Manager, Catering & Event Operations

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership is seeking an Event Operations lead with 3+ years of experience to plan and execute premium catering events at Scotiabank Arena and MLSE venues. You will coordinate staffing, equipment, logistics, and budgets, ensuring flawless service and client satisfaction across multiple hospitality spaces.

Role requires strong leadership, exceptional communication, and the ability to manage several events simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive management experience within catering, hospitality, or event operations.
• Experience managing premium hospitality or large-scale catering operations in a sport, entertainment, hotel, convention centre, or similar high-volume environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading multiple concurrent events in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong financial acumen, including labour management, event costing, and operational budgets.
• Experience working with event management software (Tripleseat preferred).
• Strong knowledge of premium food and beverage service, banquet operations, and hospitality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and hourly event teams.
• Oversee event operations in premium clubs, suites, lounges, and hospitality venues.
• Coordinate staffing plans, rentals, equipment, décor, and timelines.
• Review BEOs and ensure all event requirements are executed accurately.
• Ensure labour budgeting and scheduling aligns with the CBA.
• Ensure food and beverage service meets timing, presentation, and standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Staff development

Tools

Tripleseat

MS Office

POS systems

Job description

Powered by Passion. United by Purpose. Build for Impact. At Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership (MLSE), we exist to deliver the ultimate fan experience by lifting trophies, spirits, and communities – united as one. We're more than a workplace. We are a team of passionate people, boldly building the future of sport and entertainment, together. We believe in the power of play, the strength of collaboration, and the energy that comes from showing up with purpose. From the ice to the pitch, the hardwood to the digital arena, we’re proud to be the driving force behind the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), the Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto FC (MLS), Toronto Argonauts (CFL) and development teams with the Toronto Marlies (AHL), Raptors 905 (NBA G League), Toronto FC II (MLS NEXT Pro League) and Raptors Uprising Gaming Club, the Toronto Raptors Esports franchise in the NBA 2K League. We bring these teams – and world‑class entertainment – to life at our iconic venues, including Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field, Coca‑Cola Coliseum, Ford Performance Centre, BMO Training Ground, and OVO Athletic Centre. Off the field, we serve up elevated dining at e11even, Real Sports, and our signature club spaces like Hot Stove Club, ScotiaClub, and Platinum Club. Through MLSE Foundation and MLSE LaunchPad, we use the power of sport to help youth facing barriers reach their full potential. Since 2009, we’ve invested more than $45 million into Ontario communities -- and we’re just getting started. This is what it means to be One MLSE: a culture where everyone plays a role, everyone belongs, and everyone contributes to something bigger than themselves. So, if you're ready to play with purpose, grow with passion, and win as one, we’d love to have you on our team.

We know that great candidates come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Even if you do not meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply. Your unique perspective, transferable skills, and lived experience may be exactly what we’re looking for.

Job Description

• Event Operations Lead the planning and execution of premium catering events throughout Scotiabank Arena. Oversee event operations in premium clubs, suites, lounges, meeting spaces, and other hospitality venues throughout the arena. Provide operational leadership for catered events hosted at MLSE venues. Support selects off‑site catering events, including private residences, golf tournaments, community activations, and other special events as required. Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and ensure all event requirements are executed accurately. Coordinate staffing plans, rentals, equipment, décor, event logistics, and operational timelines. Prepare production sheets, setup diagrams, seating plans, timelines, and operational documentation. Conduct pre‑event meetings and communicate expectations to supervisors and hourly staff. Work closely with the Scheduling team to ensure labour is appropriately budgeted and scheduled while adhering to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Partner with Culinary, Sales, Audio Visual, Security, Building Operations, Housekeeping, and other departments to ensure seamless event execution. Oversee food and beverage service, ensuring timing, presentation, and service standards are consistently met. Respond proactively to client and guest concerns, ensuring service recovery is handled professionally. Anticipate operational challenges and implement solutions before they impact the guest experience. Ensure opening, service, and closing procedures are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Leadership Lead, coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and hourly event teams. Foster a collaborative "One Team" culture while promoting accountability and operational excellence. Conduct performance coaching, development conversations, and annual performance reviews. Support recruitment, onboarding, training, succession planning, and ongoing employee development initiatives. Ensure teams consistently deliver MLSE's championship service standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years of progressive management experience within catering, hospitality, or event operations.
• Experience managing premium hospitality or large‑scale catering operations in a sport, entertainment, hotel, convention centre, or similar high‑volume environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading multiple concurrent events in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong financial acumen, including labour management, event costing, and operational budgets.
• Experience working with event management software (Tripleseat preferred).
• Strong knowledge of premium food and beverage service, banquet operations, and hospitality standards.
• Ability to adapt quickly in a dynamic, event‑driven environment.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
• An ongoing awareness and responsiveness to client satisfaction, with high expectations for quality.
• Confident user of MS Office, inventory, and POS programs- experience with TripleSeat an asset.
• Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and develop professional relationships.
• Ability to communicate, motivate, and lead effectively.
• A proactive approach toward day‑to‑day activities and shifting demands.
• An effective problem solver, driven by results and alert to change.
• Shown to perform well under pressure; manage and lead multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, liquor licensing (AGCO), Smart Serve, WHMIS, Occupational Health & Safety, and MLSE operating standards.
• Skilled knowledge of food, wine, beer and spirits.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Experience managing premium hospitality or large‑scale catering operations in a sports, entertainment, hotel, or convention centre environment will be considered an asset.

Please apply by: Thursday, August 20.

Job Posting Compensation Range/Rate: $80,000 – 85,000 Bonus, vacation, competitive benefits, and many exciting perks are also included.

At MLSE, we are committed to building an equitable, diverse and inclusive organization. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. MLSE will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online application system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email [e-mail]. This email is only for accommodation requests. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered.

Our team is expanding, and we want to hire the most talented people we can.Continued success depends on it! Once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, and keep track of both your progress in the selection process, and new posts that might interest you! Thanks for your interest in working on our team!