Event Operations Manager

Harri; New York (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

World-Class training

Global opportunities

Health Benefits

Bonus Opportunity

401(k) Retirement Plan

Family Meals

Rewards & Recognition

Staff discount

Job summary

Zuma is seeking an experienced Events Operations Manager to oversee private events and special functions from setup to breakdown. You will collaborate with Events Sales, restaurant management, culinary teams, and other departments to ensure flawless execution and uphold Zuma standards for a discerning clientele.

In addition to events, you will support daily restaurant operations as a Floor Manager when volumes allow, demonstrating leadership, organization, and discretion in high-pressure

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive restaurant or event operations management experience.
• Strong understanding of luxury or premium dining operations and event execution.
• Ability to interpret BEOs, floor plans, timelines, and detailed requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational execution of private events, buyouts, and special functions from setup through breakdown.
• Review BEOs, floor plans, menus, timelines, guest profiles, and special requests in advance.
• Partner with Events Sales to transition events from planning to execution.
• Coordinate with FOH, Culinary, Bar, Sommelier, Facilities and other departments on staffing and timelines.
• Lead pre-event briefings and direct service teams on event details and VIP needs.
• Oversee event setup, room configuration, service stations, and equipment.
• Manage real-time event service, timing, flow, and presentation; resolve issues proactively.
• Ring in event sales into the POS and uphold financial SOPs.
• Serve as the primary operations contact during events and accommodate changes as needed.
• Manage high-profile and VIP events with discretion and guest-centric approach.
• Conduct post-event reviews to identify improvements in procedures and training.
• Maintain knowledge of private dining spaces, capacities, layouts, menus, and capabilities.
• Support daily operations as Floor Manager when event volume permits.

Skills

Event operations management

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Vendor coordination

Job description

As a ZumaEvent Operations Manager, you are responsible forthe seamless operational execution of private events and special functions at Zuma, overseeing each event from pre-event preparation through on-site execution and post-event follow-up. Working closely with Events Sales, restaurant management, culinary teams, and other departments, this role ensures the highest standards of service for a discerning, often high-profile clientele while supporting daily restaurant operations as a Floor Manager when event volume permits.

Zuma is a contemporary Japanese restaurant collection, inspired by the dynamic Izakaya dining style. Our global collection includes four venues across North America's most iconic cities: Miami, New York, Las Vegas, and Boston. Our venues are icons in each of their hospitality landscapes, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and to elevating our guest experiences. Zuma in proud to be part of the Azumi collection.

Life at Zuma

At Zuma, we're more than a restaurant – we're a vibrant community fuelled by the energy that flows from our Robata grills, guided by our core values:

Honor the Mastery - we celebrate every detail, always striving for perfection – putting pride in everything we do

Do Unto Others - we support each other to be at our best, treating every team member and guest with warmth and openness

Embrace the Energy - we bring passion and positivity to everything we do

Main Duties

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the operational execution of private events, buyouts, and special functions from setup through breakdown, ensuring all details meet client expectations and Zuma standards
• Review BEOs, floor plans, menus, timelines, guest profiles, and special requests in advance to ensure operational readiness
• Partner closely with the Events Sales team to transition confirmed events from planning into seamless operational execution
• Coordinate with FOH, Culinary, Bar, Sommelier, Facilities, and other departments to align staffing, setup, service requirements, and event timelines
• Lead pre-event briefings and provide direction to service teams, ensuring clear understanding of event details, VIPs, service expectations, timing, and individual responsibilities
• Oversee event setup, including room configuration, table arrangements, service stations, equipment, and other operational requirements
• Manage event service in real time, monitoring timing, service flow, food and beverage execution, and overall presentation while proactively resolving operational challenges
• Responsible to accurately ring in all event sales in accordance to event contract into the POS and ensure proper financial SOPs are upheld
• Serve as the primary operational point of contact during events, coordinating with event hosts and internal teams to accommodate requests and changes as needed
• Manage high-profile and VIP events with professionalism, discretion, and careful attention to guest preferences and special requirements
• Conduct post-event reviews and identify opportunities to improve event procedures, service standards, training, and overall execution
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the restaurant’s private dining spaces, capacities, layouts, menus, and operational capabilities
• Support daily restaurant operations as a Floor Manager when event volume permits, including overseeing service, supporting the FOH team, and addressing guest needs

What We Look For

Our ideal candidate embodies our values and the following:

• 3+ years of progressive restaurant or event operations management experience, preferably within high-volume, luxury or premium dining, hotels, or event-driven hospitality environments
• Strong understanding of luxury restaurant operations, elevated service standards, and event execution
• Proven ability to interpret BEOs, floor plans, event timelines, and detailed operational requirements
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to effectively coordinate teams across multiple departments and interact professionally with guests
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple events and competing priorities simultaneously
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to anticipate challenges and make effective decisions in high-pressure environments
• Ability to manage multiple events and competing priorities simultaneously
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required

Benefits

We offer incredible career growth, international opportunities, and the chance to contribute to a world-renowned brand, where every detail from the finest ingredients to our unrivalled atmosphere is crafted to perfection.

As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:

• World-Class training, designed to inspire and educate
• Global opportunities, experience hospitality around the globe with our five incredible brands
• Health Benefits:Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance to ensure your well-being
• Bonus Opportunity, eligible roles may participate in our annual bonus program, rewarding individual and business performance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan, supporting your long-term financial well-being and future goals
• Family Meals are shared daily
• Rewards & Recognition, we value our team and celebrate your contributions to our success with meaningful rewards and recognition
• Staff discount,enjoy exclusive discounts across the Azumi group, worldwide!

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applicants. If you require any assistance to make the recruitment process more accessible, please let one of our Talent Acquisition team know.

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