Catering Manager

Compass Group•WASHINGTON, DC

4d•$80,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

Restaurant Associates is seeking experienced, service-focused Catering Managers to support the World Bank Group’s Washington, D.C. campus. Reporting to the Director of Catering, this role partners closely with catering leadership, culinary teams, and campus stakeholders to plan and execute meetings, conferences, executive functions, and high-profile events in a fast-paced, international setting. This position offers a primarily Monday–Friday schedule with most holidays off, along with occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends based on event needs and major meeting periods.

Requirements

Experience in catering, banquets, conference services, or event operations within a hospitality or foodservice environment
Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail and meeting deadlines
Hands-on leadership experience directing event teams and managing live event execution
Working knowledge of event logistics, staffing, service flow, setup, breakdown, and billing processes
Strong client-service mindset with effective communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
Comfort using event management systems and Microsoft Office tools
Ability to stay composed, adaptable, and solution-oriented in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment
Flexibility to support early mornings, evenings, weekends, or extended hours when required

Nice To Haves

Experience in high-volume, corporate, or complex catering environments
Familiarity working with union teams or on-call/temporary staffing models
Experience supporting executive, VIP, diplomatic, or international events
Knowledge of EMS, Tripleseat, CaterTrax, Delphi, or similar systems
Relevant certifications (e.g., ServSafe, responsible alcohol service) or willingness to obtain
Additional language skills or experience supporting a diverse client base

Responsibilities

Manage assigned events from initial planning through execution, including billing, documentation, and post-event follow-up to ensure accuracy and client satisfaction
Maintain detailed and accurate banquet event orders, including timelines, guest counts, menus, dietary needs, staffing plans, equipment, and service requirements
Serve as the on-site operational lead, coordinating event setup, culinary timing, service execution, breakdown, and real-time adjustments
Build and maintain responsive, professional communication with clients, meeting organizers, and internal partners throughout the event lifecycle
Partner with catering leadership, culinary teams, and campus service groups to ensure seamless coordination across multiple events and locations
Direct, brief, and coach regular, union, and temporary staff during events, ensuring clear expectations, service standards, and effective execution
Develop event-specific staffing plans that align labor with guest counts, service style, complexity, and financial goals
Monitor event costs, including labor, food, and equipment, while accurately capturing billable items and changes
Use EMS and related systems to support scheduling, planning, reporting, invoicing, and recordkeeping
Anticipate operational challenges, resolve routine service issues, and escalate more complex concerns related to client experience, safety, or execution
Uphold Restaurant Associates standards for hospitality, presentation, food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety
Support large-scale meetings, tastings, training initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts