Catherine Marston
Caldwell
Summary
Dynamic Dining Services Director with extensive experience in food management operations, budget administration, and staff leadership. Proven track record of enhancing client engagement and driving revenue through innovative menu development and strategic event planning. Expertise in catering consultation and community events to deliver exceptional results in the Desired Job Title. Committed to fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes quality service and customer satisfaction.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Dining Services
FLIK Hospitality at NBC Universal
New York, NY
06.2025 - Current
- Led strategic planning for dining services, enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented innovative menu options, aligning with client preferences and dietary trends.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure quality sourcing of ingredients and cost-effective purchasing.
- Oversaw staff training programs, fostering a culture of excellence in service delivery and teamwork.
- Analyzed operational data to drive decision-making and improve service delivery processes.
- Maintained strict health and safety standards in accordance with local regulations, resulting in zero violations during tenure.
Director of Dining Services
Elior Campus Dining
New York, NY
03.2024 - 06.2025
- Oversaw the daily activities of kitchen staff to ensure compliance with established health and safety standards.
- Utilized problem solving techniques to effectively address customer complaints and resolve conflicts among staff members.
- Developed and implemented training program for dining services staff to ensure efficient and effective operations.
- Provided leadership in managing personnel issues such as recruitment, performance evaluation, disciplinary actions, scheduling and payroll processing.
- Managed ordering process for all necessary supplies needed for daily operations.
- Monitored staffing levels throughout shifts to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours.
- Collaborated with marketing team to create promotional materials that promoted dining services offerings.
- Demonstrated exceptional customer service skills while interacting with patrons in a professional manner.
- Reviewed financial statements to assess budgeting needs and identify areas for improvement within the department.
- Implemented strategies aimed at reducing waste generated from food production processes.
- Maintained accurate records of all transactions related to dining services operations.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable regulations related to food storage, handling and sanitation practices.
- Conducted regular inspections of kitchen area to verify cleanliness standards are met.
- Counted money and made bank deposits.
- Monitored food preparation and presentation to enforce adherence to portion sizes and quality standards.
- Kept accurate records in compliance with sanitation and food service requirements.
Senior Catering Director
Gourmet Dining
US
07.2023 - 01.2024
- Monitored staff members at catering events and functions, providing in-depth instructions ahead of time.
- Brought in new business opportunities, helping to drive catering revenues and achieving quarterly and yearly goals.
- Maintained operations in full compliance with alcohol service standards and legal requirements to prevent incidents of overserving or underage drinking.
- Priced and ordered food products, kitchen equipment and food service supplies.
- Inspected dining and serving areas for cleanliness and proper setup.
- Supervised activities of dining room staff to maintain service levels and support guest needs.
- Montclair State University
- Montclair State University
Interim Catering Director
AVI Foodsystems
US
05.2023 - 07.2023
- Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Inspected dining and serving areas for cleanliness and proper setup.
- Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
- Bryant University Smithfield, RI
- Bryant University Smithfield, RI
Resident Director
Teachers College Columbia University
US
07.2021 - 05.2023
- Prepared and managed annual budget.
- Responsible for maintaining strict HACCP and NYC DOH 'A'-rated standards.
- Interviewed, hired and managed Executive Chef, Catering Manager, Supervisory Staff and 30 union team members.
- Utilized AVI financial systems for daily, weekly and monthly reporting of sales, cash, production and inventory.
- Managed and reported-on ADP time-keeping systems.
- Planned, organized and directed the work of team members engaged in the procurement, storage, preparation and serving of food for multi-operation location.
- Created and lead presentations at client meetings.
- Worked in conjunction with Executive Chef, culinary team and Catering Manager to plan and execute all catering and special events to AVI Platinum Standards.
- Fostered the development of student and client relationships.
- Supported a diverse work environment to develop a sense of team while exceeding client expectations on all levels of service.
Resident Director
The Juilliard School & School of American Ballet
US
09.2017 - 05.2020
- Prepared and managed annual budget.
- Responsible for maintaining strict HACCP and NYC DOH 'A'-rated standards.
- Interviewed, hired and managed Executive Chef, Catering Manager, Supervisory Staff and 30 union team members.
- Utilized AVI financial systems for daily, weekly and monthly reporting of sales, cash, production and inventory.
- Managed and reported-on ADP time-keeping systems.
- Planned, organized and directed the work of team members engaged in the procurement, storage, preparation and serving of food for multi-operation location.
- Created and lead presentations at client meetings.
- Worked in conjunction with Executive Chef, culinary team and Catering Manager to plan and execute all catering and special events to AVI Platinum Standards.
- Fostered the development of student and client relationships.
- Supported a diverse work environment to develop a sense of team while exceeding client expectations on all levels of service.
