Title: Director of Events & Catering
You might not know our name, but you know where we are. That’s because Compass Group Canada is part of a global foodservice and support services company that’s the 6th largest employer in the world, with 625,000 employees.
You’ll find us in schools, colleges, hospitals, office buildings, senior living communities, tourist attractions, sports venues, remote camps and military installations and more. We’re in all major cities, at remote work sites and everywhere in between – doing business in Canada and 50+ other countries where you can learn and grow. Join us now and point your career forward!
Why work with Restaurant Associates? Imagine joining a team that’s at the top of their game. Come to work at Restaurant Associates and learn from the pros how to serve thousands of visitors in some of the world’s best venues. Because of what we do, more than 30,000 guests enjoy an unforgettable experience every day. Learn. Grow. Serve. It’s a winning combination. Join us.
Job Description
The Director, Events & Catering, is responsible for the strategic planning, booking, and execution of hospitality programs, including Conferences & Events, Premium Dining, and Concierge Services. Leading a team of Manager of Events & Catering, specialists, coordinators, and concierge professionals, this role ensures seamless operations, service excellence, and a cohesive guest experience.
As the primary liaison for high-profile events and client-driven strategic initiatives, the Director develops structured processes, workback schedules, and performance tracking systems. They work closely with corporate service teams and key on-site operational stakeholders to ensure a seamless and exceptional hospitality experience. Additionally, this role ensures compliance with all applicable company and government regulations, including but not limited to legal, safety, operational, and client policies and directives.
Job Summary
Now, if you were to come on board as a Director, Events & Catering, we’d ask you to do the following for us:
Program Planning
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Act as the lead planner for strategic client initiatives, driving process improvement and efficiency.
• Consult and implement forecasting models for event planning and resource management, incorporating key performance indicators (KPIs) where applicable.
• Support workback schedules to enable seamless execution of signature events.
• Collaborate with internal teams to streamline operations, enhance guest experiences, and integrate sustainability initiatives into event planning.
• Stay informed on industry trends and continuously improve planning strategies.
Event Planning & Management
• Lead the planning and execution of large-scale, high-impact events.
• Oversee the management of event bookings, - concierge services, and logistics coordination.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and hospitality regulatory standards.
• Utilize EMS and Social Tables or comparable event management software to optimize planning and coordination.
• Develop and execute detailed workback schedules for special events and projects.
• Gather and analyze client feedback to refine service offerings and enhance guest satisfaction.
• Support project management efforts, including new launches and service enhancements.
• Oversee and manage the Pace Report to track and optimize event bookings and revenue performance.
Administration & People Management
• Recruit, train, and lead the Events & Catering and Concierge teams, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Optimize workforce management and oversee budget controls to drive cost efficiency.
• Enforce HR policies and maintain an inclusive and equitable work environment.
• Conduct performance evaluations and implement professional development programs.
• Ensure compliance with dietary, allergen, and sanitation regulations to uphold food safety and quality standards.
• Maintain knowledge of proper cleaning and sanitation procedures for large-scale hospitality settings.
Think you have what it takes to be our Director, Events & Catering? We’re committed to hiring the best talent for the role. Here’s how we’ll know you’ll be successful in the role.
• 5+ years of experience in event planning, hospitality leadership, or a related field.
• Degree/Diploma in Hospitality Management, Food Service Management, or relevant discipline.
• Proven expertise in corporate dining and large-scale event execution.
• Experience with event management software, such as EMS, Social Tables, or similar platforms.
• Financial acumen, including budget oversight and cost control strategies.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to support data-driven decision-making.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and team-building abilities.
• Understanding of sustainability initiatives and their impact on event planning.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Compass Group Canada is committed to nurturing a diverse workforce representative of the communities within which we operate. We encourage and are pleased to consider all qualified candidates, without regard to race, colour, citizenship, religion, sex, marital / family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, aboriginal status, age, disability or persons who may require an accommodation, to apply.
For accommodation requests during the hiring process, please contact PeopleHub@compass-canada.com for further information.
Job Segment:
Event Planning, Food Service, Catering, Hospitality
