Catering Operations Manager

Compass Group USA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Personal Leave

Job summary

Restaurant Associates in Chicago, IL is seeking a Catering Operations Manager to oversee catering events and daily dining services. The role emphasizes hospitality, presentation, food quality, and seamless event execution in a premium environment.

Extensive leadership of front- and back-of-house teams, collaboration with culinary leadership, and ensuring safety and sanitation standards are essential. This position is based in Chicago and requires strong communication and operational skills.

Qualifications

• A.S. or equivalent experience is required/preferred.
• Experience in hospitality management and catering is preferred.
• Ability to interact with a diverse high-volume client base and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee front-of-house and back-of-house operations for daily dining services.
• Maintain hospitality, service, presentation, cleanliness, and food quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous process improvement.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing hospitality and culinary team.
• Collaborate with culinary leadership to deliver client-focused dining experiences.
• Oversee planning and execution of high-profile meetings, VIP events, and special programs.

Education

A.S. or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position Title:Catering Operations Manager

Other Forms of Compensation: Benefits

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 !

Job Summary:

TheCatering Operations Manager holds duties related to successful execution and coordination of catering events for premier corporate dining. The position, based in Chicago, IL entails a need for excellent attention to detail and communication skills to o ensure seamless execution of all catering dining services while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality, service, presentation, cleanliness, and food quality.

Key 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A.S. or equivalent experience
• General Hospitality knowledge and interest in sustainability and sustainable food practices
• At least two years of catering management experience within the hospitality industry
• Ability to interact with a diverse and high‑volume customer base in a friendly and efficient manner.
• Ability to operate a web‑based ordering system, process customer requests, changes to orders, menu updates, and client profiles.
• Proficient with word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to write professional and efficient emails to clients and customers.

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.

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• 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, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.