product offerings and selection to keep current with the popularity of items offered for sale.
Markets the department and acts as the liaison for the department with various units, committees or task forces.
Establishes and demonstrates a positive working relationship with vendors to develop product ordering, delivery, and stocking schedules.
Researches, facilitates, and develops trainings and orientations for new staff.
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
Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope per policy
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Applications will be accepted for guaranteed consideration through February 22nd, 2026.
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS807
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
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) 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 (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-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 (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
