Catering Operations Manager

Compass Group•East Marlborough Township, PA

3d•$75,000 - $85,000

About The Position

Restaurant Associates is seeking a Catering Operations Manager for Longwood Gardens. The role supports the planning, coordination, and execution of events ranging from intimate gatherings to weddings and large-scale celebrations, helping deliver exceptional culinary and event experiences while upholding high standards of hospitality, service, and guest experience. The manager works collaboratively with clients, culinary teams, event professionals, and external vendors. The position combines operational leadership and relationship management, with responsibility for smooth event delivery, team leadership, and supporting operational and financial objectives. The employer is interviewing now and may consider candidates available to start in January 2027.

Requirements

Experience leading hospitality, catering, events, or foodservice operations.
Ability to organize multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills with clients, team members, and business partners.
Experience managing teams in a fast-paced guest service environment.
Ability to work independently while fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, labor management, and financial reporting practices.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
Experience negotiating with vendors and managing external partnerships.
Commitment to developing people and creating positive team experiences.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and event requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience within catering, special events, hospitality, cultural attractions, or luxury service environments.
ServSafe certification or the ability to obtain certification.

Responsibilities

Partner with clients to understand event goals, vision, budget, and service expectations.
Collaborate with culinary leadership to develop customized menus and event experiences.
Coordinate and manage relationships with vendors, suppliers, rental partners, and other event service providers.
Oversee event execution, ensuring service quality, operational excellence, and guest satisfaction.
Lead, coach, and support event managers, supervisors, and catering team members.
Participate in recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, training, and ongoing development of team members.
Create staffing plans and event schedules that support efficient operations and exceptional service.
Maintain accurate event records, financial documentation, and operational reporting.
Serve as a liaison among culinary, sales, operations, facilities, and event teams to ensure seamless communication.
Monitor contractual commitments and service deliverables to ensure expectations are met.
Conduct post-event reviews to identify successes, opportunities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Address guest and client concerns professionally and with a solutions-focused approach.
Support budgeting, forecasting, labor management, and financial performance objectives.