Catering & Special Events Manager | Central Park Boathouse

ASM Global•New York, NY

7d•$75,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Catering & Special Events Manager for Aspire at the Central Park Boathouse is responsible for managing special events from client planning through on-site execution, delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining high standards of service and operational excellence. The role coordinates event logistics, food and beverage planning, internal teams, preferred vendors, staffing, inventory, event finances, and venue standards. It also supervises and develops catering staff, supports continuous improvement through SOPs and event reviews, and ensures health, safety, and cleanliness requirements are followed. The Central Park Boathouse is a historic New York City landmark that hosts catered events, restaurant services, and rowboat rentals. This is an onsite role requiring flexible scheduling, including mornings, nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; a Hospitality Management degree is preferred.
3–6 years of management experience in catering, banquets, events, or hospitality.
Excellent communication, leadership, delegation, and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to adapt quickly, work independently, collaborate as a team member, and perform in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to manage multiple events and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Familiarity with P&L reporting and financial management practices.
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 with corporate and social clientele.
General knowledge of competitive markets.
Commitment to exceeding guest expectations.
Ability and willingness to work extended hours and flexible shifts, including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to follow safety policies, procedures, and regulations and complete required safety 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 client contact throughout event planning and execution.
Collaborate with the Event Sales team to ensure accurate and successful event execution.
Manage event timelines, floorplans, menus, staffing, rentals, and vendor coordination.
Lead client food and beverage planning, including menu development, tastings, and service-style coordination.
Attend weekly event and hospitality leadership meetings.
Coordinate with Culinary, Operations, Engineering, IT, Security, Cleaning, and Loading Dock teams.
Oversee event load-in, 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.
Maintain high service standards, anticipate client needs, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
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 consistency of service.
Partner with Operations and Engineering to maintain event spaces and venue standards.
Monitor hospitality and event trends to support innovative experiences, service styles, and menus.
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and cleanliness standards.
Supervise and direct catering event staff.
Coach staff, provide ongoing feedback, and support professional development.
Create staffing schedules and event assignments to maintain appropriate coverage and efficiency.
Enforce company policies, service standards, safety procedures, and performance expectations; address employee relations issues as needed.
Lead pre-event briefings and post-event reviews to provide direction, accountability, and continuous improvement opportunities.
Complete company and venue safety and general compliance training and follow safe work practices.
Perform additional duties as assigned by management.