Catering & Event Operations Manager

The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, Florida, United States of America

Posted Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 4:00 AM

SSA Group at The Florida Aquarium is looking for a talented Catering & Event Operations Manager to join our team!

Who are we :

At SSA, we're Unapologetically Family — it's who we are and how we show up for each other, for our 90+ cultural attraction partners, and for the more than 100 million guests we welcome each year. We laugh, we celebrate our wins, and we learn from our mistakes together.

That family mindset shapes 452 Hospitality, the heartbeat of everything we do: creating special moments of hospitality that have a lasting impact, before, during, and after every guest visit. We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail— to shape one seamless guest experience across the full Hospitality Experience Journey.

Whether you're looking for your first job, building your career, or bringing years of experience to a new role, you'll be part of a team that values your ideas, supports your growth, and encourages you to make an impact. More than 54% of our leaders are promoted from within — proof that when we say we invest in people, we mean it.

Job Title: Catering & Event Operations Manager

Department: Catering & Events

Location: The Florida Aquarium, Onsite

Reports to: General Manager, Assistant General Manager, (Sr.) Director of Catering Operations, or Sr. Manager of Catering Operations

Revenue Oversight: $650,000+

JOB SUMMARY

The Catering & Event Operations Manager is responsible for supporting the Event/Catering Sales and Culinary teams by leading the catering logistics planning, coordination, execution, and quality control of events. This role involves advanced knowledge of client relationships, event logistics, and delivering customer satisfaction. This position is ultimately responsible for the delivery of seamless and memorable events.

QUALIFICATIONS

Job Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of an organization.
• Advanced leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
• Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
• Demonstrates financial management, analytical, and planning skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
• (Outdoor Venues Only):
  Must be comfortable working in an outdoor environment, including exposure to the elements.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

Previous Experience

• Minimum 4 years catering operations and/or event planning management in off-site catering, hotel or cultural attraction catering venue preferred.
  • A minimum of 4 years of experience is required for this position; however, candidates with 6 or more years of experience will be given stronger consideration.
• Working knowledge of Tripleseat is a plus.
• All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Planning & Execution

• Develop and implement detailed plans for catering events, including event orders, pull sheets, execution timelines, staffing schedules, visual appeal and logistics layouts.
• Coordinate with sales representatives to understand event requirements and ensure all details are accurately captured and executed.
• Oversee the setup, execution, and breakdown of events, ensuring all aspects run smoothly and efficiently.
• Ensure all equipment, supplies, and materials are available and in good working condition for events.
• Walk event spaces with Sales Team before events to ensure everything is in working order and address any issues promptly.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with the Sales Team, Culinary Team, and other departments involved in events, developing and implementing new strategies and procedures where necessary to ensure events are executed flawlessly. Including, but not limited to:
  • Attend weekly BEO meetings to review all upcoming events, addressing concerns and needs to each event.
  • Distribute Operations Plan revisions to key stakeholders when necessary.
  • Advise Sales Team on any outstanding balances due post event.
  • Collaborate with Sales Team on floor plans and event flow.
  • Coordinate the need of…