Catering - Assistant Operations Manager

SSA Group•Columbus, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Catering Operations Manager supports the Event/Catering Sales and Culinary teams by leading the logistics planning, coordination, execution, and quality control of events. The role requires knowledge of client relationships and event logistics, and is responsible for delivering seamless, memorable events and customer satisfaction. The position is onsite and has revenue oversight of $300,000+. The manager plans and oversees event operations, including coordination with sales, culinary, vendors, clients, and other departments. The role also covers equipment and inventory oversight, financial planning and cost control, performance reporting, compliance, sustainability and community engagement, and—where applicable—staff hiring, scheduling, supervision, and development. At certain locations, the position also supports offsite sales activities. This is a full-time, non-exempt position eligible for overtime. Work hours may vary and may include nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Outdoor venue assignments require comfort working outdoors and exposure to the elements.

Requirements

Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of an organization.
Proficient leadership skills, including understanding team building and development and fostering partnerships.
Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to stay organized.
Financial management, analytical, and planning skills.
Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
Computer knowledge and skills for basic office functions.
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and move and handle boxes weighing 35 pounds, including lifting, as required to perform the role.
Ability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
At least 2 years of experience is required for the position.
Must be 18 or older.
For outdoor venue assignments, comfort working outdoors and exposure to the elements.

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.
Candidates with 4 or more years of experience will receive stronger consideration.
Working knowledge of Tripleseat is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement event plans, including event orders, pull sheets, timelines, staffing schedules, visual presentation, and logistics layouts.
Coordinate with sales representatives to capture event requirements accurately and ensure they are carried out.
Oversee event setup, execution, and breakdown, ensuring operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Ensure event equipment, supplies, and materials are available and in good working condition; facilitate equipment maintenance and repairs.
Walk event spaces with the Sales Team before events to confirm readiness and address issues.
Collaborate with Sales, Culinary, and other departments on event strategies, procedures, floorplans, event flow, and cross-utilized products and equipment.
Attend weekly BEO meetings, distribute revised operations plans when needed, advise the Sales Team about post-event balances, and coordinate event details.
Create food-and-beverage displays with the Culinary Team and oversee catering product quality, levels, and inventory.
Maintain positive relationships with internal and external clients; conduct pre-event meetings and post-event follow-ups, provide tailored solutions, and serve as the day-of client contact for catering services.
Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely delivery, negotiate pricing and contracts, and maintain a list of operational and client resources.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws; maintain a clean, safe, organized work environment; and uphold company policies and procedures.
Develop, meet, and exceed monthly and annual catering operations budgets and plans; analyze costs and inventory to maximize opportunities and minimize waste.
Review invoices, bills, and accounting documents for accuracy and communicate needed changes to Accounts Payable.
Control payroll, equipment-rental, and other controllable costs and identify revenue opportunities.
Report weekly and monthly operational performance, including labor forecasts and event P&L statements; analyze event performance and manage budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
Promote inclusion and support within the unit, demonstrate sustainability and conservation practices, and participate in community engagement and giving-back efforts.
Where applicable, recruit and integrate team members, schedule staffing to business needs and budget, approve timesheets, supervise and evaluate personnel, coach and develop employees, and implement training programs.
At certain locations, partner with onsite or area sales teams on site visits, communicate client needs, conduct tastings, participate in client hand-offs, lead weekly BEO meetings, manage internal-event information and approvals, and coordinate collection for services rendered.
At certain locations, communicate day-of add-ons to the Area Sales Team, support onsite coordinators with sales responsibilities in coordination with the District Manager of Sales, and manage partner relationships, including 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 SSA-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 Program providing access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
Meal plan and employee discounts where applicable.
Tuition discount through a partnership 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.