Director of Operations

Proof of the Pudding; Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas (TX, TX, TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision insurance

Basic Life and AD&D insurance

Long-term disability insurance

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead the team. This role involves overseeing all catering operations, managing events, staffing, logistics, and budget management. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in catering and event operations. The position offers a salary range of $80,000–$90,000 annually, along with comprehensive benefits. Commitment to diversity and inclusion is emphasized in the hiring process.

Qualifications

• Must have a strong background in catering and event operations.
• Experience in off-premise catering is necessary.
• Relevant degree or similar experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of Gil’s Elegant Catering.
• Manage all events, staffing, and communications.
• Ensure events are executed flawlessly from start to finish.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Customer Service skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality, Management, or related field

6+ years of experience in Hospitality Operations

Job description

Proof of the Pudding has spent the past four decades providing innovative menus, services, design expertise and event experiences to clients throughout Atlanta and beyond. As a preferred caterer to over 50 venues in and around Atlanta, our Off‑Premise team spearheads event innovations and culinary experiences to a range of events from weddings, holiday parties, corporate retreats, and social gatherings.

We are seeking an experienced Director of Operations to provide leadership to the Gil’s Elegant Catering team. The DO will be responsible for leading and overseeing day‑to‑day operations of Gil’s Elegant Catering. Working directly with the General Manager, this position will manage all events, staffing matrices, hiring, inter‑departmental communications, logistics/operations, budget management, and event day duties. The ideal candidate has a strong background in catering, a mind for event operations, and passion for upscale event execution.

Responsibilities

• Managing all day‑to‑day duties to ensure that each event is executed flawlessly from start to finish.
• Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy environment by establishing, following, and enforcing sanitation standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations; securing revenues; and maintaining security systems.
• Supervising and working very closely with account executive(s) or sales team to fully understand event details including custom menus, event set up, décor needs and event timeline.
• Organizing frequent meetings and open lines of communication with sales, operations, and culinary team in preparation for each event.
• Scheduling according to the needs of the business several months in advance and also for last minute “pop‑up” events. Additionally, building relationships with staffing agencies and taking the lead on hiring and recruiting efforts.
• Assisting with the supervision of staff including but not limited to: servers, bartenders, stewards, captains, event coordinators, assistant operations manager, and sales account executive. This will include coaching, counseling and communication.
• Be a point person for communication between Proof of the Pudding and the client. Responsible for nurturing this relationship.
• Creating, editing and updating pack lists and BEOs in preparation for the event.
• Assisting in ordering and event logistics.
• Supervising the team that is scheduled to run each event. Leading the captains of each event and teaching them to also lead their staff.
• Attending and executing events to ensure that it runs smoothly from the set‑up to the break‐down.
• Assisting in post‑event tasks including, inputting payroll and inventory, and scheduling.
• BEO management and overseeing multiple events at the same time.
• Assist with monitoring and maintaining the division’s budget. Assisting in analyzing and strategically implementing policies to ensure growth and measurable success.
• Responsible for interviewing, hiring, and administering orientation to new hires.
• Responsible for ensuring proper staffing levels resulting in smooth operations and total guest satisfaction.
• Ensure events are scheduled according to staffing levels dictated by budget and event, report any variances above budget prior to schedule publication.
• Responsible for training programs for all FOH hourly new hires.
• Ensure staff morale and culture congruent with company values, mission, purpose.
• Practice an open door policy for employee grievances or dissatisfaction, documenting and addressing and escalating, as needed, appropriately and timely.
• Hold staff accountable for fulfilling the job description, conduct performance reviews of direct reports and ensure timely hourly reviews, coach and follow company guidelines for documentation of any lack of performance.
• Oversee the management of all FOH related invoicing and payroll procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality, Management, or related field and/or 6+ years of experience in Hospitality Operations, Food & Beverage/Banquets, Event Coordination, Operations Management, or equivalent.
• Experience in off‑premise catering is necessary.
• Must live near or be willing to relocate to Dallas, TX.

Specialized Qualifications

• Excellent listening and communication skills.
• Renowned time management and organization skills.
• Strong Customer Service skills with the desire to go above and beyond a client’s needs.
• The ability to work alone and as a team.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to learn and adapt quickly.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of standing, moving through an event space, and traveling from venue to venue.
• Bending, lifting, scooping, and carrying miscellaneous equipment and food items.
• Ability to perform physical tasks; such as but not limited to, lifting approx. 40 lbs.

CORE VALUE AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Business Acumen – Demonstrate comprehension of the job, including policies, practices, and relationships. Possess the expertise and skill levels required of the job and perform with quality.
• Dedication – Dependable, reliable and follows through on projects from inception to completion. Willing to put in as much time as necessary to complete tasks. Demonstrate a win‑win attitude: “see it, own it, solve it.”
• Ethics and Integrity – Acts with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the company’s culture, values and beliefs while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.
• Safety & Security – Observe safety and security standards. Use equipment and materials properly. Comply with safety standards and personal protective equipment requirements. Report potential unsafe conditions or practices to appropriate person immediately. Promote restaurant safety, cleanliness and security compliance at all times.
• Teamwork – Cooperate and be willing to work as a team player to achieve goals and tasks accurately, efficiently and timely.
• Communication – Communicate clearly and effectively with mutual respect, understanding and trust to fellow associates, managers, supervisors and guests. Listen carefully to opinions and views of others; state understanding of what has been heard.
• Initiative – Contribute new ideas and suggestions to enhance productivity and efficiency. Be proactive in troubleshooting problems or issues and take action to mitigate potential problems.
• Adaptability & Planning – Possess the ability to learn new tasks and adjusts well to new situations. Perform well under tight time schedules and pressures to change direction quickly.
• Service Orientation – Demonstrates a sense of urgency. Is welcoming, friendly and smiles when visible to guests.

Position Salary & Benefits

• Salary Range of $80,000–$90,000 per year.
• Proof is pleased to provide all full‑time eligible employees with Basic Life and AD&D as well as long‑term disability at no cost to employees.
• Full‑time eligible employees may choose to enroll in optional benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Voluntary Life and AD&D, Short‑Term Disability, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness, and Voluntary Hospitality Indemnity.

Proof of the Pudding and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.