Catering Operations Manager

City Barbeque; Deerfield (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

City Barbeque is seeking an Operations Manager to lead catering/event operations, plan and execute events, and drive profitability. You will develop and manage an operations team, recruit staffing, and oversee P&L, inventory, and logistics.

Strong communication and autonomous work style are essential for success in a fast-paced environment. The role requires deep knowledge of food service and event operations, with a focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences and scalable processes for

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of catering/events management experience.
• Experience in food service and catering industry.
• Ability to assess client requirements and deliver client satisfaction.
• Strong business and financial acumen; analytical and tracking skills.
• Project and process management; balance priorities to meet deadlines.
• Proactive, calm under pressure, adaptable to changes.
• Excellent internal and external communication.
• Autonomous and self-driven.
• Strong computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Develops and manages an operations team to meet event expectations.
• Evaluates staffing levels and recruits to fulfill event needs.
• Directs training, development, recognition, and evaluations.
• Oversees P&L including food, paper, labor, and supplies.
• Manages inventory and ordering of supplies and equipment.
• Maintains catering assets, equipment, and vehicles.
• Plans and coordinates event logistics and CRM coordination with Sales.
• Staffing, scheduling, and event execution ensuring timely delivery.
• Works with managers to hit sales and operational goals and ensure great experiences.
• Ensure timely delivery, setup, and transport to events.
• Handle customer conflicts.

Skills

Team leadership

Financial acumen

Communication

Time & budget management

Process improvement

Autonomy

CRM coordination

Strong computer skills

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Position Summary: The Operations Manager at City Barbeque is responsible for the operational leadership, planning and execution of catering events.

Pay: 60-64k + bonus

Reports to: Regional Catering Director

Key Responsibilities

• TEAM DEVELOPMENT: Develops and manages an operations team to fulfill “Best on the Block” event expectations
• Constantly evaluates staffing levels, proactively recruiting and hiring to fulfill event staffing needs
• Directs all aspects of professional team development including new hire training, ongoing development, recognition, succession planning, coaching/counseling and performance evaluations
• FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
• Responsible for P&L management, including food, paper, labor and supplies
• Manages inventory and ordering of supplies, paper, food, equipment, uniforms, etc.
• Evaluates and manages upkeep of catering assets, equipment and vehicles
• LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT: Directs event planning and logistics handling for all market events including the following:
• Effectively uses Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool to ensure order clarity and coordination of events with Sales manager
• Event staffing & scheduling
• Execution of drop sheets and other systems that direct proper food production, packaging and delivery for events
• EVENT OPERATIONS: Directly and indirectly ensures successful daily event operations including, but not limited to:
• Working with restaurant managers and teammates to meet sales and operational goals for each event that drive a great experience that results in repeat business and viral marketing.
• Timely delivery and set-up
• Responsibly driving with team, product and supplies to and from event(s)
• Competition quality product
• Backyard hospitality given
• Customer conflict resolution.

Experience And Skills

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience as a Catering/Events manager or similar role
• Talented, passionate, knowledge of food in restaurant & catering industry experience
• Ability to assess client requirements and deliver ensuring client satisfaction
• Solid business and financial acumen, including: strong analytical and measurement/tracking skills;
• Project and process management skills, including: effective management of time and budget; able to balance multiple priorities to meet deadlines; identify and implement system and process improvements
• Proactive with the ability to remain calm under pressure and to anticipate and support changes
• Must possess excellent communication skills both internally and externally
• Must be driven and able to operate autonomously
• Strong computer skills

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