Front Of House Manager - Catering (393) Extended

Chartered in 1895, Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a student-centered, regional public research institution with a diverse and international student body of approximately 17,000 students. Located 65 miles from downtown Chicago, in DeKalb, Illinois, NIU is a thriving community of dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, local residents and friends. Together, we support the goal of providing upward mobility to our students as well as the opportunity to make an enduring impact on our future.

NIU has a long, rich tradition of academic excellence with a breadth of programmatic offerings that support the academic aspirations of our students. Our nationally and internationally recognized faculty are not only dedicated to advancing their academic disciplines, but, in collaboration with NIU staff, are also focused on providing meaningful curricular and co-curricular experiences that prepare NIU students to be successful in achieving their future goals. NIU is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a Research University/High Research Activity and a Carnegie Engaged University. NIU offers baccalaureate, master's, doctoral and law degrees across more than 40 academic departments and seven colleges.

Position Summary

Provides supervision for multi-function food service areas, specifically catering to ensure customer satisfaction and revenue generation. Implements business practices in order to uphold NIU's mission and values. Contributes to the account revenue and operating reserves through the implementation of services and creation of opportunities for growth. The individual in this position works under the supervision of the Director of Catering

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Directly Oversee the Operation of Catered Events

• 50%

• Sets up events.

• Organizes timely delivery, setting up all equipment and food items in advance.

• Serves customers, ensuring proper, timely and professional service.

• Cleans up areas at the end of event, stores all food appropriately according to sanitation guidelines, cleans and stores all equipment.

Plan & Coordinate Catering Functions

• 20%

• Assists customers with the planning of food service events. (Includes menu selection, room set-up, type of service, color scheme, etc.)

• Constructs weekly Schedules for Catering Department. Enters information into scheduling system.

• Assures customer satisfaction through the service of catered events in an efficient and caring manner.

• Assures customer satisfaction through the service of high-quality food.

• Coordinates catering food needs with production team.

• Assures proper set-up of areas prior to service.

• Adheres to department standards, policies and procedures, including sanitation standards.

• Requisitions foods and supplies needed through the storekeeper.

• Maintains and prepares all necessary records and reports

• Trains and evaluates Civil Service, Student and Extra Help employees for Catering Department.

• Develops Civil Service Staff to successfully lead Catering crews to accomplish the goals of the Catering Department.

• Coordinates operations efficiently with HSC general office, Conference office, Building services, Guest services, Accounting and Audio/Visual Departments

Other Related Duties as Assigned

• 15%

• Performs the duties of all supervised employees when staffing needs warrant such activities.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Public Relations Activities

• 10%

• Promotes the unit and department to customers and the community.

• Develops and maintains good public relations with students, guests, and university personnel.

• Responds to customer complaints, vendors, and other operational situations by exercising sound judgment and decision-making skills.

Human Resource Activities

• 5%

• Communicates unit policies and procedures.

• Reviews and analyzes reports and implements corrective action.

• Evaluates capabilities of employees in determining work responsibilities.

• Manages by providing positive, constructive feedback to employees in order to reward, coach, correct and motivate.

• Counsels employees and supervisors concerning departmental objectives.

• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations as well as NIU policies and procedures.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Any one or combination totaling eight (8) years (96 months) from the categories below:

• Coursework or vocational training in hospitality administration/management, culinary science, food services management, or a closely related discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:

• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)

• Associate's Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)

• 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)

• Bachelor's Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)

• Progressively more responsible supervisory and managerial experience in commercial or institutional food service operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

Class Specific KSAs:

• Knowledge of the theories, principles, methods, and procedures of professional food service management.

• Skill in directing and managing the activities of a staff.

• Administrative ability.

Position Specific KSAs:

• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

• Organizational and time management skills.

• Strong customer service skills.

• Ability to be flexible and meet deadlines.

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

None

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

• Catering experience on a college campus.

• Illinois Food Service Sanitation Certifications: Certification required within first 6 months of employment; Bassett (alcohol training course) Certification is required within the first 6 months of employment.

• Valid State of Illinois Drivers' License

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

N/A

Additional Requirements (SPS)

N/A

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

N/A

Physical demands/requirements