Catering Operations Lead

Job Summary

The Catering Operations Lead is responsible for supporting the successful execution of catered events from pre-event planning through event completion. This position works closely with the Catering Sales Manager, Culinary Team, and Operations Leadership to ensure events are properly staffed, organized, set up, and executed according to the BEO and venue standards.

The Catering Operations Lead serves as a key point of contact for event-day operations and is responsible for directing hourly staff, communicating event details, resolving operational issues, and maintaining a high level of service in premium guest environments.

Essential Responsibilities

• Review and understand Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and translate event details into an operational plan.
• Attend BEO meetings and communicate operational needs, questions, and changes to the appropriate teams.
• Schedule and assign catering staff, including servers, bartenders, runners, bussers, and other event staff.
• Communicate event expectations, assignments, call times, and service standards during pre-shift meetings.
• Coordinate event setup, service, breakdown, and post-event responsibilities.
• Lead and direct staff during events to ensure proper execution and guest service.
• Maintain strong communication with Catering Sales, Culinary, Premium Operations, and other venue departments.
• Become knowledgeable of the building, including catering spaces, suites, clubs, kitchens, storage areas, bars, elevators, loading areas, and equipment locations.
• Operate and understand venue POS systems and assist staff with basic POS questions and troubleshooting.
• Monitor event operations and proactively identify and resolve issues before they impact the guest experience.
• Ensure proper handling and organization of event equipment, supplies, menus, signage, and other operational materials.
• Maintain accurate staffing information, event notes, checklists, and other operational documentation.
• Assist with training and coaching new and existing catering employees.
• Ensure staff follow company, venue, safety, sanitation, and service standards.
• Complete event breakdown and ensure spaces are returned to established standards.
• Communicate post-event issues, staffing concerns, and operational notes to management.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Catering and Operations Leadership.

Keys

Organization: Maintains accurate schedules, BEO information, assignments, and event documentation.

Communication: Clearly communicates with Sales, Culinary, Operations, staff, and leadership.

Leadership: Provides direction and accountability to hourly event staff.

Flexibility: Responds quickly and professionally to changes and unexpected event needs.

Attention to Detail: Identifies important BEO details and ensures they are executed correctly.

Professionalism: Maintains a high standard of appearance, communication, and service in premium guest environments.

Success in This Position

A successful Catering Operations Lead is able to take an event from BEO → staffing plan → setup → pre-shift → event execution → breakdown, while keeping staff organized, communicating effectively, and ensuring the event is executed to venue and guest standards.