Catering Operations Manager- Cambridge, MA

Compass Group•Cambridge, MA

1d•$80,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced Catering Operations Manager to lead event operations at a premier, high-end conference center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The venue hosts hundreds of conferences, meetings, receptions, and special events annually and is supported by approximately 25 hourly Front-of-House associates. The role oversees the successful planning and execution of on- and off-premise events, delivering elevated hospitality, culinary excellence, and attention to detail. The manager leads event staff and collaborates with culinary and operational partners to manage multiple events and provide a seamless guest experience. Weekend availability and schedule flexibility are required based on event needs.

Requirements

Three to five years of management experience.
Demonstrated success leading teams and managing multiple events simultaneously.
Strong understanding of budgeting, P&L management, labor and sales forecasting, cost control, and operational reporting.
Excellent client service, presentation, negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to establish credibility with senior culinary professionals, executive clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
Strong organizational, time-management, delegation, and problem-solving abilities.
Experience hiring, training, coaching, mentoring, and developing teams.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt in a fast-paced, continuously changing environment.
Weekend availability and flexibility based on the event schedule.

Nice To Haves

Background in catering, conference services, event operations, or luxury hospitality.
Management experience in a high-volume conference center, corporate dining, or off-premise catering environment.
Experience overseeing union or hourly Front-of-House teams.
Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to build client partnerships and support catering business growth.

Responsibilities

Lead execution of conferences, executive meetings, receptions, corporate functions, and special events.
Direct and support Event Managers and staff to execute events according to client expectations, contract requirements, and Restaurant Associates standards.
Recruit, interview, select, train, schedule, and develop the Front-of-House team.
Coordinate staffing plans and event schedules based on business volume, service requirements, and operational priorities.
Maintain accurate financial, operational, and administrative records, including labor, sales, forecasting, and event reporting.
Monitor contract requirements and ensure services are delivered according to agreed-upon standards.
Promote accountability, teamwork, service excellence, and continuous improvement.