Catering and Events Manager

Sodexo•Newport Beach, CA

About The Position

Catering & Events Manager – Newport Beach, CA We are seeking an experienced Catering & Events Manager to support a high‑profile corporate client, Pacific Life Insurance. This is a highly visible, client‑facing role responsible for delivering exceptional hospitality experiences through daily catering operations and a robust calendar of corporate events. You’ll partner closely with the client, lead a talented team, and ensure every event — from executive meetings to large‑scale celebrations — is executed flawlessly. Is this opportunity right for you? You may be a great fit if you: Have a passion for hospitality and want a better work/life balance than traditional restaurant or hotel roles typically offer Enjoy working hard and staying hands‑on during service, but appreciate having most nights and weekends free Love the world of catering and events, and want to creatively contribute to memorable, high‑quality experiences Thrive in a polished corporate environment where client interaction is part of your daily rhythm What You'll Do Strong catering and banquet/event experience, including financial acumen and a deep understanding of event logistics, timelines, and technical delivery Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and execute multiple events simultaneously, from small executive lunches to high‑visibility corporate functions A leadership style that builds, mentors, and inspires a high‑performing catering and events team committed to quality, presentation, service, and professionalism A systems‑driven approach to event planning, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and on‑time delivery across all catering and event touchpoints Strong writing, costing, menu development, and pricing capabilities Proficiency with Catertrax and strong Excel skills What We Offer Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include: Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions Paid Time Off and Company Holidays Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire. What You Bring Proven catering and events expertise, with the ability to execute everything from executive meetings to large‑scale corporate functions Exceptional client‑facing skills, building trust and delivering polished, professional service in a high‑visibility environment Strong leadership and team‑building abilities, mentoring staff and fostering a culture of quality, accountability, and hospitality Operational excellence, including systems‑driven planning, timeline management, and the ability to juggle multiple events simultaneously Creative and financial acumen, with strengths in menu development, costing, pricing, and written proposals Technical proficiency, including Catertrax, Excel, and tools that support forecasting, reporting, and event execution Who We Are At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form. Qualifications & Requirements Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experienceMinimum Management Experience - 2 years Minimum Functional Experience – 1 year work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.

Requirements

Proven catering and events expertise, with the ability to execute everything from executive meetings to large‑scale corporate functions
Exceptional client‑facing skills, building trust and delivering polished, professional service in a high‑visibility environment
Strong leadership and team‑building abilities, mentoring staff and fostering a culture of quality, accountability, and hospitality
Operational excellence, including systems‑driven planning, timeline management, and the ability to juggle multiple events simultaneously
Creative and financial acumen, with strengths in menu development, costing, pricing, and written proposals
Technical proficiency, including Catertrax, Excel, and tools that support forecasting, reporting, and event execution
Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 2 years
Minimum Functional Experience – 1 year work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.

Responsibilities

Strong catering and banquet/event experience, including financial acumen and a deep understanding of event logistics, timelines, and technical delivery
Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and execute multiple events simultaneously, from small executive lunches to high‑visibility corporate functions
A leadership style that builds, mentors, and inspires a high‑performing catering and events team committed to quality, presentation, service, and professionalism
A systems‑driven approach to event planning, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and on‑time delivery across all catering and event touchpoints
Strong writing, costing, menu development, and pricing capabilities
Proficiency with Catertrax and strong Excel skills