Director of Catering Operations

Benson’s Catering is seeking a strategic and high-energy Director of Catering Operations to lead our amazing events team in delivering world-class, customized event experiences. Reporting directly to the COO, this exempt, full-time leadership role is responsible for overseeing the entire catering and events lifecycle, from the initial client inquiry through seamless event execution, while consistently driving sales and maintaining our hallmark standard of excellence.

You will serve as a vital bridge between departments, collaborating closely with the Culinary, Operations, and Finance teams to ensure that every event is both fiscally sound and creatively exceptional. The team consists of a sales, culinary and operations team who will be reporting to you. Benson's offers multiple event spaces and private dining rooms to create the perfect event for our guests.

While the primary schedule is Monday through Friday, this position requires a minimum of 45 hours per week and the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to oversee event operations. In return, we offer a flexible schedule designed to provide two days off per week, allowing you to balance a demanding, high-impact career with your personal time.

• The Director of Catering Operations is responsible to oversee all catering, events and offsite for Benson’s Catering.
• Responsible for all Benson’s Catering management team and staff.
• The Director of Catering Operations is responsible for consulting with VIP or high-profile clients to determine catering requirements for a successful and profitable event.
• Final detailing of BEOs, meeting and exceeding customer requirements for VIP or high-profile events.
• Works directly with the sales, operations and culinary teams on catering event details, blackout dates, and weekly meetings to ensure all events are planned and executed to the highest level.
• Networks with local vendors, industry staff, clients and other business opportunities.
• Responsible to manage and maintain catering budgets annually.
• Ensures inventory is taken and submitted timely to create accurate financial statements.
• Lead communication and meetings between Benson’s Catering staff and the Executive Leadership team.
• Follows up with clients after the event and frequently throughout the year to build relationships and secure future business.
• Finalizes menus with the chef and oversees venue, rentals, equipment, food and service preparations.
• Request and utilize marketing materials, such as brochures, event photos, social media content, and branded assets, to enhance proposals and presentations.
• Coordinate with the marketing department to ensure timely access to updated promotional assets, event visuals, and seasonal campaign materials.
• Overseeing and supervising catering staff for large or VIP events.
• Promoting a positive company culture, and good morale among employees.
• Prepares performance evaluations for team with a focus on internal growth and retention.
• Resolving complaints and concerns from clients and staff in a polite, friendly manner.
• Participating in training and developing service standards for team members. Works closely with the Director of Training to ensure service standards are upkept and the clients’ experience is positive.
• Adhering to food and health industry regulations and standards.
• Ability to drive or find transportation to event spaces and to meet clients.

• Works with the COO to create the profit and loss statements for Benson’s Catering.
• Provide analysis and reporting of staffing, labor numbers and food and beverage margins to the Executive Leadership team for catering sales.
• Ability to cost out events to focus on profitability and create efficiencies for future events.
• Ability to use all internal software systems and become an expert in training the team, especially Triple Seat, Paycom, Toast and 7
  
  Shifts.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers in a professional manner.
• Excellent computer & program proficiency (MS Office, Google Docs, Excel,…