Catering Manager Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Catering manager visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, where major hotel groups, university dining programs, and convention venues maintain active hiring pipelines. Employers such as Aramark, Sodexo, and Compass Group operate across the state, sponsoring international candidates for operational management roles in food service and event catering.
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About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
Position Summary
The Corporate Catering & Events Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for corporate catering and event services across multiple Lake County campus locations at AbbVie. Reporting to the Manager, Foodservice Operations, this position is responsible for developing, standardizing, and growing an enterprise catering program that delivers exceptional hospitality experiences while supporting organizational objectives.
This role will lead the design and implementation of catering systems, service standards, menu programs, operating procedures, technology solutions, and training initiatives that create consistency across all locations. Initially, the position will focus on building these foundational capabilities while providing oversight of current catering and event operations. As the program matures, the Corporate Catering & Events Manager will oversee daily catering and event operations, financial performance, stakeholder relationships, and team development while ensuring an elevated customer experience for all clients, guests, and executive stakeholders.
The successful candidate is a hospitality leader with a passion for service excellence, operational efficiency, client experience, and business growth.
Key Responsibilities
1. Enterprise Catering Program Leadership
Lead the strategic development and execution of the corporate catering program, establishing scalable service models, operating standards, menu packages, hospitality guidelines, and business processes that support long-term growth and operational consistency.
2. Team Leadership & Development
Provide direct leadership to two Catering Operations Group Leaders and indirect leadership to the broader catering and events teams. Foster a culture of accountability, hospitality, collaboration, professional development, and service excellence.
3. Operational Excellence
Oversee daily catering and event operations across multiple locations, ensuring seamless coordination, execution, and service delivery while maintaining consistent standards across all catering programs.
4. Menu & Service Innovation
Partner with culinary leadership to develop and continuously enhance catering menus, package offerings, service tiers, and event solutions that meet client needs, reflect industry trends, and drive program growth. Ensure catering and event services appropriately address dietary, allergen, cultural, religious, accessibility, and other accommodation requirements while maintaining consistent standards for food safety and guest experience.
5. Systems, Technology & Process Improvement
Lead the implementation and ongoing management of catering technology platforms, online ordering systems, reporting tools, and operational processes. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures that improve efficiency, accuracy, and the customer experience.
6. Event Planning & Execution
Oversee the planning and execution of corporate meetings, executive events, VIP functions, conferences, and large-scale organizational events, ensuring flawless coordination from initial request through final delivery. Develop contingency plans for service disruptions, staffing challenges, facility issues, supplier delays, and other event-related risks.
7. Financial & Revenue Management
Manage catering revenue performance, food cost controls, labor utilization, and operational expenses. Identify opportunities to grow revenue, improve cost recovery, increase operational efficiency, and achieve financial objectives.
8. Client & Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with administrative partners, corporate clients, executive stakeholders, and event sponsors. Serve as the primary escalation point for service concerns and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
9. Compliance, Safety & Quality Assurance
Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, workplace safety, and company policies. Maintain operational standards that align with regulatory requirements and industry best practices while promoting a safe working environment.
10. Strategic Growth & Continuous Improvement
Utilize operational data, customer feedback, and performance metrics to identify opportunities for innovation, program enhancements, process improvements, and long-term business growth.
Qualifications
1. Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Management, Event Management, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
2. Minimum 8 years of progressive leadership experience in catering, hospitality, event management, business dining, hotel operations, or a related service environment.
3. Demonstrated experience leading multi-site catering operations, large-scale corporate events, or complex hospitality programs.
4. Proven success developing and implementing operating procedures, service standards, training programs, and process improvements.
5. Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasting revenue, controlling labor and food costs, and analyzing operational performance.
6. Experience managing catering management software, online ordering platforms, event management systems, and business reporting tools.
7. Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship management skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels.
8. Demonstrated leadership experience in coaching, performance management, employee development, and succession planning.
9. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and customer service in a fast-paced environment.
Core Competencies
- Hospitality & Service Excellence
- Catering & Event Management
- Strategic Planning & Program Development
- Leadership & Talent Development
- Client Relationship Management
- Financial & Business Acumen
- Operational Excellence
- Process Improvement & Standardization
- Technology & Systems Management
- Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Change Management
- Innovation & Continuous Improvement
Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
-
The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
-
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
-
This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html
Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
Position Summary
The Corporate Catering & Events Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for corporate catering and event services across multiple Lake County campus locations at AbbVie. Reporting to the Manager, Foodservice Operations, this position is responsible for developing, standardizing, and growing an enterprise catering program that delivers exceptional hospitality experiences while supporting organizational objectives.
This role will lead the design and implementation of catering systems, service standards, menu programs, operating procedures, technology solutions, and training initiatives that create consistency across all locations. Initially, the position will focus on building these foundational capabilities while providing oversight of current catering and event operations. As the program matures, the Corporate Catering & Events Manager will oversee daily catering and event operations, financial performance, stakeholder relationships, and team development while ensuring an elevated customer experience for all clients, guests, and executive stakeholders.
The successful candidate is a hospitality leader with a passion for service excellence, operational efficiency, client experience, and business growth.
Key Responsibilities
1. Enterprise Catering Program Leadership
Lead the strategic development and execution of the corporate catering program, establishing scalable service models, operating standards, menu packages, hospitality guidelines, and business processes that support long-term growth and operational consistency.
