Catering & Conference Manager

**Classification & Regular Hours**: Hours per Week: 35 Salary Grade: 14 Please note, this is a 1-year contract position covering a leave. **About Western**: Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference. **About Us**: The Division of Housing and Ancillary Services (HAS) is committed to providing a first-class experience in the areas of housing, hospitality services, and retail services for undergraduate/graduate students and their families, staff and faculties at the Western communities, while supporting the academic mission of the University and ensuring profitability and cost effectiveness of the operation. **Responsibilities**: The Catering and Conference Manager is responsible for developing, coordinating and managing all details of special events. The role will prepare quotes for clients and follow-up with the collection of deposits at scheduled intervals as required. The Catering and Conference will regularly communicate with stakeholders and meet with clients/guests/customers to discuss concerns or issues regarding products, services, dietary needs, health and safety procedures, and event logistics. The role will participate in events as well as assist with managing space and room reservations and will work closely with the Chef, Supervisors, office staff, service staff and the University community to deliver exceptional customer service for all and any event. **Qualifications**: **Education**: - University Degree in Hospitality Management and Administration or a 2-year Community College Diploma in Hospitality Management with relevant related experience **Experience**: - 3 years of experience in a position related to event planning, marketing and management in a unionized hospitality environment - Hotel and event management experience is preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: - Knowledge of menu development and menu/event planning - Proven ability to plan and organize events effectively with an acute sense of detail - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - Strong people management experience with direct accountability for recruitment, ongoing training and development and performance management - Judgment, analytical and problem solving skills with a consultative and collaborative approach to addressing issues and opportunities - Able to build and maintain lasting relationships with other departments, clients and external vendors - Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals - Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and set priorities in a fast paced environment - Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the Universities events and schedules - Possesses a reputation for resourcefulness with a strong sense of accountability and initiative **Western Values Diversity**: Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194. **Please Note**: We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.