Hospitality
A Catering Manager plans, coordinates, and executes high-end dining events. Learn how a Catering Manager drives operational success and guest satisfaction.
We are looking for a detail-oriented Catering Manager to join our culinary team and elevate our event service standards. In this role, you will take ownership of the full event lifecycle, working closely with executive chefs and sales departments to deliver exceptional dining experiences for our diverse clientele. You will be responsible for streamlining operational processes, mentoring service teams, and managing client expectations for events ranging from intimate corporate dinners to large-scale gala celebrations. If you are passionate about culinary excellence and thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, we want to hear from you.
Key highlights
A Catering Manager is a specialized hospitality professional who oversees the planning, logistics, and execution of large-scale food and beverage services for events, conferences, and private gatherings. The Catering Manager acts as the primary liaison between clients and the kitchen, culinary, and service staff to ensure that every event detail meets rigorous quality standards. By integrating expertise in menu design, budget management, and operational workflow, a Catering Manager ensures that culinary operations remain both profitable and memorable for every guest.
On a daily basis, a Catering Manager orchestrates end-to-end banquet logistics, from initial client consultations and menu customization to managing front-of-house service staff during events. They utilize property management systems like Delphi or TripleSeat to track event bookings, update banquet event orders (BEOs), and manage inventory levels to minimize food waste. Beyond the floor, the Catering Manager monitors revenue pacing against monthly targets, troubleshoots service bottlenecks in real-time, and ensures strict compliance with local health department safety and sanitation regulations.
What does a Catering Manager do on a daily basis?
A Catering Manager is responsible for the entire operational flow of event dining, which includes drafting Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), meeting with clients to finalize menus, and managing the kitchen and service staff during functions. They also handle administrative tasks like inventory management, budget reporting, and scheduling to ensure the catering department operates efficiently and profitably.
What are the most important skills for a Catering Manager?
A successful Catering Manager needs a blend of technical expertise, such as proficiency in catering software (e.g., TripleSeat) and food safety compliance (HACCP), and interpersonal skills. They must be expert multi-taskers, capable of negotiating complex contracts while maintaining high service standards under the pressure of live event timelines.
Who does a Catering Manager work with in a hospitality setting?
A Catering Manager sits at the intersection of several departments, collaborating closely with executive chefs and kitchen staff to ensure menu feasibility, sales teams to understand client requirements, and event planners to coordinate logistics. They also provide direct leadership to banquet captains, waitstaff, and bartenders to ensure the final guest experience is cohesive and professional.
How can I become a Catering Manager?
Most professionals enter this role after gaining experience as a banquet supervisor, event coordinator, or food and beverage lead. Earning a degree in Hospitality Management is highly beneficial, as is obtaining industry certifications like ServSafe Manager. Building a strong portfolio of successfully managed large-scale events and demonstrating financial acumen are key to advancing into this career.