Catering Supervisor (Naperville - EXTENDED and REVISED)

Primary Function

This individual oversees all catering operations at NIU Naperville and assists with conference services and event sales and planning.

The position requires the ability to work independently with little supervision. This individual will have contact with conference clients and potential clients and must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. This individual must also be reliable, conscientious and able to work well under pressure. Evening hours and weekend hours will sometimes be required.
Duties and Responsibilities (generally)

38% Event Planning
Coordinates plans for special functions; Contacts the client to finalize details of event, final number of attendees and schedules all catering function with catering companies and catering team members. Works with Conference Services Manager to provide support for event planning, interfacing with customers to ascertain program requirements, relaying those requirements to appropriate on-site personnel; uses scheduling tools to record and report activities.

Manages Service of Food
37% Supervises food service operations, including the prep-kitchen, lunch room and break service areas. Oversees and assists with the preparation, set-up, and service for morning and afternoon breaks, lunches and special catering events. Duties include greeting clients and monitoring quality of catered food. Other duties include food arrangement, replenishment, and cleaning of equipment. Assists with weekly inventory and ordering food supplies, paper products and catered meals from multiple vendors. Assists in cost control for catering operations and makes suggestions on alternative products. Works with Sales & Marketing Specialist, Food Service Area Supervisor and other catering staff in designing and decorating break, dining and reception areas to assure an attractive and fresh appearance for food service areas. Assists with planning, setup, decorating, break down and staffing social events including weddings and receptions. Supervises Food Service Area Supervisor and oversees other food service and catering staff and servers from outside catering vendors. Responsible for training of in-house and contracted clean-up and set up help. Coordinates sets with proper linen and skirting.

10%Promotes Customer Service
Acts as liaison between clients and staff members to promote customer satisfaction and enhance relationship with external and University clients; interfaces directly with clietns on site and shares information with appropriate staff members regarding clientss’ needs, requests and overall satisfaction at the Center; recommends and helps implement staff cross training beneficial to customer satisfaction; recommends and ehlps implement creative ideas and initiatives to optimize customers’ satisfaction and overall perceived value of food services; recommends and helps implement changes to maintain consistency with current practices and expectations for food service in the conference center industry.

10% Records and Analyzes Expenditures
Maintains accurate records and controls inventories; maintains detailed records of food service expenses by budget category; monitors daily food costs. Monitors pricing on all food service invoices; analyzes and controls expenditures within established budget: makes recommendations based on cost analysis.

5% Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Qualifications for this position

1. High school graduation or equivalent
2. Two (2) years (24 months) of responsible work experience in food service that includes event planning within a catering environment
Specialty Factors (Additional Required Qualifications)

Education and Experience Preferred

· Experience Managing a Staff
· Previous Banquet Captain, Catering Supervisor Experience
· 4 years of experience in Hospitality industry
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to the performance of this position.

· Excellent communications skills
· Knowledge on what it takes to gather and manage information
· Flexibility on schedule and driving to appointments
· A customer oriented personality
· Ability to handle stress
· High energy Level and Professionalism
· Good time management skills
Working Hours
Standard 6:30 am - 2:30 pm but could include evening and weekend hours
Minimum Pay Rate (Hourly or Monthly)
Actual hiring rate is commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity; position includes a robust benefits package to eligible applicants.
Hiring Rate Information

Actual hiring rate is commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity; position includes a robust benefits package to eligible applicants.

Posting Date
08/24/2021
Closing Date
09/27/2021
Priority Review Date

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position, however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience.
• If you have education and/or training in excess of what is required, we encourage you to upload your unofficial transcripts.
• After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this particular position.
• Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from jobs@niu.edu and CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu. Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication.
• We STRONGLY recommend that contact information used in your online profile be personal use, not professional/work information: personal email address, home address, and phone numbers. The information you provide is used to make contact on search updates, department referrals and interviews, etc. We must be able to relay sensitive and important information in a way that protects your privacy concerning job search activity, now and in the future.
• The Civil Service examination for this classification is a Credentials Assessment, and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register. After the application deadline, the names within the top three scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.
• If eligible for Veteran’s Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application in order to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination.
• Click on Catering Superviso r for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements.
• Please click Human Resource Services – Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University’s benefits package.
• Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Application Procedures

Link to Department Homepage
Naperville Outreach Operations
Physical Demands

Must be able to move furniture and equipment up to 50 lbs.
EEO Statement

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560
Is Background Check Required
Yes
Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Education ( AAEOE ) at ada@niu.edu .

