Catering Operations Manager

Restaurant Associates

Position Title: Catering Operations Manager

Salary: $80,000 - $90,000

Other Forms of Compensation:

Become 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 !

Job Summary

We're seeking a Catering & Events Operations Manager to lead the coordination and execution of private dining and in-restaurant events in a fine-dining environment. This role focuses on delivering a seamless, elevated guest experience while partnering closely with culinary, service, and sales teams.

You'll play a key role in shaping memorable dining experiences, from intimate celebrations to full restaurant buyouts, while ensuring operational excellence and thoughtful service at every touchpoint.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with clients to plan and execute private dining experiences, including menu selection, room setup, timelines, and overall experience design

• Collaborate with chefs and restaurant leadership to curate menus that reflect the restaurant's culinary identity and standards

• Manage event details within Tripleseat , ensuring accurate communication across all restaurant departments

• Create polished client-facing materials and presentations using Canva

• Oversee day-of event execution, ensuring alignment between front-of-house and back-of-house teams

• Coordinate closely with service teams, captains, and leadership to deliver smooth, high-quality service

• Support staffing plans and schedules for private events within the restaurant

• Act as the main point of contact for clients, ensuring clear communication and a high-touch experience

• Maintain organized event documentation, contracts, and financial records

• Review event performance and guest feedback to continuously improve service and execution

• Address guest feedback with professionalism and a solutions-focused mindset

What We're Looking For

• Experience working in a fine dining restaurant environment

• Prior experience managing private dining, events, or restaurant-based catering operations

• Proficiency with Tripleseat and Canva

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously

• A collaborative, team-oriented approach to leadership and problem-solving

• Excellent communication skills with guests, team members, and leadership

• Confidence operating in a fast-paced, high-expectation service environment

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Financial awareness, including event costing, billing, and revenue tracking

• Experience in upscale or luxury dining environments

• Familiarity with restaurant event revenue strategies (e.g., buyouts, prix fixe menus, beverage pairings)

• Exposure to hiring, training, or mentoring service teams

• Comfort working alongside senior culinary leadership

Apply to Restaurant Associates today!

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story (

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.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• Life Insurance/ AD

• Disability Insurance

• Retirement Plan

• Paid Time Off

• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)

• Associate Shopping Program

• Health and Wellness Programs

• Discount Marketplace

• Identity Theft Protection

• Pet Insurance

• Commuter Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• Paid Parental Leave

• Personal Leave

Applications 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.

Req ID: 1538999

Restaurant Associates

Michael Abbey

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