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Catering Operations Manager

 

Position Title: Catering Operations Manager 

Salary: $80,000 - $100,000

Other Forms of Compensation:  

 

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards- Best Places to Work, This is R/A !

Job Summary

The Catering Operations Manager plays a key role in bringing exceptional on‑ and off‑premise events to life at The Culinary Institute of America. This role partners closely with clients, culinary leaders, and operations teams to ensure every event is thoughtfully planned, seamlessly executed, and aligned with both the client’s vision and business goals.
 
This position is well‑suited for an operations‑minded hospitality professional who enjoys balancing strategy with hands‑on execution, building strong teams, and delivering memorable guest experiences in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Partner with clients to understand event goals, scope, setting, menus, and overall experience while aligning recommendations with budget expectations
  • Collaborate with chefs to plan menus that reflect culinary excellence and operational feasibility
  • Negotiate and manage vendor contracts to support event success
  • Delegate and collaborate with Event Managers to ensure events are executed within established parameters
  • Recruit, interview, hire, and onboard both permanent and event‑based staff
  • Lead, coach, and motivate the catering team to foster engagement, accountability, and high performance
  • Develop staffing plans and event schedules that support operational needs and labor goals
  • Maintain accurate financial, operational, and administrative records
  • Serve as a central liaison between Sales Catering Managers, Culinary Leadership, Staffing, Captains, Suppliers, Rental Companies, Vendors, and Clients
  • Review contract requirements and ensure services are delivered as promised
  • Conduct post‑event evaluations to assess performance, quality, and opportunities for improvement
  • Address client concerns thoughtfully and ensure timely and accurate billing and payment

What We’re Looking For

  • Experience leading catering or hospitality operations with a strong focus on guest experience and team leadership
  • Ability to stay organized, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing demands
  • Comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with cross‑functional partners
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, culinary leaders, vendors, and senior stakeholders
  • Demonstrated experience with budgeting, P&L oversight, labor management, and sales forecasting
  • Sound judgment and problem‑solving skills in a dynamic, service‑driven environment
  • Confidence negotiating with vendors and building productive partnerships
  • Ability to establish credibility and collaborate effectively with senior culinary professionals
  • Experience with hiring, training, mentoring, and developing team members
  • Typically, 3–5 years of experience in hospitality management, with off‑premise catering experience a plus
  • A leadership style grounded in client service, entrepreneurship, and growing a sustainable, high‑performing business

Apply to Restaurant Associates today!

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

  

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

 

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_RA.pdf

 

 

Req ID:  1525061

Restaurant Associates 

Michael Abbey 

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