Catering Operations Manager - Boston, MA

Compass Group•Boston, MA

6d•$75,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Catering Operations Manager will lead the flawless execution of sophisticated on- and off-premise events for a premier corporate client in Boston, MA. This highly visible role is responsible for delivering exceptional, white-glove hospitality experiences while ensuring every event reflects the highest standards of service, quality, and attention to detail. The ideal candidate is an organized, client-focused hospitality professional with a proven ability to manage multiple high-profile events simultaneously. Success in this role requires outstanding communication, meticulous planning, and seamless coordination across culinary, operations, vendors, and client stakeholders. You will build trusted client relationships, anticipate needs, and deliver memorable event experiences through exceptional presentation, operational excellence, and a polished, hospitality-driven approach. Additionally, you will be expected to have excellent client skills in presentation and marketing ability.

Requirements

3-5 years of experience in a hospitality management environment (preferably in an off-premise catering environment)
Hands-on experience supporting catering events in a high-volume setting
Demonstrated ability to lead in a client-focused, hospitality-driven environment with an entrepreneurial mindset and a proven track record of driving business growth, operational excellence, and long-term client partnerships.
Operationally savvy industry professional with demonstrated leadership in managing people, events, and the overall guest experience
Strong organization, time management, and team motivation skills are essential for success in this role
Ability to work independently with little direct supervision
Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) with clients, senior management, and WPC support staff
Ability to respond effectively to continuously changing demands
Demonstrated experience in budgeting, P&L, labor and sales forecasting and reporting
Effective use of discretion to problem solve in a fast-paced environment
Excellent negotiating skills
Ability to establish credibility with senior culinary professionals
Human Resource experience including hiring, training, mentoring and development

Responsibilities

Consults clients as to scope, expectations, setting, menu, collateral, and entertainment to have a successful and appropriate event within the client’s budget
Plans menus in consultation with the clients and chefs
Negotiates individual vendor contracts
Delegates to, and ensures that, the Event Manager coordinates and executes the event within the parameters established by the Catering Event Manager
Recruits, interviews, selects, and trains permanent and casual staff
Organizes, leads and motivates the catering team
Plans staff and event schedules
Maintains and develops accurate financial and administrative records
Serves as liaison and coordinator between Sales Catering Managers, Supervising Chefs, Staffing, Captains, Suppliers, Vendors, Rental Companies and Clients as needed to plan events
Assesses contract requirements and ensures satisfaction with the services delivered
Performs final review and assessment of catering events to determine if they meet performance and quality standards
Resolves customer concerns and ensures timely customer payment