Catering & Event Operations Manager

SSA Group•Houston, TX

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Catering & Event Operations Manager supports Event/Catering Sales and Culinary teams by leading the planning, coordination, execution, and quality control of catering events. The role requires knowledge of client relationships and event logistics, and is responsible for delivering seamless, memorable events. The position has revenue oversight of $650,000 or more and is based onsite at the Houston Zoo. It reports to the General Manager, Assistant General Manager, (Sr.) Director of Catering Operations, or Sr. Manager of Catering Operations. The manager develops event plans and coordinates with sales, culinary, vendors, clients, and other departments. The role oversees event setup, execution, and breakdown; maintains equipment and product quality; manages budgets, costs, inventory, reporting, and operational performance; and ensures compliance with applicable laws and company policies. Where applicable, the role also manages staff and supports offsite sales activities. This is a full-time, exempt position. The role may require varied hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may involve outdoor work at outdoor venues. Physical demands include standing for extended periods and moving or handling boxes weighing up to 35 pounds. All education backgrounds are eligible, and applicants must be at least 18 years old.

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, with strong organization.
Financial management, analytical, and planning skills.
Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
Computer knowledge and skills for basic office functions.
Minimum of 4 years of experience is required; candidates with 6 or more years will receive stronger consideration.
Ability to stand for extended periods and move and handle boxes weighing up to 35 pounds as necessary.
For outdoor venues, comfort working outdoors and exposure to the elements.
Ability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
Must be at least 18 years old.
All education backgrounds are eligible.

Nice To Haves

At least 4 years of catering operations and/or event planning management in off-site catering, a hotel, or a cultural attraction catering venue is preferred.
Working knowledge of Tripleseat is a plus.
Six or more years of experience will receive stronger consideration.

Responsibilities

Develop detailed catering event plans, including event orders, pull sheets, execution timelines, staffing schedules, visual appeal, and logistics layouts.
Coordinate with sales representatives to capture event requirements accurately and ensure they are executed.
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, confirm readiness, and address issues promptly.
Collaborate with Sales, Culinary, and other departments; develop and implement strategies and procedures to improve event execution.
Attend weekly BEO meetings, review upcoming events, and address event concerns and needs.
Distribute revisions to Operations Plans to key stakeholders when necessary.
Advise the Sales Team of outstanding post-event balances.
Collaborate with the Sales Team on floor plans and event flow, and coordinate cross-utilized products and equipment.
Create food-and-beverage displays with the Culinary Team.
Oversee the quality, product levels, and inventory of catering products; facilitate catering equipment maintenance and repairs.
Maintain positive relationships with internal and external clients to support satisfaction and repeat business.
Conduct pre-event meetings with internal stakeholders and post-event follow-ups to finalize details, gather feedback, and support improvement.
Work with clients to provide tailored solutions, address concerns, and serve as the day-of contact for catering services.
Communicate with vendors to ensure timely delivery; negotiate vendor pricing and contracts; maintain an active list of resources.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws; maintain a clean, safe, and organized workplace; and uphold company policies and procedures.
Develop, meet, and exceed monthly and annual catering operations budgets and plans.
Analyze operating 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 costs, including payroll and equipment rental, and develop revenue opportunities.
Report weekly and monthly operational performance to stakeholders; analyze event performance data and identify trends and areas for improvement.
Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cost control, including labor costs, food costs, and profitability.
Promote an inclusive and supportive unit, demonstrate sustainability and conservation efforts, and engage in community activities and giving-back opportunities.
Where applicable, recruit, hire, and integrate team members; schedule staff in accordance with business levels and budget; approve weekly timesheets; supervise, evaluate, coach, and develop personnel; and implement training programs.
Where applicable, partner with onsite or area sales teams on site visits, communicate client needs, conduct tastings, and participate in client hand-off meetings.
Where applicable, lead weekly BEO meetings, manage information approval and distribution for internal events, collect funds for services, and communicate day-of add-ons to the Area Sales Team.
Where applicable, support onsite coordinators with sales responsibilities in collaboration with the District Manager of Sales, and maintain 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.
Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match, subject to eligibility requirements.
Employer-sponsored short-term and long-term disability benefits.
Paid parental leave for birthing parents, up to 6–8 weeks based on the birthing event.
Up to 120 hours of SSA Paid Benefit leave for qualifying reasons, including parental bonding and serious family medical conditions.
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.