Catering Operations Manager

Restaurant Associates Position Title: Catering Operations Manager Salary: $80,000 - $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industryu2019s 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 At Restaurant Associates, we create hospitality experiences that complement some of the worldu2019s most inspiring cultural institutions. As Catering Operations Manager at LACMA , you will play a key role in bringing memorable events to life across one of Los Angelesu2019 most iconic museum campuses. Working at the intersection of culinary excellence, art, and guest experience, this role oversees the successful planning and execution of onu2011site and offu2011site events that may include exhibition openings, donor and patron events, galas, corporate entertaining, weddings, and private celebrations. Youu2019ll collaborate closely with culinary, sales, museum stakeholders, and vendor partners to ensure each event reflects LACMAu2019s creative spirit while delivering Restaurant Associatesu2019 signature hospitality. This is an opportunity for an operationally thoughtful, peopleu2011centered leader who enjoys managing complexity, building strong teams, and creating experiences that feel seamless to guests. Key Responsibilities + Partner with clients, museum stakeholders, and internal teams to understand event vision, scope, setting, menus, entertainment, and service expectationsu2014ensuring each event is delivered within established budgets and guidelines + Collaborate with chefs and culinary leadership to design menus that align with the event concept, seasonality, and guest experience + Oversee planning and execution of a diverse portfolio of events across LACMAu2019s indoor and outdoor venues, supporting both publicu2011facing and private events + Negotiate and manage vendor relationships and contracts, including rentals, entertainment, du00e9cor, and specialty services + Delegate effectively to Event Managers and operations teams, ensuring events are executed according to established standards, timelines, and service expectations + Recruit, interview, onboard, train, and support both fullu2011time and eventu2011based team members + Build schedules and staffing plans that balance service excellence, labor efficiency, and team wellbeing + Foster an inclusive, motivated, and engaged catering team through clear communication, coaching, and leadership presence + Maintain accurate financial, administrative, and operational records, including budgets, forecasts, and postu2011event reporting + Serve as a central point of coordination between Sales Catering Managers, culinary teams, staffing partners, vendors, suppliers, rental companies, and clients + Review contracts and event details to ensure alignment with services delivered and guest expectations + Conduct postu2011event evaluations to assess quality, financial performance, and opportunities for continuous improvement + Address guest or client concerns with professionalism and care, ensuring timely resolution and followu2011up, including billing and payment coordination What Weu2019re Looking For + Experience leading catering or event operations within hospitality, cultural institutions, or highu2011touch event environments + A collaborative leadership style with the ability to guide teams through complex, fastu2011paced event schedules + Strong organizational and timeu2011management skills, with comfort managing multiple events simultaneously + Financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, labor management, forecasting, and P&L oversight + Clear and confident communication skills, both written and verbal, with clients, vendors, and senior stakeholders + Comfort working independently while also partnering closely with crossu2011functional teams + Thoughtful problemu2011solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly as event needs evolve + Negotiation and relationshipu2011management skills that build trust with vendors and culinary partners + Experience hiring, training, mentoring, and developing hospitality teams + Ability to establish credibility and effective partnerships with culinary leadership and museum stakeholders + Familiarity with offu2011premise or largeu2011scale catering environments is a plus + Three plus years of hospitality or events management experience, or a combination of experience and capability that demonstrates readiness for this role 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 Angelesu2019 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: 1521160 Restaurant Associates Michael Abbey [[req_classification]]

Created: 2026-04-04