Catering Operations Manager

Compass-Group; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Commuter Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Restaurant Associates in Boston is seeking a Catering Operations Manager to lead sophisticated on- and off-premise events at a premier conference center. You will ensure flawless execution, white-glove hospitality, and adherence to the highest service standards.

The ideal candidate is organized, client-focused, and capable of coordinating culinary, operations, vendors, and client stakeholders to deliver memorable experiences while maintaining strong financial records and schedules.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a hospitality management environment (preferably off-premise catering).
• Hands-on experience supporting catering events in a high-volume setting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a client-focused, hospitality-driven environment with an entrepreneurial mindset and a proven track record of driving business growth, operational excellence, and long-term client partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Consults clients as to scope, expectations, setting, menu, collateral, and entertainment to have a successful event within the client’s budget.
• Plans menus in consultation with the clients and chefs.
• Negotiates individual vendor contracts.
• Delegates to, and ensures that, the Event Manager coordinates and executes the event within the parameters established by the Catering Event Manager.
• 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.
• Serves as liaison between Sales Catering Managers, Supervising Chefs, Staffing and Clients to plan events.
• Assesses contract requirements and ensures satisfaction with the services delivered.
• Performs final review and assessment of catering events to determine if they meet standards.

Skills

Hospitality management

Client relations

Team leadership

Budgeting

P&L experience

Vendor management

Job description

Catering Operations Manager

Location: Boston, MA (Harvard Conference Center)

Salary:$75,000 - $85,000/ year

Other Forms of Compensation: Comprehensive Benefits Package

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards - Best Places to Work, This is R/A!

The Catering Operations Manager will lead the flawless execution of sophisticated on and off-premise events for a premier conference center operation in Boston, MA. This highly visible role is responsible for delivering exceptional, white-glove hospitality experiences while ensuring every event reflects the highest standards of service, quality, and attention to detail.

The ideal candidate is an organized, client-focused hospitality professional with a proven ability to manage multiple high-profile events simultaneously. Success in this role requires outstanding communication, meticulous planning, and seamless coordination across culinary, operations, vendors, and client stakeholders. You will build trusted client relationships, anticipate needs, and deliver memorable event experiences through exceptional presentation, operational excellence, and a polished, hospitality-driven approach. Additionally, you will be expected to have excellent client skills in presentation and marketing ability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Consults clients as to scope, expectations, setting, menu, collateral, and 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.
• Delegates to, and ensures that, the Event Manager coordinates and executes the event within the parameters established by the Catering Event Manager.
• 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.
• Serves as liaison and coordinator between Sales Catering Managers, Supervising Chefs, Staffing, Captains, Suppliers, Vendors, Rental Companies and Clients as needed to plan events.
• Assesses contract requirements and ensures satisfaction with the services delivered.
• Performs final review and assessment of catering events to determine if they meet performance and quality standards.
• Resolves customer concerns and ensures timely customer payment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of experience in a hospitality management environment (preferably in an off-premise catering environment).
• Hands-on experience supporting catering events in a high-volume setting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a client-focused, hospitality-driven environment with an entrepreneurial mindset and a proven track record of driving business growth, operational excellence, and long-term client partnerships.
• Operationally savvy industry professional with demonstrated leadership in managing people, events, and the overall guest experience.
• Strong organization, time management, and team motivation skills are essential for success in this role.
• Ability to work independently with little direct supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) with clients, senior management, and WPC support staff.
• Ability to respond effectively to continuously changing demands.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, P&L, labor and sales forecasting and reporting.
• Effective use of discretion to problem solve in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent negotiating skills.
• Ability to establish credibility with senior culinary professionals.
• Human Resource experience including hiring, training, mentoring and development.

Restaurant Associates 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: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits:

• Medical.
• Dental.
• Vision.
• Life Insurance/ AD.
• Disability Insurance.
• Retirement Plan.
• Paid Time Off.
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state).
• 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.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

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