Senior Catering Director

Arlington, VA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Professional Development

Career growth opportunities

Job Description

LifeWorks is a part of Aramark and operates as an independently managed restaurant group specializing in designing upscale, custom hospitality solutions for corporate clients. LifeWorks focuses on elevating the amenities and dining experiences provided to companies by creating unique and sensory-rich service moments that feed company culture and leave lasting impressions on guests. The group takes pride in its transparency and partnership with clients, working from space design and marketing to flawless execution of branded hospitality products. LifeWorks is known for delivering exceptional quality and service, always prioritizing client satisfaction and innovative catering experiences that balance luxury with operational excellence.

The role of Senior Catering Director at LifeWorks is a prestigious leadership position that requires an experienced professional to helm an upscale catering operation within a premier corporate environment. This role is critical for curating elevated dining experiences that meet the highest luxury and service standards for a discerning executive clientele. As Senior Catering Director, you will lead a dedicated team, ensuring that operational activities from contracted services to hands-on management exceed customer expectations. The responsibilities extend beyond day-to-day operations to include budget management, compliance adherence, client relationship building, and strategic planning for service improvements and growth. This position demands not only strong leadership skills but also entrepreneurial spirit to build and grow a vibrant catering business in a sophisticated and competitive marketplace.

You will act as the liaison between clients, the community, and your management team, constantly refining operations to maximize both employee and customer satisfaction. By leveraging your expertise, you will recommend new methods and resources to enhance service delivery while strictly managing budgets in collaboration with finance partners to drive optimal financial outcomes. Maintaining rigorous compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is of utmost importance, as is adhering to Aramark’s standards of operation, including their Business Conduct Policy and safety protocols.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, ever-evolving hospitality environment and is passionate about leading teams to deliver impeccable service experiences. It offers an exceptional career opportunity for hospitality professionals who aspire to shape and influence the future of upscale corporate catering through innovation, operational expertise, and client-focused leadership. LifeWorks and Aramark provide a dynamic work culture where continuous growth, skill development, and excellence are highly valued, supporting employees to reach their full potential while contributing meaningfully to the company and the communities it serves.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in food service hospitality facilities or business management preferred
Meaningful experience in service industry contract services or hospitality environment
Proven ability leading through other managers
Experience creating and managing budgets and financial controls
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to read and implement contractual requirements
Physical ability to lift bend push pull and stand for extended periods
Willingness to wear uniforms and use personal protective equipment
Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree level education highly preferred in an area of food service hospitality facilities or business management
The ability to focus on client and customer services entrepreneurship and building and growing a strong business is essential to success in this role
Savvy interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with clients senior management and Aramark support staff
Comfortable reading understanding and implementing contractual requirements including identifying opportunities within contract terms and conditions to address operational issues
Meaningful experience in service industry contract services or hospitality environment
Proven ability leading through other managers
Experience in creating and managing a department budget financial controls and analysis
Experience crafting product sales strategies and implementing operational programs and initiatives

Job Duties

Leads a team that provides operational expertise in contracted services while providing hands-on execution management of operations
Manages the client and community relationships at the location continually assessing operations and developing plans to provide optimal service and drive employee and customer satisfaction
Builds develops and leads a management team and staff capable of carrying out organizational objectives
Recommends methods resources and implementation for service improvement and growth based on understanding of operational needs capabilities and contractual obligations
In partnership with finance manages a budget and assists in the design of improvements to optimize financial performance and operational productivity
Manages compliance with all local state and federal regulations and codes and maintains all associated records and reports
Ensures compliance with Aramark's standards of operation including safety standards and Aramark's business conduct policy at all times