Corporate Catering & Events Manager
About The Position
The Corporate Catering & Events Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for corporate catering and event services across multiple Lake County campus locations at AbbVie. Reporting to the Manager, Foodservice Operations, this role develops, standardizes, and grows an enterprise catering program that delivers high-quality hospitality experiences while supporting organizational objectives. The manager leads the design and implementation of catering systems, service standards, menus, operating procedures, technology solutions, and training initiatives to create consistency across locations. Initially, the role focuses on building these capabilities while overseeing current catering and event operations. As the program matures, the manager oversees daily operations, financial performance, stakeholder relationships, and team development, with a focus on elevated customer experiences for clients, guests, and executive stakeholders.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Management, Event Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- At least 8 years of progressive leadership experience in catering, hospitality, event management, business dining, hotel operations, or a related service environment.
- Demonstrated experience leading multi-site catering operations, large-scale corporate events, or complex hospitality programs.
- Proven success developing and implementing operating procedures, service standards, training programs, and process improvements.
- Strong financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, forecasting revenue, controlling labor and food costs, and analyzing operational performance.
- Experience managing catering management software, online ordering platforms, event management systems, and business reporting tools.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across organizational levels.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in coaching, performance management, employee development, and succession planning.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and customer service in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic development and execution of the corporate catering program, establishing scalable service models, operating standards, menu packages, hospitality guidelines, and business processes.
- Directly lead two Catering Operations Group Leaders and indirectly lead broader catering and events teams; foster accountability, collaboration, professional development, hospitality, and service excellence.
- Oversee daily catering and event operations across multiple locations, ensuring coordinated service delivery and consistent standards.
- Partner with culinary leadership to develop and enhance menus, packages, service tiers, and event solutions that meet client needs and support program growth.
- Ensure services address dietary, allergen, cultural, religious, accessibility, and other accommodation requirements while maintaining food safety and guest experience standards.
- Lead implementation and management of catering technology platforms, online ordering systems, reporting tools, and operational processes; develop and maintain standard operating procedures.
- Oversee planning and execution of corporate meetings, executive events, VIP functions, conferences, and large-scale organizational events from initial request through delivery.
- Develop contingency plans for service disruptions, staffing challenges, facility issues, supplier delays, and other event-related risks.
- Manage catering revenue, food costs, labor utilization, and operating expenses; identify opportunities to grow revenue, improve cost recovery and efficiency, and meet financial objectives.
- Build relationships with administrative partners, corporate clients, executive stakeholders, and event sponsors; serve as the primary escalation point for service concerns and promote customer satisfaction.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, workplace safety, company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
- Use operational data, customer feedback, and performance metrics to identify opportunities for innovation, program enhancements, process improvements, and long-term growth.
Benefits
- Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick time.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.
- 401(k) for eligible employees.
- Eligibility to participate in short-term incentive programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