- NYC
- NYC
Foodservice Director
Aramark Education K-12
US
12.2013 - 09.2017
- Interviewed, hired and managed teams of 10 to 30 union and non-union employees.
- Ensured company food and occupational safety standards are met and exceeded.
- Adhered to and served students within NSLP guidelines.
- Responsible for employee development and recognition initiatives.
- Roll-out and implementation of monthly marketing programs.
- Responsible for cost and productivity initiatives, including waste and labor tracking.
- Excelled in training and implementation of company financial software and payroll systems with management team.
- Building and implementation of annual budget to exceed projected company goals and client expectations.
- Clifton, East Hanover, West Morris School Districts
- Clifton, East Hanover, West Morris School Districts
Catering Director
Sodexo
US
11.2000 - 07.2013
- Managed over 20,000+ indoor and outdoor meetings, banquets and special events of up to 1400 guests and 100 employees.
- Successfully managed service of numerous A-list events to include, but not limited to Rudy Giuliani, Leon Panetta, late Sen Fred Thompson and Al Pacino.
- Hiring and management of a staff of 40 union employees through daily preparation, set-up, delivery and breakdown of all catering events.
- Managed FOH and BOH operations with executive chef for all banquets.
- Alcoholic beverage and license management.
- Assisted in training of newly hired managers in payroll, human resource, safety and supply ordering systems.
- Financial forecasting.
- Managed event sales and follow-up.
- Menu design and on-line marketing.
- Client meeting and personal menu planning.
- Served on client event planning committees.
- Weekly scheduling of regular and temporary staff.
- Order and inventory systems tracking and control.
- Conducted monthly and annual NSF safety training and audits.
- Fleet/vehicle management.
- Labor management and processing through ADP software.
- Processing of client orders with client administrative and financial staff.
- Management of employee human resource procedures: performance reviews, promotions and terminations.
- Wayne, NJ
- Wayne, NJ
Store Manager
Starbucks
US
10.1999 - 08.2000
- Hired, trained and developed partners to demonstrate their love of product through superior customer service standards, operating standards and Star Skills.
- Presented a 'warm welcome' environment by utilizing interpersonal skills and displaying 'hands-on' attitude.
- Practiced team building through consistent management and positive reinforcement practices.
- Ensured all cash handling and register functions were performed in an accurate manner.
- Ensured proper types and amounts of materials, supplies and merchandise were ordered and stocked.
- Demonstrated the 'Just say yes' behavior by taking care of customers requiring special assistance.
- Union, NJ
- Union, NJ
Catering Director
Sodexo
US
05.1998 - 10.1999
- Responsibilities listed in 2000-2013 tenure (aforementioned).
- Wayne, NJ
- Wayne, NJ
Retail Manager
Sodexo
US
05.1996 - 05.1998
- Hired, trained and managed staff of up to 30 employees through daily food preparation and service for several on-campus venues to include concessions, c-store, coffee kiosk, pizzeria, deli and food court.
- Cash handling management for all venues.
- Payroll management.
- Marketing for all venues.
- Completed monthly and annual safety training of all employees as required.
- Montclair State University
- Montclair State University
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Composition
William Paterson University
NJ05.1993
B.A. - English Writing
ANFP CDM Certification - undefined
University of North Dakota
ND04.2021
Skills
- Food management operations
- Client engagement
- Community events
- Professional relationship building
- Monthly forecasting
- Catering menu development
- Catering budget administration
- Customized décor
- Catering consultation
- Menu development
- Staff supervision
- Staff leadership
- Food safety
- Financial forecasting
- Event sales management
- Menu design
- Online marketing
- Client meeting planning
- Event planning
- Staff scheduling
- Order and inventory systems
- Safety training and audits
- Allergy awareness
- Menu pricing
- Excellent communication
- Team leadership
- Labor management
- Human resource management
- Food safety compliance
Certification
- Serve Safe
- Serve Safe Allergen
- TIPS
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Director of Dining Services
FLIK Hospitality at NBC Universal
06.2025 - Current
Director of Dining Services
Elior Campus Dining
03.2024 - 06.2025
Senior Catering Director
Gourmet Dining
07.2023 - 01.2024
Interim Catering Director
AVI Foodsystems
05.2023 - 07.2023
Resident Director
Teachers College Columbia University
07.2021 - 05.2023
Resident Director
The Juilliard School & School of American Ballet
09.2017 - 05.2020
Foodservice Director
Aramark Education K-12
12.2013 - 09.2017
Catering Director
Sodexo
11.2000 - 07.2013
Store Manager
Starbucks
10.1999 - 08.2000
Catering Director
Sodexo
05.1998 - 10.1999
Retail Manager
Sodexo
05.1996 - 05.1998
B.A. - English Writing
ANFP CDM Certification - undefined
University of North Dakota
Bachelor of Arts - English Composition
William Paterson University