Catering Operations Manager

Wolfgang Puck Catering

Salary: $80,000 - $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: 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.

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 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.

Job Summary

At Wolfgang Puck Catering, every event tells a story, and as Catering Operations Manager, you'll be the conductor behind the scenes, ensuring flawless execution both on- and off-premise. This role is ideal for a dynamic hospitality professional who thrives in fast-paced environments, juggling multiple moving pieces while keeping client satisfaction at the heart of every decision. You'll partner with world-class chefs, visionary sales leaders, and top-tier vendors to bring unforgettable events to life. We're looking for someone who blends operational precision with creative flair, a leader who can motivate a team, manage complex logistics, and deliver on Wolfgang Puck's legendary standard of excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted consultant to clients, guiding them on scope, vision, menu design, and entertainment to create extraordinary events within budget.
• Partner with WPC chefs to design customized menus that delight and inspire.
• Negotiate with and manage vendors, ensuring seamless coordination and exceptional service delivery.
• Lead, train, and inspire catering staff to consistently perform at the highest level.
• Build and manage staffing schedules that align talent with event needs.
• Serve as the central liaison across Sales, Culinary, Staffing, Captains, Vendors, and Clients, ensuring flawless communication and execution.
• Oversee financial tracking, contract compliance, and post-event evaluations to ensure operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Resolve guest concerns swiftly and professionally, always maintaining the WPC standard of hospitality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven leader in hospitality or off-premise catering with a strong operations background.
• Expert in balancing multiple events, client relationships, and team management with ease.
• Strong communication skills, persuasive, professional, and client-focused.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, P&Ls, labor forecasting, and sales reporting.
• High-level negotiation skills and business acumen, with the confidence to partner with senior culinary leaders.
• Experience in HR functions including hiring, training, and developing talent.
• Operationally savvy, resilient, and adaptable to rapidly changing event demands.
• 3–5 years of management experience in catering, fine dining, luxury hospitality, or a related environment.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for delivering exceptional client experiences and growing the business.

Apply to Wolfgang Puck today! 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.

Associates at Wolfgang Puck Catering are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• 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.