Catering Manager

Union Square Events; Northern, New York (KY, NY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

Holiday Time Off

Job summary

Union Square Events is seeking a Catering Manager to oversee end-to-end catering operations, ensuring flawless event execution and superior guest experiences. The role requires exceptional organization, communication, and client-relations skills, with a focus on meeting financial goals across multiple events.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in hospitality management, proven leadership, and strong budgeting and forecasting capabilities, along with proficiency in Excel and catering software.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years hospitality management experience.
• Proven leadership of teams and client relationships.
• Experience with budgeting, payroll, invoicing, and forecasting.
• Proficiency in Excel and catering/event software.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily catering operations, including event execution and deliveries.
• Manage front‑of‑house and back‑of‑house administrative functions: scheduling, payroll, invoicing, inventory, purchasing.
• Coordinate all event logistics and serve as primary client contact.
• Consult with clients on event scope, menus, budget and setup requirements.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and develop catering staff.

Skills

Hospitality management

Team leadership

Client relationships

Budgeting & P&L

Forecasting

Excel

CaterXpert

Compass OMS

Tools

CaterXpert

Compass OMS

Excel

Job description

Union Square Events

Position Title: Catering Manager

Salary: $80,000 to $85,000

Other Forms of Compensation:

Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations leader in the hospitality industry, partnering with a diverse portfolio of best-in-class clients. We produce one-of-a-kind catered events and unparalleled dining experiences in a variety of cultural, corporate, entertainment, and private venues throughout New York City and beyond.

Job Summary

The Catering Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the successful planning, coordination, and execution of catering services and events. This role requires exceptional organizational, communication, and client relationship skills, along with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. The ideal candidate is a hospitality professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is committed to delivering outstanding guest experiences while achieving operational and financial goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily catering operations, including event execution, deliveries, pantry services, and support for offices and residential locations.
• Manage front‑of‑house and back‑of‑house administrative functions, including scheduling, payroll, invoicing, inventory management, and purchasing.
• Coordinate all event logistics and serve as the primary contact for clients throughout the planning process.
• Consult with clients regarding event scope, menus, budget, setup requirements, and entertainment to ensure successful event execution.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and develop both full‑time and temporary catering staff.
• Lead, motivate, and support team members while promoting exceptional customer service.
• Maintain accurate financial and operational records, including budgeting, forecasting, labor management, and reporting.
• Partner with commissary and culinary teams to ensure seamless event preparation and execution.
• Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and ensure all requirements are met.
• Conduct post‑event evaluations to measure service quality, client satisfaction, and operational performance.
• Resolve customer concerns promptly and ensure timely billing and payment collection.
• Identify opportunities to grow catering business and enhance the guest experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3‑5 years of hospitality management experience, preferably in catering or event operations.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams, events, and client relationships.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with budgeting, profit and loss management, labor planning, forecasting, and sales reporting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with clients, team members, senior leadership, and culinary teams.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong focus on customer service, entrepreneurship, and business growth.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and catering/event management software, including CaterXpert and Compass OMS.
• Demonstrated ability to build credibility and work collaboratively with culinary and hospitality professionals.

Union Square Events is a member of Compass Group USA

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Associates at Union Square Events are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_RA.pdf

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Union Square Events maintains a drug-free workplace.