Director of Catering

Compass Group USA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; 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

FSAs

Personal Leave

Job summary

Restaurant Associates, a leading catering provider, seeks a Director of Catering to lead a premier program serving executive leadership in a sophisticated corporate dining environment.

You will partner with operations, culinary, and executive teams to oversee all catering and events, while guiding a small high-performing team with a hospitality-first approach.

Qualifications

• Experience partnering with C-suite executives in hospitality, catering, events, or corporate dining.
• Proven success in event planning and execution with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with executive stakeholders.
• Experience managing catering operations, events, or hospitality services.
• Proven ability to build trusted client relationships and deliver high-touch service.
• Experience leading, coaching, or supervising team members.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary point of contact for catering and events with executive stakeholders.
• Coordinate and oversee internal/external catering events from concept through execution.
• Consult with clients to understand event objectives and create customized solutions.
• Develop menus, event plans, and service strategies aligned with client expectations.
• Lead event logistics including planning, staffing, transport, setup, service, and post-event evaluation.
• Manage catering budgets, pricing, food costs, and labor costs.
• Develop and implement catering sales and marketing initiatives.

Skills

C-suite relationship management

Event planning

Budgeting & cost control

Menu development

Staff leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management/Culinary Arts/Business

Tools

Catering management systems

Job description

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

As the Director of Catering, you will lead a premier catering and events program within a sophisticated corporate dining environment. This role is highly visible and dedicated to serving executive leadership and C‑suite stakeholders, requiring exceptional relationship management, attention to detail, and a hospitality-first approach.

You will act as a trusted partner to clients, translating business needs into seamless event experiences that reflect the highest standards of service, professionalism, and culinary excellence. Working closely with operations, culinary, and executive teams, you will oversee all aspects of catering and events while leading a small, high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for catering and events, building strong relationships with clients and executive stakeholders.
• Coordinate and oversee all internal and external catering events from concept through execution.
• Consult with clients to understand event objectives and create customized solutions that deliver exceptional experiences.
• Partner with culinary and operations teams to develop menus, event plans, and service strategies aligned with client expectations.
• Lead all event logistics, including planning, staffing, transportation, setup, service execution, and post-event evaluation.
• Manage catering budgets, contract pricing, food costs, and labor costs to support operational and financial goals.
• Develop and implement catering sales and marketing initiatives that promote program growth and client engagement.
• Hire, train, coach, and schedule catering staff while fostering a culture of hospitality, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Supervise a teamproviding guidance, support, and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and company operating standards.
• Continuously evaluate client feedback and event outcomes to enhance service delivery and strengthen partnerships.

What We're Looking For

• Experience supporting or partnering with C‑suite executives and senior leadership teams in a hospitality, catering, events, or corporate dining setting.
• Demonstrated success in event planning and execution, managing multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact confidently and professionally with executive stakeholders.
• Experience managing catering operations, special events, or hospitality services.
• Proven ability to build trusted client relationships and deliver high‑touch service.
• Experience leading, coaching, or supervising team members.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Business, or a related field.
• Experience in corporate dining, conference centers, luxury hospitality, or executive catering environments.
• Knowledge of menu development, event budgeting, contract pricing, and cost management.
• Experience sourcing temporary labor, rentals, and event equipment.
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and project management skills.
• Familiarity with catering management and event planning systems.

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

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

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