Catering and Events Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking a creative and organized Catering and Events Manager to join our Bon Appetit team. The Catering & Events Manager is responsible for the end-to-end service and experience of our event operations, ensuring that every function reflects the values and excellence of the Food program.

In this role, you will motivate, train, and direct a dedicated team to deliver exceptional service while accomplishing complex event goals. You will oversee the execution of all event-related operational tasks, including culinary innovation, hospitality excellence, and rigorous food safety protocols. Reporting to the Catering Director, you will leverage your expert communication and event-planning skills to partner with key stakeholders - including Culinary, Marketing, Concept Development, and Risk Management - to promote program standards and enhance the partner experience.

Bon Appetit is deeply committed to a culture of workplace and food safety, which you will champion every day! As the Catering and Events Manager, you will set the standard for responsible practices, ensuring the well-being of you, our guests and our valued team members.

The Food program’s vision is to inspire and enable the world to make food choices and use food experiences to develop more sustainable lifestyles and communities. Apply now and become an integral part of our philosophy!

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect the Event Experience: Design, manage, and take total ownership of the holistic event experience, ensuring that every touchpoint - from decor to service - exceeds expectations.
• Drive Strategic Hospitality: Establish and maintain an expectation of hospitality that is warm, inclusive, and proactively engages our guests across all event types.
• Direct Event Logistics: Ensure that all daily catering orders are processed and fulfilled with precision, adhering strictly to both partner and sector expectations.
• Develop Bespoke Offerings: Create specialty menus and unique event concepts tailored to client needs, ensuring alignment with budget guidelines and unit standards.
• Cultivate Talent & Service Excellence: Train, develop, and schedule catering associates; lead ongoing education in service techniques, menu presentation, merchandising, and standard policies.
• Ensure HR Integrity: Conduct all employee reviews, coaching sessions, and development actions with professional urgency and precision.
• Champion Safety & Compliance: Promote a definitive culture of Food/Allergen and Workplace Safety, ensuring all events meet the highest safety and risk management standards.
• Foster Partner Relations: Respond to all guest feedback within 24 hours and communicate with our partners with honesty, accuracy, and executive-level clarity.
• Manage Administrative Timelines: Meet all deadlines for weekly, monthly, quarterly and year-end reporting as required by our partners and sector leadership.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience: A minimum of 3 - 5 years of applicable experience in high-volume catering, event management, or premium hospitality leadership environment.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead diverse teams and influence stakeholders.
• Resilience: A proactive mindset with the proven ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt quickly to a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Working knowledge of Google Suite (Sheets, Docs, Slides).
• Culinary Passion: A strong, demonstrable passion for high-quality food preparation, taste, and innovative presentation.
• Professionalism: Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team player while treating everyone with professionalism, care, and respect.
• Certifications: ServSafe Manager Certification is preferred.
• Leadership in Union Environments: Experience leading and navigating within a Union environment is preferred. 

While this schedule and location are currently projected, they are flexible and may be adjusted to meet evolving business demands, including evenings and weekends for specific events.