Catering Operations Director

Restaurant AssociatesPosition Title: Catering Operations DirectorSalary: $95,000 - $100,000Other 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 SummaryThe 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 ResponsibilitiesPartner with clients to understand event goals, scope, setting, menus, and overall experience while aligning recommendations with budget expectationsCollaborate with chefs to plan menus that reflect culinary excellence and operational feasibilityNegotiate and manage vendor contracts to support event successDelegate and collaborate with Event Managers to ensure events are executed within established parametersRecruit, interview, hire, and onboard both permanent and event‐based staffLead, coach, and motivate the catering team to foster engagement, accountability, and high performanceDevelop staffing plans and event schedules that support operational needs and labor goalsMaintain accurate financial, operational, and administrative recordsServe as a central liaison between Sales Catering Managers, Culinary Leadership, Staffing, Captains, Suppliers, Rental Companies, Vendors, and ClientsReview contract requirements and ensure services are delivered as promisedConduct post‐event evaluations to assess performance, quality, and opportunities for improvementAddress client concerns thoughtfully and ensure timely and accurate billing and paymentWhat We're Looking ForExperience leading catering or hospitality operations with a strong focus on guest experience and team leadershipAbility to stay organized, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing demandsComfortable working independently while collaborating closely with cross‐functional partnersStrong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, culinary leaders, vendors, and senior stakeholdersDemonstrated experience with budgeting, P&L oversight, labor management, and sales forecastingSound judgment and problem‐solving skills in a dynamic, service‐driven environmentConfidence negotiating with vendors and building productive partnershipsAbility to establish credibility and collaborate effectively with senior culinary professionalsExperience with hiring, training, mentoring, and developing team membersTypically, 3-5 years of experience in hospitality management, with off‐premise catering experience a plusA leadership style grounded in client service, entrepreneurship, and growing a sustainable, high‐performing businessApply to Restaurant Associates today!Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USAClick here to Learn More about the Compass StoryCompass 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.MedicalDentalVisionLife Insurance/ ADDisability InsuranceRetirement PlanPaid Time OffHoliday Time Off (varies by site/state)Associate Shopping ProgramHealth and Wellness ProgramsDiscount MarketplaceIdentity Theft ProtectionPet InsuranceCommuter BenefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramFlexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)Paid Parental LeavePersonal LeaveApplications 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.pdfReq ID: 1525061Restaurant AssociatesMichael Abbey[[req_classification]]