2. Team Leadership & Development
Provide direct leadership to two Catering Operations Group Leaders and indirect leadership to the broader catering and events teams. Foster a culture of accountability, hospitality, collaboration, professional development, and service excellence.
3. Operational Excellence
Oversee daily catering and event operations across multiple locations, ensuring seamless coordination, execution, and service delivery while maintaining consistent standards across all catering programs.
4. Menu & Service Innovation
Partner with culinary leadership to develop and continuously enhance catering menus, package offerings, service tiers, and event solutions that meet client needs, reflect industry trends, and drive program growth. Ensure catering and event services appropriately address dietary, allergen, cultural, religious, accessibility, and other accommodation requirements while maintaining consistent standards for food safety and guest experience.
5. Systems, Technology & Process Improvement
Lead the implementation and ongoing management of catering technology platforms, online ordering systems, reporting tools, and operational processes. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures that improve efficiency, accuracy, and the customer experience.
6. Event Planning & Execution
Oversee the planning and execution of corporate meetings, executive events, VIP functions, conferences, and large-scale organizational events, ensuring flawless coordination from initial request through final delivery. Develop contingency plans for service disruptions, staffing challenges, facility issues, supplier delays, and other event-related risks.
7. Financial & Revenue Management
Manage catering revenue performance, food cost controls, labor utilization, and operational expenses. Identify opportunities to grow revenue, improve cost recovery, increase operational efficiency, and achieve financial objectives.
8. Client & Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with administrative partners, corporate clients, executive stakeholders, and event sponsors. Serve as the primary escalation point for service concerns and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
9. Compliance, Safety & Quality Assurance
Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, workplace safety, and company policies. Maintain operational standards that align with regulatory requirements and industry best practices while promoting a safe working environment.
10. Strategic Growth & Continuous Improvement
Utilize operational data, customer feedback, and performance metrics to identify opportunities for innovation, program enhancements, process improvements, and long-term business growth.
Qualifications
1. Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Management, Event Management, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
2. Minimum 8 years of progressive leadership experience in catering, hospitality, event management, business dining, hotel operations, or a related service environment.
3. Demonstrated experience leading multi-site catering operations, large-scale corporate events, or complex hospitality programs.
4. Proven success developing and implementing operating procedures, service standards, training programs, and process improvements.
5. Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasting revenue, controlling labor and food costs, and analyzing operational performance.
6. Experience managing catering management software, online ordering platforms, event management systems, and business reporting tools.
7. Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship management skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels.
8. Demonstrated leadership experience in coaching, performance management, employee development, and succession planning.
9. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and customer service in a fast-paced environment.
Core Competencies
- Hospitality & Service Excellence
- Catering & Event Management
- Strategic Planning & Program Development
- Leadership & Talent Development
- Client Relationship Management
- Financial & Business Acumen
- Operational Excellence
- Process Improvement & Standardization
- Technology & Systems Management
- Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Change Management
- Innovation & Continuous Improvement
Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
-
The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
-
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
-
This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html
Catering Manager Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Catering Manager Jobs in IllinoisCatering Manager Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for catering managers in Illinois?
Large contract food service companies with a consistent Illinois presence include Aramark, Sodexo, and Compass Group, all of which have sponsored international workers in hospitality and food service management roles. Major hotel brands operating in Chicago, such as Hyatt and Marriott properties, along with university dining operations at institutions like the University of Chicago and Northwestern, also appear in sponsorship filing records for management-level catering positions.
Which visa types realistically fit catering manager roles in Illinois?
The H-1B visa is the most common nonimmigrant visa for catering managers, provided the employer documents that the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in hospitality management, food service administration, or a closely related field. The H-2B visa applies to temporary or seasonal catering management positions where the employer can demonstrate a short-term business need and no available U.S. workers. F-1 students may work under OPT if the role relates to their field of study. An employment-based green card through the EB-3 category is a longer-term option requiring PERM labor certification.
Which cities in Illinois have the most catering manager sponsorship jobs?
Chicago accounts for the large majority of catering manager sponsorship activity in Illinois, driven by its dense concentration of hotels, convention centers including McCormick Place, corporate headquarters with in-house dining programs, and a large events industry. Suburban markets such as Schaumburg, Rosemont, and Oak Brook also generate demand through conference hotels and corporate campuses. Smaller downstate cities like Springfield and Champaign-Urbana offer limited but consistent openings through government facilities and university food service operations.
How to find catering manager visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate lists Illinois employers with verified visa sponsorship history, searchable by role and city, making it straightforward to identify companies that have sponsored catering manager positions in Chicago and other Illinois markets. Because sponsorship for hospitality management roles depends heavily on the individual employer's classification of the position, focusing on organizations with an established sponsorship track record is the most practical starting point for international candidates.
Are there state-specific factors that affect catering manager sponsorship in Illinois?
Illinois does not impose additional state-level visa requirements on top of federal rules, but the size and structure of Chicago's hospitality industry shapes sponsorship patterns meaningfully. The city's convention and trade show calendar creates seasonal peaks in catering demand, which can influence whether a position is classified as permanent or temporary for visa purposes. University and healthcare system dining operations across the state tend to offer more stable, year-round roles that are more commonly aligned with H-1B specialty occupation petitions than seasonal event-driven positions.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored catering manager jobs in Illinois?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.