Catering - Assistant Operations Manager

SSA Group, LLC•Columbus, OH

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Catering Operations Manager supports the Event/Catering Sales and Culinary teams by leading catering logistics planning, coordination, execution, and quality control. The position requires knowledge of client relationships and event logistics, with responsibility for delivering seamless, memorable events and customer satisfaction. The role coordinates event plans, staffing, equipment, client and vendor relationships, and operational resources. It also supports financial management, budgeting, forecasting, cost control, reporting, compliance, and team development. Depending on the location, the role may additionally support offsite sales teams, client tastings, site visits, sales handoffs, and partner events. The position is onsite, full-time, non-exempt, and eligible for overtime.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience is required; candidates with 4 or more years receive stronger consideration.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of an organization.
Leadership skills and understanding of team building and development while fostering partnerships.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills and the ability to stay organized.
Financial management, analytical, and planning skills.
Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
Computer knowledge and skills sufficient for basic office functions.
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift, move, and handle boxes weighing up to 35 pounds as needed.
Ability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
Must be 18 or older.
All education backgrounds are eligible.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of catering operations and/or event planning management experience in off-site catering, a hotel, or a cultural attraction catering venue is preferred.
Working knowledge of Tripleseat is a plus.
For outdoor venues, comfort working outdoors and being exposed to the elements.

Responsibilities

Develop detailed catering event plans, including event orders, pull sheets, timelines, staffing schedules, visual presentation, and logistics layouts.
Coordinate with sales representatives to capture event requirements and ensure accurate execution.
Oversee event setup, execution, and breakdown; ensure equipment, supplies, and materials are available and functional.
Walk event spaces with the Sales Team before events and address issues.
Collaborate with Sales, Culinary, and other departments on event strategies, procedures, floor plans, event flow, equipment sharing, and Operations Plan revisions.
Attend weekly BEO meetings and distribute revisions to stakeholders as needed.
Advise the Sales Team of outstanding post-event balances.
Develop food and beverage displays with the Culinary Team; oversee catering product quality, levels, and inventory.
Facilitate catering equipment maintenance and repairs.
Maintain positive relationships with internal and external clients, provide tailored solutions, address concerns, serve as the day-of catering contact, and conduct pre-event and post-event meetings or follow-ups.
Communicate with vendors about timely delivery, negotiate vendor pricing and contracts, and maintain a list of operational and client resources.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws and company policies and maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
Develop and manage monthly and annual catering operations budgets and plans; analyze costs and inventory to maximize opportunities and reduce waste.
Review invoices and accounting documents for accuracy and communicate necessary corrections to Accounts Payable.
Control payroll, equipment rental, and other costs while identifying revenue opportunities.
Report weekly and monthly operational performance, including labor forecasts and event profit-and-loss statements; analyze event data and manage budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
Promote an inclusive, supportive workplace and demonstrate sustainability and conservation efforts; engage the unit in community activities and giving-back opportunities.
Where applicable, recruit, hire, onboard, schedule, supervise, evaluate, coach, and develop team members; approve weekly timesheets and implement training programs.
Where applicable, partner with onsite or area sales teams on site visits, client needs, tastings, client handoffs, BEO meetings, internal event approvals and payments, day-of add-ons, and onsite coordinator sales support.
Where applicable, manage partner relationships and lead gala and fundraising responsibilities.
Perform other tasks as necessary.

Benefits

Paid Time Off plan of up to 144 hours based on tenure.
Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and other voluntary benefits for employees and their families; employee premiums apply.
401(k) program with a 15% company match, subject to eligibility requirements.
Up to 120 hours of paid leave for qualifying reasons, including parental leave and serious medical conditions affecting the employee or family.
Up to 40 hours of paid bereavement leave.
On-demand pay access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
Meal plan and employee discounts where applicable.
Tuition discount through a partner college.
Holiday pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local laws.