Operations Manager

Assistant Catering Manager

Company: Rocky Top Catering

Reports To: Catering Operations Manager

Job Type: Part-Time

Schedule: Includes nights, weekends, and some holidays as business demands

Position Summary

The Assistant Catering Manager supports daily operational needs by ensuring assigned areas, equipment, and processes are maintained efficiently and safely. This role plays a key part in delivering exceptional service, supporting team operations, and helping the department meet performance standards. The ideal candidate is dependable, detail-oriented, and able to make sound business decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee event operations, ensuring seamless execution from setup through breakdown.
• Ensure all events meet quality, presentation, and service standards.
• Supervise event space setup and food and beverage service to meet and exceed event specifications while maintaining superior quality.
• Track labor and operational costs to support financial goals.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and alcohol service procedures.
• Collaborate with culinary, sales, and operations teams to execute menus and service timelines.
• Maintain excellent relationships with employees, guests, clients, and all operational departments.
• Oversee athlete dining in multiple locations and ensure it meets quality, presentation, and service standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all catering storage, staging, and operational areas.
• Conduct monthly inventory of front-of-house products, equipment, service ware, and display ware while supporting inventory control goals.
• Responsible for ongoing training, coaching, goal setting, and engagement of hourly team members.
• Review weekly events to determine staffing levels, scheduling times, staff distribution, and event execution within Nowsta.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

[ADDED] Leadership & Operational Support

• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding new event staff as needed.
• Support event managers and operations leadership with special projects and operational initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements to increase efficiency and enhance the guest experience.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in catering, hospitality, event operations, or hospitality management.
• Experience with scheduling, staffing, and team leadership.
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Proven experience working in a high-volume, operations-focused environment.
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage service, event operations, and event coordination.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and alcohol compliance requirements.

• Ability to lead, coach, and train hourly team members.

• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record required.

[ADDED] Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in collegiate athletics, stadiums, premium hospitality, or large-scale event venues preferred
• TIPS Certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work independently as a self-starter and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and POS systems.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to problem-solve and respond quickly to operational needs.
• Commitment to safety and following established procedures.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, push, and pull as needed.
• Workload will vary depending on seasonal business demands and event schedules.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Work Environment

This position may work in various stadium facilities, hospitality spaces, outdoor patios, grass areas, kitchens, storage facilities, and other event locations where the business conducts operations.

Compensation

Starting at $25.00 per hour

[ADDED] Benefits

• Flexible scheduling based on event calendar and business needs.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the organization.
• Access to unique hospitality, athletic, and special event experiences.

Additional Information

• Attendance at all UNC home football games is required.
• Uniform is business casual on non-event days and professional business attire on event and game days.
• ServSafe Certification is preferred.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position. Employees may be assigned additional job-related responsibilities as business needs require. Management reserves the right to modify, adjust, or change job duties to meet operational needs.

Why Join Our Team?

Rocky Top Catering is a growing organization with diverse business opportunities and tremendous potential for personal and professional development. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of collaboration, teamwork, mentorship, and continuous learning. If you are passionate about hospitality, leadership, and creating exceptional guest experiences, we invite you to join our team and grow with us.