Catering Operations Manager

Catering Operations ManagerBecome part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards - Best Places to Work, This is R/A!The Catering Operations Manager holds duties related to successful execution and coordination of catering events for premier corporate dining. The position, based in Chicago, IL entails a need for excellent attention to detail and communication skills to ensure seamless execution of all catering dining services while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality, service, presentation, cleanliness, and food quality.Key Responsibilities:Lead and oversee all front-of-house and back-of-house operations to ensure seamless execution of daily dining services.Maintain the highest standards of hospitality, service, presentation, cleanliness, and food quality.Ensure compliance with all company, client, health, safety, and sanitation standards.Drive operational excellence through continuous process improvement and best practices.Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing hospitality and culinary team.Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, inclusivity, and service excellence.Conduct performance evaluations, coaching sessions, and succession planning initiatives.Promote professional growth through ongoing training and leadership development programs.Partner with culinary leadership to deliver innovative, seasonal, and client-focused dining experiences.Support menu development, presentation standards, and culinary initiatives that reflect current dining trends.Ensure consistent execution of premium food offerings while maintaining quality and cost controls.Collaborate on wellness, sustainability, and specialty dining programs.Cultivate exceptional client and guest relationships through proactive engagement and personalized service.Oversee the planning and execution of high-profile meetings, executive functions, VIP events, and special programs.Ensure flawless event delivery through detailed planning, coordination, and hospitality leadership.Partner with clients and stakeholders to design customized experiences that exceed expectations.Preferred Qualifications:A.S. or equivalent experienceGeneral Hospitality knowledge and interest in sustainability and sustainable food practicesAt least two years of catering management experience within the hospitality industryAbility to interact with a diverse and high-volume customer base in a friendly and efficient manner.Ability to operate a web-based ordering system, process customer requests, changes to orders, menu updates, and client profiles.Proficient with word processing and spreadsheet applications.Ability to write professional and efficient emails to clients and customers.Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.MedicalDentalVisionLife Insurance/ ADDisability InsuranceRetirement PlanPaid Time OffHoliday Time Off (varies by site/state)Associate Shopping ProgramHealth and Wellness ProgramsDiscount MarketplaceIdentity Theft ProtectionPet InsuranceCommuter BenefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramFlexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)Paid Parental LeavePersonal LeaveApplications are accepted on an ongoing basis.Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. ID: 1575751