Director of Catering & Event Operations

SSA Group; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SSA Group at the Los Angeles Zoo is seeking a Director of Catering & Event Operations responsible for managing event logistics and catering services. This role involves leading teams, ensuring seamless events, and leveraging strong client relationships to drive success. The position requires a minimum of 6 years in catering operations/event planning and excellent leadership skills.

Benefits

Flexible vacation plan

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

401(k) with 15% company match

Paid parental leave

$75 monthly cell phone stipend

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years catering operations/event planning management preferred.
• Working knowledge of Tripleseat is a plus.
• Must be 18 or older.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement plans for events including logistics.
• Oversee the setup, execution, and breakdown of events.
• Maintain strong, positive relationships with clients.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Financial management

Organizational skills

Flexibility

Communication

Job description

Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles, California, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Monday, June 2, 2025 at 4:00 AM | Expires Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 3:59 AM

SSA Group at the Los Angeles Zoo is looking for a talented Director of Catering & Events to join our team!

Job Title: Director, Catering & Event Operations

Location: LA Zoo, Onsite

Department: Catering & Events

Reports to: Sr. Director, Events

Number of Salaried Reports: Up to 5

Revenue Oversight: $850,000+

WHO ARE WE

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry.

SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love anddedication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve,deserve it.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Catering & Event Operations is responsible for supporting the Event/Catering Sales and Culinary teams by leading the event & catering logistics planning, coordination, execution, and quality control of events. This position also plays a key role in the operational planning and execution of publicly ticketed and membership events at the location (e.g., Brew at the Zoo, Zoo Lights, Roaring Nights), working in collaboration with the Senior Director of Events and other departments to ensure seamless guest experiences. This role involves expert knowledge of client relationships, event logistics, and delivering customer satisfaction. This position is ultimately responsible for the delivery of seamless and memorable events.

QUALIFICATIONS

Job Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of an organization.
• Expert leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
• Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
• Demonstrates financial management, analytical, and planning skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
• (Outdoor Venues Only): Must be comfortable working in an outdoor environment, including exposure to the elements.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

Previous Experience

• Minimum 6 years catering operations and/or event planning management in off-site catering, hotel or cultural attraction catering venue preferred.
  • A minimum of 6 years of experience is required for this position; however, candidates with 8 or more years of experience will be given stronger consideration.
• Working knowledge of Tripleseat is a plus.
• All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Planning & Execution

• Develop and implement detailed plans for private and public events, including event orders, pull sheets, execution timelines, staffing schedules, visual appeal and logistics layouts.
• Coordinate with sales representatives to understand event requirements and ensure all details are accurately captured and executed.
• Oversee the setup, execution, and breakdown of events, ensuring all aspects run smoothly and efficiently.
• Ensure all equipment, supplies, and materials are available and in good working condition for events.
• Walk event spaces with Sales Team before events to ensure everything is in working order and address any issues promptly.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with the Sales Team, Culinary Team, and other departments involved in events, developing and implementing new strategies and procedures where necessary to ensure events are executed flawlessly. Including, but not limited to:
  • Attend weekly BEO meetings to review all upcoming events, addressing concerns and needs to each event.
  • Distribute Operations Plan revisions to key stakeholders when necessary.
  • Advise Sales Team on any outstanding balances due post event.
  • Collaborate with Sales Team on floor plans and event flow.
  • Coordinate the need of cross-utilized products/equipment.
• Create eye-catching and innovative F&B displays in collaboration with the Culinary Team.
• Oversee quality, product levels, and inventory of Event & Catering products.
• Facilitate the maintenance and repairs of Event & Catering equipment as necessary.
• Assist in the planning and execution of high-volume public and membership events, ensuring catering and logistics are aligned with event goals and guest expectations.

Public & Membership Event Support

• Collaborate with the Manger of Event Operations and the Guest Experience Manager: Membership & Events, to operationalize large-scale public and member-exclusive events.
• Coordinate event and catering logistics, staffing, and equipment needs for events such as Brew at the Zoo, Zoo Lights, and Boo at the Zoo.
• Ensure compliance with safety, accessibility, and guest service standards during public events.
• Support post-event evaluations to identify areas for operational improvement.

Client Relationship Management

• Maintain strong, positive relationships with internal and external clients to ensure repeat business and client satisfaction.
• Conduct pre-event meetings with internal stakeholders to finalize details and post-event follow-ups to gather feedback and foster continued development.
• Work closely with clients to provide tailored solutions and address any concerns promptly.
• Act as client day-of contact for event services.

Vendor and Resource Management

• Maintain communication with vendors to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Negotiate pricing and contracts with vendors to optimize costs and quality.
• Uphold an active list of resources for client and internal operational use.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
• Develop, meet, and exceed monthly and annual catering and event operations budgets and plans.
• Analyze operational costs and inventory to maximize opportunities and minimize waste.
• Review all invoices, bills, and accounting-related documents for accuracy and communicate necessary changes to Accounts Payable.
• Minimize controllable costs, including payroll and equipment rental, associated with the operation and strategize on revenue avenues.

Reporting and Analysis

• Report weekly and monthly operational performance to appropriate stakeholders.
• Analyze event performance data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Responsible for budgeting, forecasting and cost control (e.g., labor costs, food costs and profitability).

Social Responsibility

• Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the unit.
• Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application.
• Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus on opportunities of giving back.

Team Management

• Hire, recruit, and integrate new team members, where applicable.
• Schedule appropriate staff levels in accordance with business level and budget.
• Approve weekly timesheets.
• Supervise assigned personnel, evaluate performance, and provide coaching and development, where applicable.
• Develop and implement training programs to motivate and mentor employees.
• Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams during public and membership events to ensure adequate staffing and operational readiness.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)

Don't meet every requirement? At SSA we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Compensation and Benefits

• Full-Time, Exempt
• Final compensation determined by experience, education, and internal equity
• Flexible Vacation or Time Away From Work (TAFW) plan: no accruals; employees are encouraged to
• schedule time off as needed within business scope.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee
• premiums applicable.
• Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (eligible after one year of employment).
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored; scaled-salary pay following
• submission and approval of leave
• Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave, based on the birthing event
• (4) Week fully paid Parental leave following birth, adoption or foster event, can be coupled with Birthing
• Parent Plan to extend above timeline
• Up to 5 days Paid Bereavement Leave
• $75 monthly cell phone stipend
• Accrued paid sick leave provided in accordance with state law, state/location confirmed in job posting

SSA Group, LLC and its family of companies — including SSA Holdings, A&F Souvenir, and Behavioral Essentials — are equal opportunity employers. Employment for each position is offered through the specific affiliated entity that aligns with the business operation and location of the role. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in all hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, recognizing that a diverse team strengthens our impact.

All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").

San Francisco Residents:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" documentfor more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.

We accept applications for this position on a rolling basis. Apply anytime at thessagroup.com. Applications are reviewed as received, and the position remains open until filled.

Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles, California, United States of America