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Comprehensive Catering Manager Job Description, Duties, Responsibilities, Requirements, and Qualifications

Comprehensive Catering Manager Job Description, Duties, Responsibilities, Requirements, and Qualifications
September 27, 2025

Gain insight into the essential qualifications, important duties, key responsibilities, and vital skills that form a well-rounded Catering Manager job description.

What does a Catering Manager do?

A catering manager is responsible for planning and managing catered events. They work closely with customers to determine their catering needs, supervise catering staff, and coordinate food preparation and service during events. They may also arrange transportation for food and catering equipment.

Job Description

We are seeking a versatile and organized catering manager to oversee our event catering services. As a catering manager, your tasks will include finalizing sales contracts and making sure catering order forms accurately reflect customer requirements. You will also be responsible for planning menus, coordinating venues and equipment, and hiring catering staff.

To excel as a catering manager, you should have extensive experience in event catering and delivering cost-effective services. Successful catering managers also build strong relationships with customers and exceed their expectations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Determine customer needs and offer catering options.
  • Negotiate prices and create detailed catering order forms.
  • Plan menus and oversee preparations for venues, equipment, food, and service.
  • Hire, train, and supervise catering staff, and create employee schedules.
  • Communicate with customers, sales staff, chefs, and specialized catering equipment providers.
  • Manage seating arrangements, serving of meals and beverages, and table clearing.
  • Monitor catering stock and supplies, and order replenishments as needed.
  • Track expenses and maintain accurate records.
  • Adhere to food and health industry regulations and standards.
  • Research catering trends and promote competitive catering services.

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Completion of an accredited catering management course, or similar training.
  • A Bachelor's degree in hospitality and culinary arts or business management is preferred.
  • 3-5 years of experience in catering management or a related field.
  • Familiarity with electronic catering management systems, such as Better Cater and Caterease.
  • Ability to deliver catering services within budget and on time.
  • Experience in hiring, training, and managing catering staff.
  • Excellent coordination skills to work with customers, chefs, and suppliers.
  • The ability to use industry knowledge to improve catering services.
  • Expertise in best practices for catering management.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.

Alternate Job Titles

  • Event Catering Manager

Catering Manager Salary

The earning potential of a Catering Manager can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, industry, professional experience, educational background, and the specific employer. On average, the annual salary for an Catering Manager in the United States is approximately $54330.

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