Operations Manager

Posting date: March 03, 2026

002435SR

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Cambridge
• School/Unit: Harvard University Central Administration
• Salary Grade: 057
• Job Function: Hospitality & Dining Services
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Term Appointment: No
• Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

The Catering Operations Manager oversees deliveries to all catering events and manages a staff of two exempt managers and thirty local 26 staff members. This position is the point person through whom all operations information flows. This position acts as a liaison between the Kitchen, Sales, and Events team.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Operational Management

• Ensure high standards are consistently met via the implementation of all HUDS and University quality assurance policies and procedures related to food, sanitation, safety, equipment and facility maintenance and management, etc.
• Develop and execute simple to complex catered indoor and outdoor events including, but not limited to house events, campus-wide events and commencement week events.
• Under the direction of the General Manager, oversee physical plant operations, including maintenance of equipment, equipment purchases, scheduling of preventative maintenance for physical plant operations and equipment and repairs of physical plant.
• Implement and assist with the management of Unit-specific sustainability goals and programs.

Fiscal Management

Under direction of general manager, ensure financial viability of the Unit through the management of established budgets. Ensure all financial related tasks are completed in a timely and accurate manner.

• Supports the General Manager with all financial, budgetary, MORS and accounting functions.
• Submit all invoices and PCard documentation per HUDS policy and procedure. Audit and review documents for accuracy prior to submission.
• Ensure all reporting is completed per university standards and all record-keeping is maintained in accordance with University policy.
• Assist the General Manager in developing cost reduction initiatives and other related efforts.

Employee and Labor Management

Provide leadership and direction to a diverse team of exempt and unionized, non-exempt workforce. Develop and maintain a positive and collaborative working environment that promotes open communication, consistency, fairness, and opportunities for continuous learning while achieving the vision and mission of HUDS and the University.

• Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with all staff via regular meetings, two-way communication, timely feedback, collaboration, and consistent visibility in the work unit.
• Ensure staff performance expectations and work rules are clearly communicated and implemented via regular coaching, mentoring and regular staff meetings.
• Manage and develop two nonexempt Event Managers, including performance reviews.
• In collaboration with Human Resources and HUDS Management, ensures employment practices are compliant with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement and all University personnel policy and procedures.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with Union Shop Stewards.
• Hire and train new staff members.
• Complete probationary employee evaluation form as required.
• Schedule unionized staff in compliance with labor budget management.

Physical Requirements:

• Continuous: walking, standing, lifting.
• Frequent: bending, reaching, squatting, push/pulling.
• Occasional: climbing, sitting, handling, manual dexterity.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree in Hotel/Hospitality Management.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service.
• Strong communication verbal and written. Interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with a diverse constituency.
• Strong time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines and prioritizing tasks.
• Good judgment and ability to independently make sound business decisions.
• Must be adaptable and know how to remain calm and professional in stressful situations.
• Works professionally, ethically and with integrity; Uphold the vision and mission of HUDS and the University.
• TIPS, CPR/Heimlich, and Serv-Safe sanitation certification.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Drug Test, CORI, References

Other Information:

• Emergency Status Designation: Essential Personnel

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.