Culinary Operations Leader — Catering & Banquets

Iacofano’s Catering & Events; West Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Iacofano’s Catering & Events in West Columbia, SC is seeking a General Manager to oversee the culinary and operational facets of our foodservice operation, setting strategic direction and ensuring financial performance, while cultivating a high-caliber, drama-free workplace culture from kitchen to client.

This role combines operational oversight with culinary vision, ensuring seamless execution and developing top-tier talent across all departments.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years in a senior culinary management role, with multi-unit or large-scale operations.
• Strong budgets, P&L responsibility, and vendor partnerships in high-volume environments.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills; conflict resolution, coaching, and building cohesive teams.
• Ability to work long hours on your feet and adapt to last-minute changes.
• Passion for menu development and trend analysis to elevate guest experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead all facility departments, including culinary, logistics, and guest services.
• Develop and execute annual business and culinary plans aligned with revenue targets and brand standards.
• Ensure quality, consistency, and timeliness in all catering production and delivery.
• Oversee vendor negotiations, contract renewals, and procurement to control costs without compromising quality.
• Review and analyze P&L statements; track KPIs such as labor %, COGS, customer satisfaction, and delivery efficiency.
• Recruit, train, and retain top talent; conduct performance reviews and set clear objectives.
• Foster a positive, drama-free team culture rooted in respect, communication, and problem-solving.
• Maintain safety and compliance with all health regulations (DHEC, ServSafe, local requirements).
• Partner with Sales, Events, and Marketing to create seasonal promotions, special-event offerings, and community outreach initiatives.
• Champion continuous improvement through workflow optimization, technology adoption, and cross-department collaboration.

Skills

Proven Leadership

Business Savvy

Emotional Intelligence

Operational Resilience

Culinary Vision

Job description

Iacofano’s Catering & Events in West Columbia, SC is seeking a General Manager to oversee the culinary and operational facets of our foodservice operation, setting strategic direction and ensuring financial performance, while cultivating a high-caliber, drama-free workplace culture from kitchen to client.

This role combines operational oversight with culinary vision, ensuring seamless execution and developing top-tier talent across all departments.