Catering & Event Operations Manager

SSA Group, LLC•Dallas, TX

3d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Catering & Event Operations Manager supports the Event/Catering Sales and Culinary teams by leading event logistics planning, coordination, execution, and quality control. The role requires knowledge of client relationships and event logistics, and is responsible for delivering seamless, memorable events and customer satisfaction. The position oversees catering operations with revenue oversight of $650,000 or more and is based onsite at the Dallas Zoo. The manager plans and oversees event setup, service, and breakdown; coordinates with clients, Sales, Culinary, vendors, and other departments; and manages catering products, equipment, staffing, budgets, and operational performance. Depending on location, the role may also support offsite sales activity, tastings, client handoffs, and partner events. The position may supervise and develop team members. This is a full-time, exempt role. It requires at least four years of experience, with candidates having six or more years receiving stronger consideration. The role may require varied hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and requires the ability to stand for extended periods and move or handle boxes weighing up to 35 pounds. For outdoor venues, comfort working outdoors and exposure to the elements is required.

Requirements

Strong interpersonal and communication skills across organizational levels.
Advanced leadership skills, including team building and development and fostering partnerships.
Exceptional 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 skills sufficient for basic office functions.
Ability to stand for extended periods and move and handle boxes weighing up to 35 pounds, including lifting and performing job duties.
Ability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
At least four years of catering operations and/or event planning management experience is required.
All education backgrounds are eligible; must be at least 18 years old.

Nice To Haves

Six or more years of experience will receive stronger consideration.
Experience in off-site catering, hotel, or cultural attraction catering venue settings is preferred.
Working knowledge of Tripleseat is a plus.
For outdoor venues, comfort working outdoors, including exposure to the elements.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement detailed event plans, including event orders, pull sheets, execution timelines, staffing schedules, visual presentation, and logistics layouts.
Coordinate with Sales representatives to understand event needs and ensure details are recorded 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, confirm readiness, and address issues.
Collaborate with Sales, Culinary, and other departments on event procedures and strategies; attend weekly BEO meetings and distribute Operations Plan revisions when needed.
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; oversee catering product quality, levels, and inventory; and facilitate equipment maintenance and repairs.
Maintain positive relationships with internal and external clients, conduct pre-event meetings and post-event follow-ups, provide tailored solutions, address client concerns, and act as the day-of catering contact.
Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely goods and services, negotiate pricing and contracts, and maintain a resource list for clients and operations.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws; maintain a clean, safe, and organized workplace; and follow company policies and procedures.
Develop and meet monthly and annual catering operations budgets and plans; analyze costs and inventory to maximize opportunities and reduce waste.
Review invoices, bills, and accounting documents for accuracy and communicate necessary changes to Accounts Payable.
Control payroll, equipment rental, and other controllable costs, and identify revenue opportunities.
Report weekly and monthly operational performance; analyze event data for trends and improvement opportunities; and manage budgeting, forecasting, and cost control, including labor and food costs and profitability.
Promote inclusion and support within the unit; demonstrate sustainability and conservation efforts; and participate in community engagement and giving-back activities.
Where applicable, recruit, hire, onboard, schedule, and supervise team members; approve weekly timesheets; evaluate performance; provide coaching and development; and create training programs.
Where applicable, partner with onsite or area sales teams on site visits, convey client needs, conduct tastings, participate in client handoffs, 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 sales coordinators with the District Manager of Sales, and maintain partner relationships, including gala and fundraising responsibilities.
Perform other tasks as 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 eligibility requirements.
Employer-sponsored short-term and long-term disability.
Paid parental leave for birthing parents, up to six to eight weeks based on the birthing event.
Up to 120 hours of SSA paid leave for qualifying reasons, including parental bonding and serious family medical conditions.
Up to five 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.