Clery Act Information

NIU provides information regarding campus security, personal and fire safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, emergency response procedures and crime reporting policies, in addition to crime and fire statistics for the most recent three calendar years. The Annual Security Report containing security and safety information is available at www.safety.niu.edu/clery or by contacting the University Police Department and Public Safety Department at 815-753-9628 to receive a hard copy. The Annual Fire Safety Report is available at www.niu.edu/clery/fire_report.pdf or by contacting the Environmental Health and Safety Department at 815-753-0404 to receive a hard copy.

Quick Link
https://employment.niu.edu/postings/58898
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * What is the highest level of education attained?
   • GED
   • High School Diploma
   • Associates Degree
   • Bachelors Degree
   • Masters Degree
   • PHD
2. * Do you have a degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Hospitality Management or Hotel Management or a closely related field?
   • N/A
   • Associate's degree
   • Bachelor's degree or higher
3. * How many years of professional work experience in food service and event planning within a catering environment do you posses?
   • 0-2 years
   • 2-3 years
   • 3-4 years
   • 4-5 years
   • 5 or more years
4. Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or resume.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
5. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience coordinating operations with appropriate personnel; assisting customers/clients with planning food service events; advising potential customers/clients on best options for catering services to meet particular needs including menus planning. Employer Name and Employment Dates must be provided below.
   • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed under guidance.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.
6. Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or resume.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
7. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience implementing, developing and enforcing department standards, policies and procedures, developing and practicing sanitation principles; recommending new methods, techniques and procedures for improvement in operation, may conduct research for new concepts and themes for program presentation. Employer Name and Employment Dates must be provided below.
   • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed under guidance.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.
8. Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or resume.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
9. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience recruiting, hiring, evaluating and training staff in food preparation, and in service, sanitation, and safety procedures; developing staff to accomplish the goals of the catering/food service department; observing and evaluating workers and work procedures in order to ensure quality work standards and service. Employer Name and Employment Dates must be provided below.
   • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed under guidance.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.
10. Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or resume.
    
    (Open Ended Question)
    
    
11. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience inspecting supplies, equipment, and work areas in order to ensure efficient service and conformance to standards controlling inventories of food, equipment, small-ware and reporting shortages to designated personnel; analyzing operational problems, such as theft and wastage, and establishing procedures to alleviate these problems. Employer Name and Employment Dates must be provided below.
    • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
    • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed under guidance.
    • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.
12. Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or resume.
    
    (Open Ended Question)
    
    
13. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience maintaining computerized records, preparing and maintaining reports, records, payroll and other forms such as accident reports, event reports, alcoholic beverage forms, work schedules; assisting in the control of overhead and labor costs, in requisitioning food, equipment, and supplies to ensure quality and timely services and sound fiscal management practices are being followed. Employer Name and Employment Dates must be provided below.
    • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
    • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed under guidance.
    • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.
14. Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or resume.
    
    (Open Ended Question)
    
    
15. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience overseeing and coordinating preparations and executing catered events; making arrangements for catering, including cost menus, estimates, bids, set-ups, floral arrangements, decorations, and/or transportation; service as primary contact person and/or liaison throughout event (i.e. banquet, reception, etc.); checking food items before serving to ensure adherence to client's expectations and to established standards and guidelines. Employer Name and Employment Dates must be provided below.
    • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
    • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed under guidance.
    • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.
16. Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or resume.
    
    (Open Ended Question)
    
    

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

1. Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
2. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
3. Transcripts #2 (unofficial with official required at hire)
4. Transcripts #3 (unofficial with official required at hire)