Catering Operations Manager

Job Description

Reports to: Ownership

FLSA Classification: Exempt

About M&G

M&G is a boutique catering company based in the East Village. We create vibrant, produce-driven, beautifully simple food with a focus on innovative and sustainable presentation. We are leaders in our field and work with some of NYC’s top brands, media agencies and producers.

As M&G enters its next stage of growth, we are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to join our management team and help drive the business forward.

Job Summary

We are looking for an individual who shares M&G’s creative vision, work ethic and passion for food and hospitality. As Operations Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the business and ensuring we consistently deliver an exceptional product and service to our clientele.

You will lead an operations and delivery team of 10+, with a major focus on delivery strategy, driver management, logistics and the successful execution of daily catering jobs. Strong forward planning is essential—you will oversee pack sheets, delivery schedules, staffing, vehicles and job requirements, ensuring each event is thoroughly planned, and the team is set up for success well before it leaves our kitchen.

People are at the forefront of everything we do, so you will also be responsible for building, developing and nurturing a high-performing team and strong company culture. This role offers significant potential for professional growth as M&G expands, and we are looking for a hands-on leader who can grow with the company.

Core ResponsibilitiesOperations & Logistics

·      Own the day-to-day operations of the business, ensuring catering jobs are properly planned, packed, dispatched and delivered successfully.

·      Lead and manage an operations and delivery team of 10+, including the daily deployment of staff and drivers based on business needs.

·      Proactively review upcoming jobs and pack sheets to identify operational requirements including staffing, vehicles, delivery windows, equipment, rentals, beverages and special client requirements.

·      Develop and manage daily delivery schedules, driver routes and vehicle allocation, adjusting throughout the day as required.

·      Oversee the expediting and packing of catering orders, ensuring pack sheets are accurate and completed prior to dispatch.

·      Oversee logistics and packing for full-service events, including food, beverages, styling items, kitchen equipment, rentals and other event requirements.

·      Ensure all products leave the kitchen on time, are transported correctly and arrive in perfect condition according to M&G standards.

·      Ensure drivers execute deliveries and client setups professionally, accurately and according to company standards.

·      Act as a central point of communication between the kitchen, operations team, and management to ensure changes and potential issues are communicated quickly and effectively.

·      Proactively troubleshoot delivery, staffing and logistical challenges and make on-the-spot decisions to protect service standards and client satisfaction.

·      Communicate directly with clients regarding delivery timing, changes or issues when required.

·      Order and manage alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, disposables, catering hardware and rental equipment required for daily operations and events.

·      Oversee M&G’s beverage program, including inventory, ordering and ongoing menu development.

·      Continually review operational and delivery systems to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and service.

Team Leadership & Management

·      Build, lead and develop a strong operations and delivery team.

·      Manage weekly operations and driver schedules based on forecasted business needs.

·      Manage recruitment and hiring for the Operations department as required.

·      Oversee onboarding and training of new team members and ensure appropriate training systems and standards are maintained.

·      Provide ongoing coaching, training and professional development to operations and delivery staff.

·      Set clear expectations and lead by example, creating a team environment that is energetic and positive while maintaining high standards of professionalism, accountability and efficiency.

·      Continually assess team performance, identify strengths and areas for development, and conduct regular performance reviews.

·      Manage employee issues, disputes, injuries and conflict resolution within the department, maintaining appropriate company documentation and incident reports.

·      Hold the team accountable for M&G standards while creating a culture in which employees feel supported and motivated to perform at a high level.

Facility, Fleet & Compliance

·      Oversee M&G’s vehicle fleet, including preventative maintenance, repairs, inspections, cleaning and general upkeep.

·      Manage rental vehicle bookings and ensure appropriate vehicles are available based on upcoming delivery and event requirements.

·      Oversee delivery technology and systems used by the driver and operations teams.

·      Oversee opening and closing procedures for the facility.

·      Conduct regular walkthroughs of the facility and proactively identify maintenance, cleanliness, safety or operational issues.

·      Coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance with outside vendors, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and with minimal disruption to operations.

·      Help maintain a safe, clean and organized working environment throughout the facility.

·      Work with Ownership and management to ensure operational procedures comply with applicable health, safety and Department of Health requirements.

Financial & Cost Management

·      Manage and track key departmental operating costs, including operations labor, vehicles, beverages, disposables, catering equipment and production-related purchasing.

·      Maintain accurate weekly cost tracking and report results to Ownership during weekly COGS meetings.

·      Monitor operational spending and proactively identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency without compromising product quality or service.

·      Ensure vendor invoices, receipts and departmental expenses are submitted accurately and on time.

·      Maintain accountability for purchasing decisions within the Operations department and ensure spending is appropriate and cost-effective.

·      Collaborate with Ownership to understand operational profitability and make data-driven recommendations around staffing, purchasing, logistics and other controllable costs.

Schedule

This is a full-time position. The typical schedule is approximately 8:00am–6:00pm, Monday through Friday . Hours may vary depending on business needs and seasonality, and occasional early mornings, evenings and weekend work will be required.

Qualifications & Experience

·      4+ years of operational leadership experience within a fast-paced catering, hospitality, events or food-service environment.

·      Proven experience leading and developing operational, delivery or production teams of 10+ employees.

·      Strong experience managing complex delivery logistics, including route planning, driver scheduling, vehicle allocation and multiple simultaneous delivery windows.

·      Exceptional forward-planning and organizational skills, with the ability to anticipate operational requirements and potential issues before they arise.

·      Highly organized and detail-oriented, with excellent time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple jobs, teams and priorities simultaneously.

·      Calm and decisive under pressure, with the confidence to make sound operational decisions independently.

·      Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to set clear expectations, delegate effectively and hold teams accountable.

·      Strong knowledge of food, catering operations and the standards required to deliver a premium product.

·      Comfortable working autonomously while communicating effectively with Ownership and other department leaders.

·      Experience with inventory management, supply-chain logistics and operational cost management is a plus.

·      Proficient with Google Workspace, Microsoft Word and Excel.

·      Hands-on mentality and willingness to step in wherever needed during busy periods.

Education

·      Bachelor’s degree preferred, but relevant industry and management experience will be strongly considered.

Physical & Work Requirements

·      Comfortable working in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment and tackling challenges as they arise.

·      Ability to be on your feet for extended periods.

·      Ability to move throughout all areas of the facility, including kitchen, food and beverage storage areas.

·      Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.

·      Current and valid New York State driver’s license required.

·      Must be comfortable driving and operating catering vans and box trucks.

Compensation:

Salary - $80,000 - $90,000

Hours of work - Typically Monday to Friday - 8am - 6pm - Must be flexible with schedule and the occasional weekend.

Benefits - Healthcare package, PTO, sick pay, paid public holidays, company provided laptop, bonus.

Language

·      Fluency in English required.