Catering Operations Manager

Wolfgang Puck Catering is committed to recruiting individuals who express an interest in and passion for hospitality-driven experiences; who come from diverse backgrounds, are open-minded and curious about our clients and guests; and, most of all, who possess a welcoming smile and spirit. Our ultimate goal is to develop mentoring and career building opportunities through a talent pipeline that allows us to promote from within. “The most important thing in life, whatever you do, has to be passion.” Wolfgang Puck Success on our team starts with our culture: We have Wolfgang’s PASSION for our business, our product, and our people / guests / clients. A FLEXIBLE MINDSET is key; we are strategic business partners who wear multiple hats. Our services require a CONCIERGE mentality, a bias to action with humble hospitality. We are out‑of‑the‑box PROBLEM SOLVERS, who look around corners so our clients and guests don’t have to. We curate company and partner resources to bring our client’s vision to life. We seek to cultivate the next generation of talent, purveyors and partnerships. We bring an entrepreneurial approach to deliver results for our clients (you might call this scrappy). Collaboration and openness to innovative business tools, new ways of thinking and ability to partner across departments are essential to create optimal business solutions. “I can have the best food, but if we don’t have good people, it won’t get you very far.” Job Summary At Wolfgang Puck Catering, every event tells a story. As our Catering Operations Manager , you’ll help bring those stories to life by guiding teams, supporting clients, and ensuring smooth, high‑quality execution for both on‑ and off‑premise events. This role is a great fit for a hospitality professional who enjoys leading people, coordinating details, and creating memorable experiences in a fast‑moving environment. You’ll collaborate with talented culinary partners, creative sales leaders, and trusted vendors to deliver the exceptional service Wolfgang Puck is known for. Key Responsibilities Partner with clients to understand their vision, explore menu options, and shape events that align with their goals and budgets. Collaborate closely with WPC chefs to develop thoughtful, customized menus. Build strong relationships with vendors, coordinating logistics and ensuring consistent service. Lead, train, and support catering team members so they can perform at their best. Develop event staffing plans and schedules that match team strengths with event needs. Serve as the communication hub across Sales, Culinary, Staffing, Captains, Vendors, and Clients. Support financial processes including budgeting, contract tracking, invoicing, and post‑event reviews. Respond to guest needs with professionalism and care, upholding WPC’s high standard of hospitality. What We’re Looking For Experience leading teams in catering, hospitality, fine dining, or a similar setting. Comfortable managing multiple events, timelines, and client expectations. Strong communication and relationship‑building skills. Ability to work with budgets, labor planning, and basic financial reporting. Confidence collaborating with culinary leaders and vendors. Experience supporting hiring, training, or coaching team members. A flexible, solutions‑oriented approach in dynamic event environments. A passion for creating meaningful client experiences and contributing to organizational growth. 3–5 years of leadership experience in catering, luxury hospitality, or event operations. Background in off‑premise catering or large‑scale event execution. Familiarity with negotiation or vendor management. Wolfgang Puck Catering is a member of Compass Group USA Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. Associates at Wolfgang Puck Catering are offered many fantastic benefits. Medical Vision Life Insurance/ AD Disability Insurance Retirement Plan Paid Time Off Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state) Personal Leave Associate Shopping Program Health and Wellness Programs Discount Marketplace Identity Theft Protection Pet Insurance Employee Assistance Program Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Wolfgang Puck Catering maintains a drugfree 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, please consult applicable policies. #J-18808-Ljbffr Compass Group USA