Catering Coordinator

ASM Global-SMG; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Legends Global in Grand Rapids is seeking a Catering Operations Coordinator to support the Premium/Catering Manager and ensure smooth execution of events. You will coordinate with culinary, operations, and sales teams, manage staffing and equipment, and drive high service quality.

The role requires strong organizational and communication skills, flexibility for evenings and weekends, and a focus on safety and client satisfaction. On-site location at major venues.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in catering operations, event planning, or hospitality management.
• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, culinary arts, or related field; Food safety certification required.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer-focused skills; proficiency in Office and Caterease.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays; physical ability to lift and set up equipment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Catering Manager and clients on requirements, menu, dietary restrictions and requests.
• Coordinate with culinary, operations and events teams for planning and execution.
• Schedule setup, equipment rentals, décor and staffing for events.
• Assist in menu development based on client preferences and seasonal trends.
• Coordinate logistics for events, including setup and venue coordination.
• Ensure timely delivery and setup of equipment, food and beverages.
• Assist with inventory management and vendor relationships.
• Train and supervise catering staff, and optimize labor costs.
• Serve as primary contact for clients, address questions and resolve issues.
• Communicate BEO details to clients and maintain client/vendor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and SOPs; follow up on payments.

Skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Communication

Customer-focused

Flexibility hours

Physical ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, culinary arts, or related field

Food safety certification (TIPS, ServSafe)

Tools

Caterease

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Details

Position: Catering Coordinator
Department: Catering
Reports To: Premium/Catering Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Hourly

About the Role

The Catering Operations Coordinator supports the Premium/Catering Manager in ensuring the smooth execution of catering events and operations. The role coordinates with various teams to meet high standards of quality and efficiency. Flexibility across weekly events is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Catering Manager and event clients to understand requirements, including menu selection, dietary restrictions, and special requests.
• Coordinate with internal teams (culinary, operations, event sales) for seamless event planning and execution.
• Schedule and oversee event setup, equipment rentals, décor arrangements, and staffing requirements.
• Assist in menu development and customization based on client preferences, seasonal trends, and dietary needs.
• Coordinate logistics for catering events, including equipment set‑up, elevator operations, and venue coordination.
• Ensure timely delivery and setup of catering equipment, food, and beverages.
• Assist with inventory management: ordering supplies, tracking inventory levels, and managing vendor relationships.
• Assist with training and supervising catering staff, providing coaching and feedback to maintain service quality.
• Develop and implement event staffing schedules to meet demands while optimizing labor costs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for event clients, addressing questions, resolving issues, and ensuring satisfaction.
• Communicate with the Catering Manager and event sales team to convey BEO information to clients.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with event clients, vendors, and partners to foster repeat business and referrals.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, health codes, and licensing requirements.
• Implement and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for service steps, cleanliness, and safety standards.
• Ensure all payments are received and follow up on outstanding balances.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Legends Global management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Interview, hire, and train employees.
• Plan, assign, and direct work.
• Appraise performance and address complaints or resolve problems as necessary with the Catering Manager.

Qualifications

• Education/Experience: Proven experience in catering operations, event planning, or hospitality management. Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, culinary arts, or related field preferred. Certificate in Food Safety (TIPS, ServSafe) required.
• Skills and Abilities: Strong organizational skills; ability to multitask and prioritize. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer‑focused approach. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and catering software, Caterease. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Physical ability to lift, move, and set up tables, chairs, staging, and event equipment (often 50+ lbs).

Compensation

21$ per hour.

Working Conditions

On Site (Acrisure Amphitheater, Van Andel Arena, Amway Stadium).

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Equal‑Employment Opportunity

Legends Global is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages Women, Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, and protected Veterans to apply. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.