Catering and Events Manager (Limited Appointment)

Associated Students UCLA, as a responsive student-centered organization, provides innovative and excellent services, programs, products, and facilities for the entire UCLA community.  ASUCLA was created when the campus first opened in 1919.  Even in the very early years, ASUCLA meant student government, student publications, and student services such as a bookstore and cafeteria.  Today, ASUCLA has evolved into a four-part organization.  These four entities collectively make up the largest student association in the country.  The four entities are:

• Undergraduate Students Association – elected representatives of the undergraduate student body.
• Graduate Students Association – elected representatives of the graduate student body.
• Student Media – this includes the Daily Bruin, UCLARadio.com, the Bruin Life Yearbook, and seven different magazines.
• Services & Enterprises – this division is designed to meet the everyday needs of students and the campus community.  Major divisions are the Student Union, Event Services, UCLA Restaurants, UCLA Store, UCLA Photography, and Trademarks & Licensing.

Goals of Associated Students UCLA:
Products - To provide essential and convenient items that are easily accessible, of high quality, and low cost, including, but not limited to, academic support, food, trademark merchandise, and convenience products. In addition, to continue evaluating the utility and convenience of all products to make improvements that will best serve the UCLA community.

Facilities - To provide a welcoming environment that contains as much space as possible for the optimal functioning of general academic support, student governments, student organizations, and social gatherings. To have state-of-the-art venues for programming and efficient, aesthetic, and multi-functional commercial outlets.

Programs - To provide and support a diversified array of programming by prioritizing student-run, student-initiated, student-centered programming that reflects the needs of the campus community in order to enhance educational, cultural, and developmental social interaction.

Services - To provide an outstanding level of support to student government, student groups, and student programs through the state-of-the-art office and community spaces, and by providing adequate financial resources and personnel to ensure an active and vibrant campus life.

 
Anderson Catering and Events Manager (Limited Appointment)
Hourly Range:         $27.75- $29.75
Department:          Catering/Commissary
 

Position Overview & Key Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Special Events Division Manager, the Anderson Senior Catering Manager oversees all catering and event operations for the Anderson Graduate School of Management. This role is responsible for planning, selling, and executing a wide range of events—from intimate meetings to large-scale, high-profile functions—while delivering exceptional on-site service and cultivating long-term client relationships.

The Senior Catering Manager serves as a primary liaison between clients, campus partners, vendors, and internal teams, ensuring events are executed flawlessly, creatively, and in alignment with the Anderson brand. This position plays a key role in growing catering revenue, developing new business opportunities, and elevating the overall guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, sell, and manage a diverse portfolio of events, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, cocktail receptions, banquets, and high-volume/high-end functions
• Oversee multiple service styles such as buffet and plated meals, hors d’oeuvre receptions, box lunches, coffee service, and specialty catering formats
• Actively promote and sell catering services, building strong relationships with internal and external clients to drive repeat business and long-term partnerships
• Provide exceptional on-site event leadership, ensuring seamless execution, high service standards, and client satisfaction
• Design and produce visually compelling event presentations, including food displays, themed environments, centerpieces, and floral arrangements
• Work independently to conceptualize and execute event designs while maintaining attention to detail and brand consistency
• Coordinate with rental companies and vendors for dinnerware, buffet equipment, lighting, décor, and other event needs
• Create and manage themed spaces that enhance the guest experience and align with event objectives
• Collaborate with culinary, service, and operations teams to ensure smooth communication and execution from planning through breakdown
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication, site visits, and post-event follow-up
• Support the growth and development of the catering program through innovation, service excellence, and relationship management

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five (5) years of management experience in food service, catering, or hospitality operations within a high-volume environment; experience in client-facing, sales-driven, or high-profile catering settings preferred
• Proven ability to develop, manage, and grow client relationships, with a strong focus on service excellence, repeat business, and revenue generation
• Experience actively selling catering services and consulting with clients on menu design, service style, and event production
• Financially savvy, with experience managing budgets, pricing, forecasting, and cost controls to support profitable event operations
• Studio and corporate catering experience a plus
• Experience with Toast POS, Catertrax, and/or Caterease a plus
• Current portfolio of catering, event execution, or event design work preferred
• Demonstrated leadership ability supervising large teams while maintaining high service standards and team engagement
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with consistent follow-through and attention to detail
• Proficiency with PC-based word processing and spreadsheet applications; ability to analyze reports and use data to support business decisions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and interact professionally with diverse clients, vendors, and stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree required, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience
• ServSafe certification required or must be obtained within a specified timeframe
• TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) certification required or must be obtained within a specified timeframe
• RBS (Responsible Beverage Service) certification required or must be obtained within a specified timeframe
• Training or certification in hospitality leadership, event management, or related fields preferred
• Employment contingent upon maintaining a valid California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record in accordance with DMV and ASUCLA requirements

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly and indirectly supervises professional staff, represented employees, and part-time student staff

Physical and Special Requirements

• Requires frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting of up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-volume event environments while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail

Background Verification:

Fingerprinting Background Verification required.