Catering & Event Operations Manager

SSA Group•Dallas, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Catering & Event Operations Manager supports the Event/Catering Sales and Culinary teams by leading the logistics planning, coordination, execution, and quality control of catering events. The role requires knowledge of client relationships and event logistics, with responsibility for delivering seamless, memorable events and customer satisfaction. The position has revenue oversight of $650,000 or more and is onsite at the Dallas Zoo. The manager coordinates event planning and execution, maintains client and vendor relationships, oversees operational and financial performance, and supports team management where applicable. The role also promotes inclusion, sustainability and conservation efforts, and community engagement. In some locations, the position supports offsite sales activities and partner relationships.

Requirements

Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of an organization.
Advanced leadership skills, including understanding team building and development and fostering partnerships.
Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills, combined with organizational ability.
Financial management, analytical, and planning skills.
Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
Computer knowledge and skill sufficient for basic office functions.
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and move and handle boxes weighing 35 pounds as necessary, including lifting and performing the role's functions.
Ability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
At least 4 years of experience is required; candidates with 6 or more years will receive stronger consideration.
All education backgrounds are eligible.
Must be 18 years or older.

Nice To Haves

At least 4 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.
For outdoor venues, comfort working outdoors, including exposure to the elements.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement detailed catering event plans, including event orders, pull sheets, execution timelines, staffing schedules, visual presentation, and logistics layouts.
Coordinate with sales representatives to understand event requirements and ensure details are captured and executed accurately.
Oversee event setup, execution, and breakdown, ensuring events run smoothly and efficiently.
Ensure event equipment, supplies, and materials are available and in good working condition.
Walk event spaces with the Sales Team before events, check that everything is in working order, and promptly address issues.
Collaborate with Sales, Culinary, and other departments on event strategies and procedures.
Attend weekly BEO meetings, address upcoming event concerns and needs, and distribute Operations Plan revisions to stakeholders when necessary.
Advise the Sales Team about outstanding post-event balances, collaborate on floor plans and event flow, and coordinate cross-utilized products and equipment.
Create food and beverage displays with the Culinary Team and oversee catering product quality, levels, and inventory.
Facilitate catering equipment maintenance and repairs.
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.
Communicate with vendors to ensure timely delivery, negotiate pricing and contracts, and maintain a resource list for client and operational use.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
Uphold and demonstrate understanding of company policies and procedures.
Develop, meet, and exceed monthly and annual catering operations budgets and plans.
Analyze operational costs and inventory to maximize opportunities and minimize waste; review invoices and accounting documents for accuracy and communicate necessary changes to Accounts Payable.
Minimize controllable costs, including payroll and equipment rental, and develop revenue opportunities.
Report weekly and monthly operational performance, analyze event performance data, and manage budgeting, forecasting, and cost control, including labor costs, food costs, and profitability.
Promote an inclusive and supportive approach, lead by example in sustainability and conservation, and engage with SSA and the unit in community activities and giving-back opportunities.
Where applicable, recruit, hire, and integrate team members; schedule staffing in line with business levels and budgets; approve weekly timesheets; supervise and evaluate personnel; coach and develop employees; and implement training programs.
Where applicable, partner with location or area sales teams on site visits, communicate client needs, conduct client tastings, participate in client hand-off meetings, lead weekly BEO meetings, and manage internal event information and payment collection.
Where applicable, communicate day-of add-ons to the Area Sales Team, support onsite coordinators with sales responsibilities, and manage partner relationships, including gala and fundraising responsibilities.
Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

Benefits

$75 monthly cell phone stipend.
Flex Time Off, with no accruals; employees are encouraged to schedule time off as needed within business scope.
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 age, eligibility, service, hours-worked, and enrollment-period conditions.
Employer-sponsored short-term and long-term disability, with scaled-salary pay following submission and approval of leave.
Paid parental leave for birthing parents of up to 6–8 weeks, depending on the birthing event.
Up to 120 hours of SSA Paid Benefit leave for qualifying reasons, including parental bonding and serious medical conditions in the family.
Up to 5 days 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.
Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local laws.