Catering Operations Leader for VIP Events

Restaurant Associates; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Commuter Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Paid Parental Leave

Personal Leave

Job summary

Restaurant Associates in Chicago, IL, is seeking a Catering Operations Manager to lead front-of-house and back-of-house operations for premier catering events. The role requires exceptional attention to detail, communication, and hospitality standards to ensure flawless event execution.

Based in Chicago, IL, you will recruit and develop a high-performing team, ensure compliance with health and sanitation standards, and partner with culinary leadership to deliver innovative dining experiences

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or higher education preferred? (not stated).
• A.S. or equivalent experience required.
• General hospitality knowledge and interest in sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all front-of-house and back-of-house operations to ensure seamless execution of daily dining services.
• Maintain the highest standards of hospitality, service, presentation, cleanliness, and food quality.
• Ensure compliance with all company, client, health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Drive operational excellence through continuous process improvement and best practices.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing hospitality and culinary team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, inclusivity, and service excellence.
• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching sessions, and succession planning initiatives.
• Promote professional growth through ongoing training and leadership development programs.
• Partner with culinary leadership to deliver innovative, seasonal, and client-focused dining experiences.
• Support menu development, presentation standards, and culinary initiatives that reflect current dining trends.
• Ensure consistent execution of premium food offerings while maintaining quality and cost controls.
• Collaborate on wellness, sustainability, and specialty dining programs.
• Cultivate exceptional client and guest relationships through proactive engagement and personalized service.
• Oversee the planning and execution of high-profile meetings, executive functions, VIP events, and special programs.
• Ensure flawless event delivery through detailed planning, coordination, and hospitality leadership.
• Partner with clients and stakeholders to design customized experiences that exceed expectations.

Skills

Hospitality management

Catering operations

Customer service

Web-based ordering system

Microsoft Word/Excel

Email communications

Education

Associate degree (A.S.) or equivalent

Job description

Restaurant Associates in Chicago, IL, is seeking a Catering Operations Manager to lead front-of-house and back-of-house operations for premier catering events. The role requires exceptional attention to detail, communication, and hospitality standards to ensure flawless event execution.

Based in Chicago, IL, you will recruit and develop a high-performing team, ensure compliance with health and sanitation standards, and partner with culinary leadership to deliver innovative dining experiences