Director of Catering & Event Operations

SSA Group, LLC•San Antonio, TX

1d•$65,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

SSA Group at San Antonio Zoo is looking for a talented Director of Catering & Event Operations to join our team! This role is responsible for supporting the Event/Catering Sales and Culinary teams by leading the catering logistics planning, coordination, execution, and quality control of events. This position involves expert knowledge of client relationships, event logistics, and delivering customer satisfaction. The ultimate responsibility is for the delivery of seamless and memorable events. SSA Group is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace and encourages applications from individuals whose experience may not align perfectly with every qualification.

Requirements

Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of an organization.
Expert leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
Demonstrates financial management, analytical, and planning skills.
Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
Must be comfortable working in an outdoor environment, including exposure to the elements.
Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.
Minimum 6 years catering operations and/or event planning management in off-site catering, hotel or cultural attraction catering venue preferred.
A minimum of 6 years of experience is required for this position; however, candidates with 8 or more years of experience will be given stronger consideration.
All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of Tripleseat is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement detailed plans for catering events, including event orders, pull sheets, execution timelines, staffing schedules, visual appeal and logistics layouts.
Coordinate with sales representatives to understand event requirements and ensure all details are accurately captured and executed.
Oversee the setup, execution, and breakdown of events, ensuring all aspects run smoothly and efficiently.
Ensure all equipment, supplies, and materials are available and in good working condition for events.
Walk event spaces with Sales Team before events to ensure everything is in working order and address any issues promptly.
Communicate and collaborate effectively with the Sales Team, Culinary Team, and other departments involved in events, developing and implementing new strategies and procedures where necessary to ensure events are executed flawlessly.
Attend weekly BEO meetings to review all upcoming events, addressing concerns and needs to each event.
Distribute Operations Plan revisions to key stakeholders when necessary.
Advise Sales Team on any outstanding balances due post event.
Collaborate with Sales Team on floor plans and event flow.
Coordinate the need of cross-utilized products/equipment.
Create eye-catching and innovative F&B displays in collaboration with the Culinary Team.
Oversee quality, product levels, and inventory of Catering products.
Facilitate the maintenance and repairs of Catering equipment as necessary.
Maintain strong, positive relationships with internal and external clients to ensure repeat business and client satisfaction.
Conduct pre-event meetings with internal stakeholders to finalize details and post-event follow-ups to gather feedback and foster continued development.
Work closely with clients to provide tailored solutions and address any concerns promptly.
Act as client day-of contact for catering services.
Maintain communication with vendors to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
Negotiate pricing and contracts with vendors to optimize costs and quality.
Uphold an active list of resources for client and internal operational use.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
Develop, meet, and exceed monthly and annual catering operations budgets and plans.
Analyze operational costs and inventory to maximize opportunities and minimize waste.
Review all invoices, bills, and accounting-related documents for accuracy and communicate necessary changes to Accounts Payable.
Minimize controllable costs, including payroll and equipment rental, associated with the operation and strategize on revenue avenues.
Report weekly and monthly operational performance to appropriate stakeholders.
Analyze event performance data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
Responsible for budgeting, forecasting and cost control (e.g., labor costs, food costs and profitability).
Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the unit.
Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application.
Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus on opportunities of giving back.
Hire, recruit, and integrate new team members.
Schedule appropriate staff levels in accordance with business level and budget.
Approve weekly timesheets.
Supervise assigned personnel, evaluate performance, and provide coaching and development.
Develop and implement training programs to motivate and mentor employees.
Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
Partnering with location or area sales team on site visits and communicating client needs to Area Sales Team post meeting.
Conduct tastings for potential clients.
Participating in client hand-off meetings to ensure proper event execution.
Leading weekly BEO meetings.
Managing approval and distribution of information on all internal events, including collecting funds for all services rendered.
Communicating day of add-ons to Area Sales Team for proper recording and collection.
Works with District Manager of Sales to support onsite coordinators with sales responsibilities, where applicable.
Manages and maintains partner relationship, including leading gala and fundraising responsibilities.
Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

Benefits

$75 monthly cell phone stipend.
Flex Time Off: no accruals; employees are encouraged to schedule time off as needed within business scope.
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee premiums applicable.
Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).
Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored; scaled-salary pay following submission and approval of leave.
Parental Leave: Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave, based on the birthing event.
SSA Paid Benefit: Up to 120 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying reasons, including Parental Bonding and your family’s serious medical conditions.
Up to 5 days Paid Bereavement Leave.
On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
Meal Plan & Employee Discounts where applicable.
Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws.