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Catering Manager 3
Company : Sodexo
Location : Burlington, VT, 05405
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Role Overview
Join a great team where students are at the heart of everything we do!
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE!
Sodexo’s Campus Segment is seeking a Catering Manager 3 for the University of Vermont (UVM) in Burlington, VT. This high-volume university account is dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences for students, faculty, and external partners.
At the University of Vermont, our catering team is dedicated to ensuring that every event — whether unique or recurring — receives our utmost attention and care. We take pride in offering a diverse range of menus tailored to various preferences and budgets. With a focus on freshness and quality, our experienced team ensures every dish is expertly prepared and beautifully presented.
The Catering Manager 3 will lead a team of up to 25 student employees and supervisory staff to execute delivered catering across campus. This role collaborates closely with catering coordinators, executive chefs, and University Conference & Events staff to plan, organize, and execute successful events — from intimate campus gatherings to large-scale conferences. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned catering professional or an individual looking to grow into a leadership role within a dynamic and student-centered environment.
What You'll Do
Lead and manage all aspects of catering operations across campus.
Supervise, train, and develop a student catering team, including bartenders and wait staff, ensuring high-quality service for every event.
Partner with the culinary team on menu planning, event logistics, and staffing requirements.
Collaborate with University Conference & Events staff on proposals, sales meetings, and final event execution.
Drive sales growth through creative catering initiatives and exceptional client relationships.
Ensure adherence to Sodexo and UVM standards, including HACCP and food safety protocols.
Maintain organization, accuracy, and timeliness in event coordination and billing.
Promote sustainability and local sourcing in all catering operations.
What We Offer
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
What You Bring
A strong passion for hospitality and customer service excellence.
Proven organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple events and priorities.
Experience in event planning, catering, or food service management (preferred, but willing to train the right candidate).
Ability to motivate and mentor student employees, fostering teamwork and professional development.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for building strong client and campus partnerships.
Commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, and a positive campus experience.
Who We Are
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experienceMinimum Management Experience - 2 years Minimum Functional Experience – 1 year work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.
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Frequently asked questions
Burlington's catering manager roles are moderately competitive due to the city's vibrant university and event scenes. Candidates with strong leadership and event coordination experience tend to stand out, especially with local knowledge of sustainable sourcing and campus dining preferences.
While no single certification is mandatory, HACCP and food safety credentials are highly valued in Vermont’s university catering sector. These certifications demonstrate compliance with health standards and enhance trust among clients and campus partners.
A Catering Manager 3 typically oversees large teams, including training student staff and managing high-volume events. This role demands multitasking across event logistics, menu collaboration, and quality control, setting it apart from entry-level positions that focus more on execution.
Professionals at this level often progress into senior catering management or director roles, leveraging their leadership skills and operational expertise. Growth may also include specialization in sales catering or event management within institutional or university settings.
Catering Managers need refined leadership abilities and strategic planning skills, while assistant managers often focus on supporting daily operations and staff supervision. The managerial role demands stronger client relationship building and sales initiative experience.
Sodexo emphasizes a student-centered approach with a strong commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. The role includes collaboration across campus departments and offers structured growth, blending hospitality with social responsibility in a dynamic university environment.
Sodexo provides relocation assistance, comprehensive benefits like health coverage and 401(k) matching, plus career development programs. This holistic support fosters job satisfaction and helps managers thrive within the fast-paced university catering landscape.
Catering Manager 3 roles in Burlington typically offer between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience and education. Sodexo’s compensation also reflects market standards for managerial catering jobs in university settings, including benefits and growth opportunities.
Expertise in event coordination, staff leadership, and menu customization aligned with diverse dietary needs are crucial. Additionally, knowledge of HACCP standards and sustainability practices resonates well with UVM’s commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.
Balancing student schedules with event demands requires flexibility and motivational skills. Ensuring consistent service quality while mentoring less experienced staff also poses a unique challenge, calling for patience and effective communication.