Senior Catering Director

Aramark; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

LifeWorks Restaurant Group, part of Aramark, seeks a Catering General Manager to lead strategy and execution of exceptional catering experiences across multiple sites. You’ll own budgeting, grow client partnerships, and deliver elevated hospitality with $2M–$15M+ in managed volume.

You will oversee a high-performing team, drive operational excellence, and ensure service quality aligns with Aramark standards and LifeWorks goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred in a related field.
• Strong client/customer service focus essential for success.
• Savvy interpersonal skills for senior client interactions.
• Comfort with reading and applying contractual terms to operations.
• Experience in service/hospitality/contracted services.
• Proven leadership of multiple managers.
• Experience creating and managing a department budget and financial controls.
• Experience crafting sales strategies and implementing programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team providing operational expertise in contracted services and hands-on execution management.
• Manage client relations at the location and drive service quality and customer satisfaction.
• Build and lead a management team to achieve organizational objectives.
• Recommend improvements based on operational needs and contractual obligations.
• Partner with Finance to budget and design improvements for financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and company standards, including safety and conduct policies.

Skills

Client focus

Interpersonal skills

Contract understanding

Leadership

Budgeting & controls

Sales strategy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Service, Hospitality, Facilities, or Business Management

Job description

Job Description

The Catering General Manager leads the strategy and execution behind exceptional catering experiences across multiple locations or a large, complex account. You'll oversee $2M-$15M+ in managed volume, lead and develop a high-performing catering team, and ensure flawless execution of catering programs, special events, and elevated hospitality experiences. With ownership of budgeting, financial performance, and operational results, you'll identify opportunities to grow the business, strengthen client partnerships, and consistently deliver service that exceeds expectations.

LifeWorks Restaurant Group crafts thoughtful, chef-led dining and hospitality experiences designed around the people and places we serve. From the first conversation, our teams work as true partners with our clients, shaping everything from the design of a space to the way the experience comes to life. We craft thoughtful, elevated experiences that leave people more inspired, more connected, and genuinely cared for. LifeWorks Restaurant Group is part of Aramark's Workplace Experience Group. Learn more at lifeworksrestaurantgroup.com. Imagination Well Served. #LifeWorksRestaurantGroup Home - LifeWorks Restaurant Group

Compensation Data

COMPENSATION: The Salaried rate for this position is $130,000.00 to $140,000.00. If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer. This is Aramark's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.

BENEFITS: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources. Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works. For more information about Aramark benefits, Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation

There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to all applicable Fair Chance Ordinances and Acts. For jobs in San Francisco, this includes the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Job Responsibilities

The successful General Manager:

• Leads a team that provides operational expertise in contracted services while providing hands-on execution management of operations.
• Manages the client and community relationships at the location, continually assessing operations, and developing plans to provide optimal service and drive employee and customer satisfaction.
• Builds, develops, and leads a management team and staff capable of carrying out organizational objectives.
• Recommends methods, resources, and implementation for service improvement and growth based on understanding of operational needs, capabilities, & contractual obligations.
• In partnership with Finance, manages a budget and assists in the design of improvements to optimize financial performance and operational productivity.
• Manages compliance with all local, state and federal regulations and codes and maintains all associated records and reports.
• Ensures compliance with Aramark's standards of operation including safety standards and Aramark's Business Conduct Policy at all times.

Qualifications

In order to be prepared for this leadership role, qualified candidates will possess:

• Bachelor's degree level education highly preferred in an area of Food Service, Hospitality, Facilities, or Business Management.
• The ability to focus on client and customer services, entrepreneurship and building and growing a strong business is essential to success in this role.
• Savvy interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with clients, senior management, and Aramark support staff.
• Comfortable reading, understanding, and implementing contractual requirements, including identifying opportunities within contract terms and conditions to address operational issues.
• Meaningful experience in service industry, contract services, or hospitality environment.
• Proven ability leading through other managers.
• Experience in creating and managing a department budget, financial controls and analysis.
• Experience crafting product sales strategies and implementing operational programs and initiatives.

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.