Catering & Special Events Manager | Central Park Boathouse

Legends Global•New York, NY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Legends Global is hiring a Catering & Special Events Manager for Aspire at the Central Park Boathouse in New York, NY. This role manages special events from client planning through on-site execution, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and high standards of service, organization, and operational excellence. The venue is a historic landmark that hosts catered events, restaurant services, and rowboat rentals. The manager serves as the primary client contact and coordinates with Event Sales, Culinary, Operations, Engineering, IT, Security, Cleaning, Loading Dock, and other teams. The role oversees event logistics, food and beverage planning, staffing, vendors, event equipment, and event operations, while supporting financial reporting, team development, operational procedures, and venue standards. The position is onsite and requires flexible scheduling, including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; a degree in Hospitality Management is preferred.
3–6 years of management experience in catering, banquets, events, or hospitality.
Flexibility and ability to adapt quickly to changes.
Ability to work independently, stay self-motivated, and collaborate as a team player.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple events and priorities.
Excellent communication, leadership, delegation, and organizational skills, with strong attention to detail.
Familiarity with P&L reporting and financial management practices.
Commitment to exceeding guest expectations.
Extensive knowledge of upscale food and beverage preparation and ingredients, banquet service standards, client and guest relations, and professional etiquette.
Knowledge of fine dining table settings and service, synchronized service, service equipment, and printed menu design.
Experience managing high-end catering, hospitality, or special events for corporate and social clientele.
General knowledge of competitive markets.
Willingness to work extended hours and flexible shifts, including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to practice safe work habits and follow safety policies, procedures, regulations, and required training.

Nice To Haves

Hospitality Management degree.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, Tripleseat, Social Tables or Prismm, Canva, Figma, and scheduling software or applications.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout event planning and execution.
Collaborate with the Event Sales team to ensure accurate and successful event execution.
Manage event logistics, including timelines, floorplans, menus, staffing, rentals, and vendor coordination.
Lead food and beverage planning with clients, including menu development, tastings, and service style coordination.
Attend weekly event and hospitality leadership meetings.
Coordinate with internal departments to support seamless event execution.
Oversee event load-in, event operations, and load-out, including leading pre-event meetings.
Manage ordering and inventory of event equipment, smallwares, disposables, food, and beverages.
Coordinate preferred vendors and collect required insurance and compliance documentation.
Deliver exceptional guest experiences by maintaining service standards and anticipating client needs.
Support financial reporting, including event P&Ls, projected sales, and post-event recaps.
Assist with interviewing, onboarding, training, and retention of catering team members.
Develop and implement SOPs to improve operational efficiency and service consistency.
Partner with Operations and Engineering to maintain event spaces and venue standards.
Stay current on hospitality and event trends to support innovative experiences, service styles, and menu offerings.
Ensure adherence to health, safety, and cleanliness standards.
Supervise and direct catering event staff; conduct performance coaching, provide feedback, and support professional development.
Create and manage staffing schedules and event assignments to ensure appropriate coverage and efficiency.
Enforce company policies, service standards, safety procedures, and performance expectations, addressing employee relations issues as needed.
Lead pre-event briefings and post-event reviews, providing direction, accountability, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Complete company and venue safety and general compliance training, and other duties as assigned.