Catering Operations Lead for High-Impact Events

Compass Group, North America; Deerfield (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

FSAs

Holiday Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Eurest in Deerfield, IL is seeking a Catering Operations Manager to lead on- and off-premise events, coordinate with clients and vendors, and oversee staff and budgets. The role demands strong organization, market-savvy negotiation, and a client-focused service mindset.

The position offers a path within a national Compass Group unit, with comprehensive benefits and opportunities to grow within corporate dining and executive event services.

Qualifications

• Operationally savvy industry professional with leadership in managing people, events and guest experience
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently with little supervision
• Excellent communication with clients, management, and staff
• Adaptability to changing demands
• Experience in budgeting, P&L, labor and forecasting/sales reporting
• Discretion and problem solving in fast-paced environments
• Strong negotiating skills
• Credibility with senior culinary professionals
• HR experience including hiring, training and development
• 3–5 years’ experience in hospitality management
• Client-service focus with entrepreneurial mindset

Responsibilities

• Consults clients as to scope, expectations, setting, menu, collateral entertainment to have a successful and appropriate event within the client’s budget
• Plans menus in consultation with the clients and chefs
• Negotiates individual vendor contracts
• Liaises between sales, chefs, staffing, vendors to plan events
• Recruits, interviews, selects, and trains permanent and casual staff
• Organizes, leads and motivates the catering team
• Plans staff and event schedules
• Maintains and develops accurate financial and administrative records
• Final review of events to assess performance and quality standards

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication

Budgeting

Negotiation

HR experience

Hospitality management

Event planning

Job description

Eurest in Deerfield, IL is seeking a Catering Operations Manager to lead on- and off-premise events, coordinate with clients and vendors, and oversee staff and budgets. The role demands strong organization, market-savvy negotiation, and a client-focused service mindset.

The position offers a path within a national Compass Group unit, with comprehensive benefits and opportunities to grow within corporate dining and executive event services.