Event and Catering Operations Manager

McCalls Catering & Events; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

McCalls Catering & Events, based in San Francisco, seeks an Event and Catering Operations Manager to plan and manage the operational side of banquets, meetings, weddings, and social and business events.

You will be the primary contact for clients, vendors, venues, and internal teams, ensuring each event runs smoothly from planning through final load-out, with a focus on flawless execution, safety, and guest experience in a fast-paced Bay Area environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of client-facing event planning experience as an Event Manager, Event Coordinator, Catering Manager, or similar.
• Strong organization, communication, and people-management skills.
• Knowledge of catering operations and food hygiene.
• Serve-Safe Manager certification and RBS certification required.
• High school diploma required; BA/BS preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate menu selections and develop detailed event layouts and timelines.
• Source, coordinate, and price rental orders; liaise with venues and conduct site inspections.
• Provide on-site operational leadership and oversee staff, equipment, and service flow.
• Maintain proactive client communication and ensure seamless event execution from planning to load-out.
• Submit receipts and complete operational documentation for weekly recap meetings.

Skills

Client-facing events

Team leadership

Operational planning

Vendor coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality/Hotel/Tourism

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Visio

Job description

Event and Catering Operations Manager - $80,000 to $90,000 – San Francisco, Bay-Area, CA

Are you in experienced event professional who can keep every detail moving with confidence? Do you enjoy leading teams, supporting clients, and delivering memorable Bay Area events?

The role

McCalls Catering & Events is hiring an Event and Catering Operations Manager to plan and manage the operational side of banquets, meetings, weddings, and social and business events.

You will be the key contact for clients, vendors, venues, and internal teams, making sure each event runs smoothly from planning through final load-out.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee all aspects of event execution, ensuring seamless operations in a fast-paced environment where strong organizational and time-management skills are essential. Consult with clients to determine event objectives, operational requirements, and service expectations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the planning and execution process, maintaining consistent communication, understanding client needs, and providing expert guidance on company offerings to ensure an exceptional guest experience.
• Collaborate closely with the Catering Chef regarding menu development, specialty items, and overall food presentation.
• Participate in client meetings, venue walk-throughs, and site visits. Address inquiries related to menus, venues, staffing, rentals, and décor while providing thoughtful recommendations and solutions.

Pre-Event Responsibilities:

• Prepare detailed event sheets and operational timelines.
• Coordinate menu selections in partnership with the culinary team.
• Develop floor plans and event layouts.
• Source, coordinate, and price rental orders.
• Liaise with venue partners and conduct site inspections.
• Coordinate staffing allocations with the Staffing Manager.
• Prepare packing lists in collaboration with the Warehouse Team.

Event Execution Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Lead Steward regarding equipment preparation, event setup, execution, and breakdown.
• Oversee the setup and arrangement of tables, chairs, serving stations, buffet lines, tableware, serve ware, and silverware.
• Provide proactive on-site operational leadership and direction to service team members throughout the event.
• Ensure food handling, sanitation, beverage presentation, and venue standards are consistently maintained in compliance with company and venue expectations.
• Maintain active communication with clients, vendors, venue representatives, and event captains to ensure all elements of the event align with agreed timelines and expectations.
• Ensure guest and staff safety while adhering to all venue policies and regulations.
• Direct event breakdown and load-out procedures, ensuring the proper return and organization of company equipment.
• Maintain accurate staffing records, labour tracking, and event-related operational documentation.

Post-Event Responsibilities:

• Conduct follow-up communication with clients, vendors, and venue partners to gather feedback and assess event success.
• Evaluate operational performance, identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee inventory organization and reconciliation.
• Submit receipts and complete accounting documentation for weekly operational recap meetings.
• Foster and maintain strongworking relationships with clients, vendors, venue partners, and internal team members.
• Address and resolve operational challenges, guest concerns, or service-related issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Assist the Sales & Design Team with special projects and additional operational support as needed.

About our company

McCalls Catering &Events is known for fabulous cuisine, innovative event planning and design, and flawless execution at its Events and Café Operations. We believe in the importance of hiring good people, holding them to high standards, letting them follow their passions, and getting out of the way.

The person

You will bring:

• 3–5 years of client-facing event planning experience as an Event Manager, Event Coordinator, Catering Manager, or similar.
• Strong organization, communication, and people-management skills.
• Knowledge of catering, event operations, and food hygiene.
• Serve-Safe Manager and RBS certifications, required.
• High school diploma required; BA/BS in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Tourism, or related field preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Working knowledge of Excel, Word, Outlook, and Visio helpful.
• This role requires constant standing and walking. It involves frequent lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 10–15 lbs, occasional lifting up to 30 lbs, and rare lifting up to 100 lbs with assistance.

Covid vaccination, with accommodations reviewed in line with applicable regulations.

This is a salaried position. Attendance will be required in line with the business requirements, including at weekends, holidays and in the early mornings as well as evenings, based on rotating scheduling.

NOTE: The essential responsibilities of this position are described under the headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.

• Salary range: $80,000-$90,000 / Annum
• Holidays
• Overtime

Schedules may include 8-to-12-hour shifts, day shifts, holidays, on-call shifts, overtime, and weekends.