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The Nashville Food Project

Catering Manager

Nashville, TN

Position Description / Responsibilities

The Catering Manager serves as the primary lead for TNFP’s catering social enterprise, driving earned revenue growth, strengthening community partnerships, and delivering high-quality, mission-aligned food experiences. In partnership with the Chief Culinary Officer (CCO), this role oversees all catering operations, supervises the Catering Coordinator, and ensures that every catering engagement reflects TNFP’s core values of hospitality, stewardship, and justice. The Catering Manager maintains an active, hands-on presence in catering production, directly supporting menu execution, food preparation, quality control, and event service alongside the Catering Coordinator. This position also provides coordination and operational support for on-site facility rentals in collaboration with the Operations Manager, ensuring appropriate staffing, seamless event execution, and an exceptional guest experience for all clients and guests. Reporting to the CCO, the Catering Manager works cross-functionally with the Meals, Development, and Operations teams to align earned revenue strategies with TNFP’s mission, organizational values, and broader programmatic goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Manage TNFP’s catering social enterprise aligned with organizational mission and values
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all catering inquiries, owning client relationships from initial inquiry through post-event follow-up
  • Lead all catering operations, including menu planning, ordering, hands-on food production, production coordination, and event execution
  • Lead and work catering events, including hands-on food production, setup, and service, while recruiting and directing staff and volunteers as needed
  • Serve as the on-site lead or designate coverage for events, ensuring operational readiness and issue resolution
  • Collaborate with the Director of Meals and Meals Manager on procedures to minimize waste through careful use of ingredients in regard to the catering program
  • Collaborate with the CCO to establish and maintain high standards for catered meals
  • Provide marketing support for catering offerings, including writing articles/blogs, providing photos and content for social media and TNFP newsletters
  • Maintain accurate records of all catering activity, including inquiries, bookings, and finances

Position Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Culinary degree and/or a minimum of 2 years relevant experience, including professional kitchen experience and/or culinary training, facility management or work in cafeteria
  • Demonstrated experience in managing or growing a program, service line, or revenue stream
  • ServSafe certified or willing to become certified upon hire

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Valid driver’s license and safe driving record
  • Ability to consistently lift and move up to 50 pounds and ability to navigate stairs
  • Well-organized with attention to detail, record keeping and time management skills
  • Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with diverse communities including nonprofits, volunteers and the general public
  • Well organized with attention to detail, record keeping and time management skills
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and work in a fast-paced environment

CLASSIFICATION

This is a full-time, exempt salaried position at 40 hours/week. Occasional weekend and evening hours may be required. This grade of this position in the TNFP Compensation Policy is 36E.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Starting annual salary is $52,000-$55,500 commensurate with experience. TNFP offers a benefits package for full-time employees including:

  • 75% employer paid health insurance for employees, voluntary dental and vision insurance
  • 25% employer paid health insurance for dependents, voluntary dental and vision insurance
  • Employer paid term-life and AD&D insurance, and long-term disability insurance
  • Cell phone stipend
  • 15 paid holidays
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program
  • Parental leave
  • Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
  • Flexible work environment (i.e., remote and/or hybrid), including hours and location

Application Instructions

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter outlining your interest in our work and mission to info@thenashvillefoodproject.org by May 22, 2026.

In all aspects of its work, The Nashville Food Project strives for a culture of inclusivity and fairness without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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