Catering Operations Manager

Milwaukee, WI, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Salary

Range $54,000.00 - $70,800.00

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

flexible schedule

Professional Development

Job Description

The Catering Operations Manager plays a pivotal role within a dynamic hospitality company specializing in providing outstanding catering services for a wide array of events ranging from corporate meetings and weddings to large-scale social gatherings. This company prides itself on delivering exceptional guest experiences by combining innovative culinary solutions, flawless execution, and attentive customer service. As part of their commitment to excellence, they maintain rigorous standards for food safety, operational efficiency, and quality service delivery to ensure every event is memorable and seamlessly executed. The company operates in a highly competitive and fast-paced industry where adaptability, teamwork, and leadership are essential for success.

The role of Catering Operations Manager is a key leadership position focused on overseeing every aspect of catering events from initial setup through completion. This position demands a capable and experienced professional who can effectively manage event-day operations and coordinate various team members including service staff, culinary teams, logistics personnel, and sales support. The Catering Operations Manager ensures that all events are delivered safely, efficiently, and according to both client expectations and the company's high standards. This involves meticulous planning, constant communication, and real-time problem-solving to address any challenges that arise during an event.

As the on-site leader, the Catering Operations Manager conducts pre-event reviews to verify staffing assignments, service expectations, and food presentation quality. They also monitor event timelines, ensuring smooth service flow and maintaining an excellent guest experience throughout. Food safety, handling, and sanitation compliance are paramount, with the manager enforcing rigorous protocols that align with health regulations and company policies. Operational oversight extends to labor management, resource allocation, equipment maintenance, and post-event evaluations to identify successes and areas for improvement.

This role requires someone with strong leadership and organizational skills who can foster a positive, professional team environment built on accountability and exceptional customer service. The ideal candidate will be adept at multitasking in a fast-paced setting while maintaining focus on both detailed execution and broader event objectives. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is necessary given the nature of the catering industry. Proficiency with event planning software and familiarity with health and safety standards further support operational excellence.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Minimum of two years experience in hospitality, catering or similar
Experience managing multiple events, teams, or service areas simultaneously in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
Expected to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays
Position requires prolonged standing, walking, bending, stooping, twisting, lifting products and supplies weighing approximately 50 pounds, and repetitive hand and wrist motion
Regularly required to sit, talk, type, hear, bend, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and reach overhead
Clear hearing and vision including close and peripheral to supervise staff and monitor the environment
Work with hot, cold, and hazardous equipment as well as operates phones, computers, copiers, and other office equipment
Maintain a professional, well-groomed appearance

Job Qualifications

Ability to follow and support operational standards, ensuring consistency and quality across assigned events and team activities
Good operational awareness to coordinate multiple event tasks while maintaining service and quality standards
Effective leadership skills to guide, support, and provide day-to-day direction to team members
Well organized and dependable to prioritize tasks, stay on schedule, and assist with delegating work as needed
Proficient in managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while remaining calm, flexible, and service focused
Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills, ability to address routine issues and escalate more complex concerns when appropriate
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with team members, guests, and internal partners
Excellent attention to detail with the ability to stay focused on day-to-day execution while understanding overall event goals
Ability to analyze performance and provide clear, constructive feedback, including sharing insights and recommendations with leadership
Proficient in computer systems and software used for event planning and operations
Working knowledge of health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol service standards and regulations
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs

Job Duties

Lead and oversee all aspects of catering event execution, ensuring events are delivered according to client expectations and company standards
Direct and supervise event staff, providing guidance, support, and real-time problem-solving throughout event operations
Conduct pre-event reviews with team members to confirm event details, service expectations, staffing assignments, food presentation standards, and safety requirements
Ensure proper food handling, transportation, storage, service, and distribution in compliance with company policies and health regulations
Monitor event timelines and service flow to ensure seamless guest experiences
Coordinate with culinary, logistics, sales, and operations teams to ensure event readiness and successful execution
Daily inspection of event setups, food presentation, equipment, and service areas to maintain quality and operational standards