Catering Services Manager - PA Convention Center

Aramark; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Aramark is seeking a dynamic Catering & Events Manager to lead high-volume events in a fast-paced environment, coordinating teams to deliver exceptional experiences for up to 3,500 guests. You will design customized catering solutions, manage client relationships, and ensure flawless execution from BEO to post-event review.

The role requires hands-on leadership, proactive problem solving, and a proven track record in banquet operations, safety compliance, and cost control.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in catering, hospitality, or event management within a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Proven banquet experience with large-scale event execution, service standards, and logistics.
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience, with ability to motivate teams and perform under pressure.
• Strong planning and execution skills in catering and hospitality operations.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for client and stakeholder engagement.
• Required Food Safety/Handling and Alcohol Service certifications (or ability to obtain).
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods during events.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver customized catering solutions aligned with client objectives and event requirements.
• Build and sustain strong client relationships through exceptional service and proactive communication.
• Ensure excellence in event planning, coordination, and execution for events up to 3,500 guests.
• Oversee timely delivery, setup, and presentation of catered events per BEOs.
• Conceptualize and execute memorable events with innovative, tailored recommendations.
• Lead, coach, and develop catering staff to uphold service standards.
• Prepare and distribute finalized Banquet Event Orders with accuracy.
• Manage food and labor costs to meet or exceed financial targets and optimize efficiency.
• Direct on-site leadership, staffing, and problem resolution for large-scale events.
• Monitor financial reporting including revenue, expenses, and receivables.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor team members to build a high-performing team.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, workplace safety, and environmental policies.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Communication

Problem solving

Team development

Food safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or related field

Job description

We are seeking a dynamic, results-driven Catering & Events Manager who thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy environment and is excited by the challenge of delivering exceptional large-scale events. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who can confidently manage events of up to 3,500 guests, inspire teams, and bring creative visions to life. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver with strong leadership capabilities, a passion for excellence, and the ability to execute flawlessly under pressure while maintaining an outstanding client experience.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and deliver customized catering solutions that align with client objectives, preferences, and event requirements in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Build and sustain strong client relationships by providing exceptional service, responsiveness, and proactive communication
• Ensure consistent excellence in event planning, coordination, and execution, maintaining high-quality standards across events of varying size and complexity serving up to 3,500 guests
• Oversee the timely delivery, setup, and presentation of catered events in accordance with detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs)
• Partner with clients to conceptualize and execute memorable events, offering innovative and tailored recommendations
• Demonstrate strong leadership capabilities by directing, motivating, and developing team members to deliver outstanding service and event execution
• Lead, coach, and train catering staff to uphold service standards, ensuring quality and consistency in every event
• Prepare and distribute finalized Banquet Event Orders, ensuring all details are accurate and executed flawlessly
• Manage food and labor costs to meet or exceed financial targets while optimizing operational efficiency
• Direct the execution of catering events of significant scale, including staffing coordination, on-site leadership, and problem resolution in a dynamic environment
• Monitor and ensure accurate financial reporting, including revenue, expenses, and outstanding receivables
• Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor team members to build a high-performing, customer-focused team
• Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations, workplace safety standards, and environmental policies

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in catering, hospitality, or event management within a high-volume, fast-paced environment
• Proven banquet experience is required, with a strong understanding of large-scale event execution, service standards, and operational logistics
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience, with the ability to motivate teams, drive performance, and lead effectively under pressure
• Solid background in planning and executing events, with expertise in catering and hospitality operations
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience
• Flexibility to work a dynamic, event-driven schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, team members, and key stakeholders
• Required certifications in Food Safety/Handling and Alcohol Service (or the ability to obtain within a designated timeframe)
• Physical capability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for extended periods while maintaining a high level of energy, professionalism, and attention to detail during events

Education

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.