Catering Manager - The Fattened Caf

We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Catering Manager to lead and grow our restaurant’s catering and private event business. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food service, excellent customer service skills, and proven experience coordinating catering events from initial inquiry through execution.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing client relationships, developing catering sales, coordinating events, overseeing catering staff, and ensuring every event meets the restaurant’s standards for food quality, service, presentation, and profitability.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the food service or restaurant industry.
• Minimum 2 years of catering or event-management experience.
• Proven ability to manage multiple events, clients, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of food service operations and catering practices.
• Excellent communication, organization, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to lead, train, and motivate catering and event staff.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar business software.
• Experience with catering/event management or point-of-sale software is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Catering Sales & Business Development

• Respond to catering inquiries and convert leads into confirmed events.
• Develop relationships with new and existing catering clients.
• Prepare proposals, menus, pricing, contracts, and event details.
• Follow up with prospective clients and maintain an active sales pipeline.
• Identify opportunities to increase catering revenue and repeat business.
• Build relationships with businesses, organizations, venues, and community partners.
• Help develop and maintain catering menus and packages.

Event Planning & Coordination

• Coordinate all aspects of catering events from booking through completion.
• Meet with clients to understand their vision, menu preferences, budget, and service needs.
• Create detailed event plans, timelines, staffing requirements, and setup instructions.
• Coordinate with the kitchen and restaurant management to ensure accurate and timely food preparation.
• Coordinate deliveries, setups, breakdowns, equipment, rentals, and staffing.
• Conduct event site visits when necessary.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients before and during events.
• Resolve issues quickly and professionally to ensure a positive guest experience.

Operations & Staff Management

• Schedule and supervise catering staff based on event needs.
• Train employees on service standards, food safety, setup, breakdown, and customer service.
• Ensure catering employees arrive on time, properly dressed, and prepared for each event.
• Maintain high standards for food presentation, service, cleanliness, and professionalism.
• Monitor catering equipment, supplies, and inventory.
• Coordinate with vendors and outside service providers when needed.
• Ensure compliance with applicable food safety and workplace standards.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate quotes and event pricing.
• Monitor event costs, labor, food usage, and profitability.
• Process invoices, deposits, payments, and final event charges as applicable.
• Maintain accurate client and event records.
• Track catering sales and provide regular sales and event reports to management.
• Identify opportunities to control costs while maintaining quality and service standards.

Skills & Characteristics

The ideal candidate is:

• Customer-focused and professional
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Confident in sales and negotiations
• A strong communicator
• An effective team leader
• Calm under pressure
• Creative and solutions-oriented
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities
• Passionate about hospitality, food, and exceptional guest experiences

Physical Requirements

This position may require:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Lifting and carrying catering equipment, food, and supplies.
• Moving tables, chairs, equipment, and other event materials.
• Working in both indoor and outdoor event environments.
• Working flexible hours based on catering and event schedules.