Catering Operations Lead – Luxury & Large-Scale Events

Wolfgang Puck Catering; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state

Personal Leave

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Job summary

Wolfgang Puck Catering is seeking a Catering Operations Manager to lead our on-site and off-premise events, guiding teams, coordinating logistics, and ensuring flawless execution from setup to breakdown.

The role emphasizes collaboration with culinary partners, sales teams, and trusted vendors to deliver the exceptional service the brand is known for, across a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of leadership experience in catering, luxury hospitality, fine dining, or event operations.
• Strong background in off-premise catering and large-scale events.
• Experience leading teams in high-volume, high-touch hospitality environments.
• Ability to develop labor plans and staffing schedules.
• Comfortable managing multiple events, timelines, vendors, and client expectations.

Responsibilities

• Partner with clients to understand event vision, priorities, and budget.
• Collaborate with chefs and culinary leaders to meet client needs and present food to standards.
• Build front-of-house and back-of-house rental orders (china, glassware, etc.).
• Build kitchens from scratch for off-premise events, including planning equipment and workstations.
• Coordinate logistics with rental companies and vendors for onsite execution.
• Execute events from 300 to 5,000 guests while maintaining standards.
• Develop event staffing plans and schedules aligned with each event's needs.
• Serve as hub between Sales, Culinary, Staffing, Vendors, and Clients for successful execution.
• Manage event timelines, production schedules, load-ins/outs, staffing, and rentals.
• Anticipate challenges and develop pre- and during-event solutions.
• Support budgeting, labor planning, contract tracking, cost management, and post-event reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Off-Premise Catering

Large-Scale Events

Staff Management

Budgeting & Financials

Vendor Relations

Client Communication

Job description

Wolfgang Puck Catering is seeking a Catering Operations Manager to lead our on-site and off-premise events, guiding teams, coordinating logistics, and ensuring flawless execution from setup to breakdown.

The role emphasizes collaboration with culinary partners, sales teams, and trusted vendors to deliver the exceptional service the brand is known for, across a fast-paced hospitality environment.