Catering Lead (2 positions)(On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $21.05 - $25.14. The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is Step 1: $21.05/hr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around December 17, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

These union positions are represented by the bargaining unit AFSCME: Service - SX.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: These positions are fully on-site.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

At the direction of the Catering Supervisor, the FSW Lead - Catering is responsible for the production and delivery of catering orders, catered events and assisting the Catering Supervisor with the maintenance of the catering program. The responsibilities include, but are not limited to, processing sales orders, customer service, preparation of orders, deliveries, set up of events, serving events ,break down of events, supervision of student employees and assisting in the development of catering services. The incumbent will assist the Catering Supervisor with all the necessary tasks for the successful execution of catered events and delivery of catering orders while adhering to the core mission of Catering and Dining Services. The FSW Lead - Catering is a visible member of the Dining Services team; attention to detail, professional and elegant service knowledge and maintain a professional appearance and the ability to communicate effectively with campus' executive leadership and their guests when necessary.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

PRODUCTION AND DELIVERY

• Independently organize, prepare and execute catering events and deliveries.
• Set up catering venues, including - erecting tables, setting tables, preparing floral arrangements and assisting affiliates with the tasks necessary for design/set up of a catering event.
• Independently break down and clean-up as necessary at the completion of a catering event.
• Assist with the preparation of food items and small wares necessary for execution of a catering event or food item delivery.
• Assist with plating of food items as necessary for plated service catering events.
• Provide table service for full-service catering events.
• Serve alcoholic beverages responsibly and in accordance with policy and state law.
• Off campus delivery of food and catering items.

STAFF AND SUPERVISION

• Assist the Assistant Manager with staff training and development.
• With the direction of the Assistant Manager, schedule the appropriate student labor for fulfillment of catering obligations.
• Assist with tracking of student employee attendance.
• Lead a staff of student catering employees.
• Supervise student staff at catered events to ensure service needs are met.
• Schedule, assign and coordinate work.
• Train and evaluate the performance of personnel working in one or more phases of a food service operation.
• Check the quality of food prior and throughout events.
• Maintain portion control in a kitchen or dining area.

SAFETY & SANITATION

• Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Keep work area clean & debris free.
• Identify & correct hazards.
• Set-up/clean equipment, worktables, sinks & drains in kitchen areas at beginning & end of shift.
• Ensure compliance with State & Federal Sanitation Guidelines.
• Use appropriate cleaning agents to perform general kitchen maintenance.
• Notify management of maintenance problems.
• Independently safely use, assemble, disassemble & train others to use kitchen equipment following University Dining Services standards.
• Ensures that food quality and safety guidelines are maintained to achieve the highest public health standards and reduce the risk of food borne illness.
• Records daily HACCP time and temperature logs.
• Adheres to HACCP guidelines to ensure practices are in continued compliance with State and Federal Sanitation Guidelines.
• In conjunction with Unit Management, monitors kitchen facilities, property, and staff for safety and security.
• Oversees staff in utilizing appropriate cleaning agents for assigned job.
• Scrape out containers, use byproducts (leftovers/scraps) for soup, print double-sided, follow production flow plans.
• Wash pots, pans, food preparation bowls and dishes.
• Perform full range of kitchen cleaning.
• Use hand tools, polish silverware & wash equipment and dishes.
• Sweep & mop stains/spillage.

SUSTAINABILITY

• Sort waste for recycling & pre/post-consumer composting.
• Share sustainability knowledge.
• Maintain security of Unit equipment and supplies.
• Empty trash & recycling receptacles.
• Maintain adequate supply closets.

SALES, MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT

• Assist with the processing of catering orders using CaterTrax.
• Assist with receiving/inputting orders from email or telephone.
• Promote and implement marketing initiatives at the direction of the Catering Services Assistant Manager.
• Assist with the maintenance and development of the overall catering program, including menu development, policies and procedures.
• May assist in maintaining satisfactory customer relations.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training.
• 3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience leading teams.
• Serving experience, food and beverage
• Customer service experience to cooperate with public and other staff member and convey a helpful, positive attitude.
• Higher education food service experience. (Preferred)
• Must be Servsafe certified within 90 days of employment (provided after hire).
• Must maintain valid CA Driver's License.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Proficient customer service skills in high end service settings.
• Experience following production schedules within specific timelines.
• Problem solving skills to troubleshoot problems as they arise, find alternate solutions, and implement solutions in a professional and efficient manner.
• Working knowledge of safety and sanitation in food preparation following HAACP standards.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of applications.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical equations.
• Ability to successfully communicate in English - read, write, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.