Director, Catering Operations (NY)

ZeroCater, Inc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Director of Catering Operations to lead and enhance service experiences. This role is pivotal in managing logistics, ensuring client satisfaction, and building scalable systems. You will oversee high-performing teams, drive cross-functional collaboration, and continuously improve operational processes. Join a dynamic environment where your leadership will directly influence the quality of catering services and contribute to the company's growth. If you thrive in fast-paced settings and are passionate about delivering exceptional food experiences, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

401k match with immediate vesting

Unlimited PTO

Comprehensive health insurance

Medical concierge service

Dental & vision coverage

Employer-paid life insurance

Gym stipend

Equity options

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in catering and hospitality operations.
• Proven track record of leading teams and delivering client satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily catering operations ensuring seamless service and client satisfaction.
• Develop SOPs and training materials to enhance operational efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Management

Client Relationship Management

Data Analysis

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

ServeSafe Food Certification

Job description

As the Director of Catering Operations you are the operational heartbeat of Zerocater. In this role, you lead from the front, owning the service experience from logistics execution to client delight. You’re obsessed with getting the details right and building scalable systems that make great food experiences feel effortless. You’ll manage high-performing teams, fine-tune processes, and drive cross-functional collaboration to deliver consistent excellence. You thrive in fast-paced environments, where success is measured in client satisfaction, operational precision, and the ability to scale quality as we grow.

What You Will Do

• Oversee daily catering operations across markets, ensuring seamless service execution, on-time delivery, and exceptional client experiences
• Hire, lead, and coach a high-performing team of logistics personnel, onsite specialists, and field staff to meet operational goals and uphold brand standards
• Develop and continuously improve SOPs, training materials, and operational processes to drive efficiency, scalability, and service consistency
• Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Customer Success, Product, and Vendor teams to align operational strategy with business objectives and client needs
• Analyze performance data, labor metrics, and client feedback to identify opportunities for improvement, inform forecasting, and influence long-term planning
  
  

Qualifications For Success

• Inspirational leader with 10+ years overall experience with 8+ years of experience leading managers and individual contributors
• Managing end-to-end catering, hospitality, or contract food service operations with a proven track record of delivering high-quality client experiences
• Developing and implementing operational processes, SOPs, and training programs to support scalable growth
• Collaborating cross-functionally with departments such as Sales, Product, and Vendor Management to drive integrated client success
• Using data and performance metrics to optimize operations, manage labor efficiency, and improve financial and service-level outcomes
  
  

Required License/certifications

• Valid driver’s license
• Current ServeSafe Food Certification or willing to obtain one upon hire
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 40lbs
• Ability to be on your feet for 6-7 hours a day
• Please note this position is based in the New York Area and will require you to be in office or at client sites 3-4 days a week and some possible travel to nearby markets.
  
  

Compensation: Base salary of $130k-$160k

What We Offer

Not only will you have the opportunity to grow your career with other food-obsessed colleagues who have a shared passion for creating delight for customers, but you will also work alongside a highly collaborative team that values leading with trust and respect, and taking smart risks.

• 401k match with immediate vesting
• Unlimited PTO, 9 paid holidays, 5 days of sick time, plus 8 hours of volunteer time
• Low to no-cost comprehensive health insurance (Blue Cross)
• Medical concierge through One Medical
• Dental & vision coverage
• Employer-paid life, short-term and long-term disability insurance
• $100 monthly gym stipend
• Equity
  
  

“The shared meal elevates eating from a mechanical process of fueling the body to a ritual of family and community, from the mere animal biology to an act of culture.”

• Michael Pollan
  
  

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail].