Director of Catering Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Catering Operations

Compensation: $100,000 - $135,000

We are seeking an accomplished Director of Catering Operations to provide executive leadership across a growing, multifaceted catering and hospitality organization. This opportunity is ideal for a seasoned operations executive with extensive experience managing large-scale catering operations, developing senior leaders, and driving operational and financial performance across multiple business units.

Reporting directly to the President, the Director of Catering Operations will oversee catering operations, venue management, warehouse and logistics, facilities, and fleet operations. This leader will be responsible for establishing operational priorities, developing high-performing management teams, improving efficiencies, and maintaining exceptional service standards. Success requires a strategic, hands-on executive who can balance long-term business objectives with the demands of complex, high-volume event operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide executive oversight of catering, venue operations, warehouse, facilities, fleet management, and logistics.
• Lead, coach, and develop General Managers and department leaders, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards.
• Direct operational planning and execution across multiple locations, catering events, and large-scale venue operations.
• Develop and implement consistent operating procedures, performance measures, and service standards across all departments.
• Oversee departmental budgets, financial performance, labor management, inventory controls, and operating expenses.
• Partner with Culinary, Sales, Finance, and Human Resources to align operational capabilities with business objectives and client expectations.
• Guide catering leadership in delivering exceptional event experiences while maintaining operational efficiency and profitability.
• Oversee warehouse operations, equipment readiness, transportation logistics, facility maintenance, and fleet performance.
• Support venue leadership in managing event operations, concessions, staffing, financial performance, and relationships with external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, maximize resources, reduce costs, and support continued business growth.
• Develop leadership talent through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and ongoing professional development.
• Evaluate operational performance through financial reporting, KPIs, and service metrics to drive informed business decisions.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic initiatives, capital investments, technology improvements, and organizational growth.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in catering, hospitality, event operations, or other large-scale service environments.
• Significant experience overseeing high-volume catering operations, complex event execution, and multiple departments or locations.
• Proven success leading General Managers, senior operational leaders, and diverse teams across multiple business functions.
• Strong understanding of catering logistics, large-scale food production, warehouse operations, and supply chain management.
• Demonstrated financial expertise in budgeting, forecasting, labor management, cost controls, and operational profitability.
• Experience developing operational strategies, implementing process improvements, and supporting organizational growth.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, relationship management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership, internal departments, venue partners, and external stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of food safety requirements, operational compliance, and industry best practices.
• Proficiency with operational management systems, reporting tools, and performance analytics.
• Strategic mindset combined with a willingness to remain actively involved in day-to-day operational challenges.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours based on event schedules and business needs.
• Demonstrated career progression and consistent professional tenure.

The Ideal Candidate:

You are a strategic, people-focused hospitality executive who understands the complexities of delivering exceptional experiences across large-scale catering and event operations. You know how to develop capable leaders, establish accountability, and create operational systems that allow teams to perform consistently at a high level.

You combine strong financial and operational expertise with a genuine passion for hospitality and leadership development. You are equally comfortable working with executive leadership on long-term strategy, coaching a General Manager, evaluating departmental performance, or navigating the operational challenges of a major event.

If you are an accomplished hospitality operations executive seeking an opportunity to lead a diverse operation, develop exceptional teams, and play a meaningful role in organizational growth, we want to hear from you.

Due to the volume of applications, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.