Catering Manager

Rome’s Joy CateringCatering & Kitchen Manager Job Description

Position Title: Catering & Kitchen Manager

Location: Rome’s Joy Companies / Parkway Social – 4455 S. King Dr. Chicago, IL

Position Type: Full-Time

Pay: Starting Rate: $45,000

Duration: Ongoing

Position Overview

Rome’s Joy Companies is seeking an experienced, dependable, and team-oriented Catering & Kitchen Manager to oversee catering production, kitchen operations, and culinary staff while supporting our Culinary & Hospitality Training Program.

This position combines catering management, kitchen leadership, food production, staff supervision, and workforce development. The manager will ensure catering orders and events are executed efficiently while creating a professional, hands-on learning environment for program participants.

The ideal candidate has professional kitchen and catering experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to teach, train, and mentor young individuals developing their culinary and workplace skills.

Catering & Kitchen Responsibilities

● Oversee daily catering production, food preparation, and kitchen operations

● Review catering orders, menus, quantities, production needs, and timelines

● Lead prep, cooking, portioning, packaging, and staging of catering orders

● Coordinate large-volume food preparation for catering events and special programs

● Monitor food quality, consistency, portioning, temperature, and presentation

● Lead and supervise kitchen staff, prep cooks, line cooks, interns, and program participants

● Assign daily kitchen tasks and ensure stations are properly stocked and organized

● Maintain kitchen cleanliness, food safety, sanitation, and storage standards

● Monitor inventory, food and supply needs, and food waste

● Assist with receiving and organizing deliveries

● Ensure proper use and maintenance of kitchen equipment

● Assist with event setup, service, breakdown, and cleanup as needed

● Communicate with catering and operations leadership regarding production and staffing needs

● Support kitchen opening, closing, and cleaning procedures

Leadership & Staff Development

● Train and support new kitchen staff and program participants

● Establish clear expectations for professionalism, teamwork, and kitchen conduct

● Create a positive, respectful, and productive kitchen environment

● Lead by example through professionalism, punctuality, communication, and accountability

● Address performance and operational concerns in collaboration with management

Performance & Operational Impact

The Catering & Kitchen Manager will contribute to:

● Consistent, high-quality catering production

● Efficient and organized kitchen operations

● Successful execution of catering events and special programs

● Strong food safety and sanitation practices

● Effective kitchen communication and teamwork

● Development of culinary and workplace skills among program participants

● A positive and professional training environment

● Maintaining the standards and reputation of Rome’s Joy Companies

Qualifications

● Previous experience in catering, restaurant kitchens, food service, or professional culinary operations

● Previous kitchen leadership or supervisory experience preferred

● Knowledge of professional food preparation and kitchen operations

● Experience with catering or high-volume food preparation preferred

● Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills

● Ability to train, coach, and provide constructive feedback

● Experience working with young adults, students, interns, or individuals entering the workforce preferred

● Strong interest in mentorship, teaching, and workforce development

● Patient, professional, and approachable leadership style

● Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced kitchen environment

● Reliable and punctual

● Food Handlers or ServSafe Managers certification required

Schedule Expectations

● Schedule follows a Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm structure and varies based on catering production, events, kitchen operations, and training program needs

● Daytime, evening, and occasional weekend availability required

● Flexibility is expected during high-volume catering periods and special programming

Position Summary

The Catering & Kitchen Manager will play an important role in both the catering operations and workforce development mission of Rome’s Joy Companies. This position will lead kitchen and catering production while providing hands-on training, mentorship, and professional development to individuals preparing for careers in the culinary and hospitality industry.

Pay: From $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid training

Work Location: In person