Senior Catering Operations Specialist | Three Leaf Catering

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

The Senior Catering Operations Specialist provides strategic and operational leadership for front-of-house catering execution within Three Leaf Catering at the University of Notre Dame. This role oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of all campus catering events, including academic programs, student functions, athletics hospitality, alumni events, weddings, VIP engagements, and external client functions.

The position is responsible for managing complex and high-profile events while ensuring operational excellence and consistency in service standards. The Senior Catering Operations Specialist supervises two Catering Operations Specialists and plays a key role in coordinating staffing, equipment planning, labor management, and service quality across all events.

Serving as the operational bridge between catering sales, culinary teams, logistics, Human Resources, and University leadership, this role ensures operational readiness, accountability, and continuous improvement in catering operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for the planning, coordination, and execution of campus catering events.
• Oversee a wide range of events including academic programs, student functions, athletics hospitality, alumni events, weddings, VIP engagements, and external client functions.
• Manage complex and high-profile events to ensure seamless execution and exceptional service quality.
• Supervise and support two Catering Operations Specialists, ensuring alignment with operational standards and best practices.
• Develop and manage staffing strategies, including labor planning and team coordination for events.
• Ensure consistency in front-of-house service standards, event execution, and guest experience.
• Coordinate equipment planning and operational logistics to support successful event delivery.
• Serve as the operational liaison between catering sales, culinary teams, logistics, Human Resources, and University leadership.
• Monitor operational performance and implement improvements to enhance efficiency, accountability, and service excellence.

Education

• Associate’s degree, or up to three years of college or technical school coursework in hospitality management, event management, business administration, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 4–6 years of progressive experience in catering operations, banquet management, or event logistics.
• At least 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience within hospitality, catering, or event operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, high-volume events and coordinating multi-layered service teams.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage operational teams in a fast-paced event environment.
• Strong financial and operational acumen, including labor management and operational efficiency.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with cross-functional teams including culinary, sales, logistics, and administrative staff.

Annual Salary starting at $62,000 Commensurate with Experience

Please include a cover letter and resume when submitting your application

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.