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Catering Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Catering Manager

Aptos, CA ยท On-site

$72K - $77K/yr

Catering Manager Responsible for executing catering at all restaurants in our family of BBQ restaurants. The Catering Manager is expected to lead and organize catering events that will make a ...

Catering Manager Summary of Position The Catering Manager is responsible for overseeing the catering production, ensuring all catering orders are produced and delivered accurately. This position is ...

Catering Manager Summary of Position The Catering Manager is responsible for overseeing the catering production, ensuring all catering orders are produced and delivered accurately. This position is ...

Catering Manager Summary of Position The Catering Manager is responsible for overseeing the catering production, ensuring all catering orders are produced and delivered accurately. This position is ...

Catering Manager Summary of Position The Catering Manager is responsible for overseeing the catering production, ensuring all catering orders are produced and delivered accurately. This position is ...

Catering Manager Salary: 75,000-85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon ...

Catering Manager Salary: 75,000-85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon ...

Catering Manager Salary: 75,000-85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon ...

Catering Manager Salary: 75,000-85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon ...

Catering Manager

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$38.46 - $52.88/hr

We hope to hire an energetic individual with a hospitality mindset that sees the challenge to manage, coordinate and record (of "book") the catering activity of the hotel, including developing new ...

Catering Manager

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$38.46 - $52.88/hr

We hope to hire an energetic individual with a hospitality mindset that sees the challenge to manage, coordinate and record (of "book") the catering activity of the hotel, including developing new ...

Catering Manager

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Overview We're looking for a Catering Manager who thrives on bringing big ideas to life, building meaningful client relationships, and turning every event into something unforgettable. If you love ...

Catering Manager

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Overview We're looking for a Catering Manager who thrives on bringing big ideas to life, building meaningful client relationships, and turning every event into something unforgettable. If you love ...

Workplace Catering Manager

Emeryville, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Workplace Catering Manager Location: Berkeley, CA Job Type: Full-Time Compensation: $70,000-$90,000 per year, depending on experience About the Opportunity We are seeking an experienced Workplace ...

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Catering Manager information

See California salary details

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How much do catering manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering manager in California is $21.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $26.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a catering manager do?

As a catering manager, you run the operations and management of a catering business. Your job duties include hiring and supervising staff, handling client interactions and event planning, maintaining the facility, and ensuring the quality of the food and service. Organization, time management, and people skills are essential to your success as a catering manager. You are responsible for scheduling workers, making sure events go as planned, assisting your staff members, and helping manage unexpected issues.

What does a catering manager do?

A Catering Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing catering operations and services for events such as weddings, corporate meetings, and parties. They coordinate with clients to understand their needs, manage menus, supervise staff, and ensure food safety and quality standards are met. Additionally, Catering Managers handle logistics, budgeting, and vendor relationships to ensure successful and seamless events. Their role requires strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills to deliver excellent customer service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a catering manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Catering Manager, you need expertise in event planning, food service operations, budgeting, and typically a background in hospitality management or a related field. Familiarity with catering management software, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food safety certifications is commonly required. Strong leadership, organizational abilities, and excellent customer service skills help you effectively coordinate teams and exceed client expectations. These competencies are essential to ensure successful events, client satisfaction, and the profitability of catering operations.

What are some common challenges catering managers face when coordinating large events, and how can they be addressed?

Catering Managers often encounter challenges such as last-minute menu changes, unexpected guest count fluctuations, and logistical issues with venue layouts. To address these, effective communication with clients and vendors, detailed planning, and maintaining flexibility are essential. Building a reliable team and having contingency plans in place for menu substitutions or staffing shortages can help ensure events run smoothly. Regularly reviewing feedback and debriefing with staff after events also helps identify areas for improvement.

What is the difference between Catering Manager vs Event Coordinator?

AspectCatering ManagerEvent Coordinator
Primary FocusOversees catering operations, menu planning, staff management, and food qualityPlans, organizes, and executes events, coordinating logistics and vendors
Required CredentialsFood safety certifications, hospitality or culinary degrees often preferredEvent planning certifications, strong organizational skills
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering companies, hotelsEvent venues, hotels, conference centers
Employer & Industry UsageHospitality, catering services, food service industryEvent planning firms, corporate event departments, hospitality

While both roles involve coordinating aspects of events, a Catering Manager primarily manages food service operations and catering staff, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction. An Event Coordinator focuses on the overall event planning, logistics, and vendor management. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How much do catering managers make?

Catering managers typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the catering operation. Salaries can vary based on factors such as certifications, management responsibilities, and the complexity of events managed.

What is the highest position in catering manager?

The highest position in catering management is typically the Director of Catering or Food Service Director, responsible for overseeing multiple catering operations, strategic planning, and staff management. These roles often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and industry certifications such as ServSafe or HACCP. Advancement may also lead to executive roles like Food Service Director or General Manager in larger organizations.

What is the work of a catering manager?

A catering manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of food service for events and functions. They manage staff, coordinate with clients, ensure food quality and safety, and handle budgeting and logistics to deliver successful catering experiences.

What are the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in California?

The most popular types of Catering jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Catering Manager jobs in California?

For Catering Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Catering Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Catering Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Catering Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Catering Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Catering Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,470 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Catering Manager

Real Smoked BBQ Catering

Aptos, CA โ€ข On-site

$72K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description:

Catering Manager


Responsible for executing catering at all restaurants in our family of BBQ restaurants. The Catering Manager is expected to lead and organize catering events that will make a significant impact on growing our business. 


Our Catering Manager will promote, book and organize the catering offerings of our restaurants. This position requires an enthusiastic individual with the organizational skills to manage several catering orders and the marketing skills to significantly grow our business. 


Key Responsibilities:


Catering Sales:

  • Define and package our catering offerings
  • Market our catering packages to bring in a significant new revenue stream
  • Develop and maintain a catering and event planning service to customers
  • Actively seek out new customers and vendors
  • Network with industry professionals and build working relationships with event facilities

Catering Management:

  • Serve as primary point of contact for all catering orders from initial inquiry through the day of the event for final questions
  • Coordinate staffing for catering events
  • Ensure successful operations of catering functions including labor cost, food cost control and preparation, transportation, setup, and operation of events


Salary & Benefits:

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Phone Allowance
  • Travel Reimbursement
  • Medical/Dental Insurance
  • Paid PTO 15 days per year
  • Paid Holidays
  • Dining Discounts
Requirements:

Position Requirements:

  • Two years of experience working in the hospitality industry required
  • BS in Hospitality preferred
  • Valid Drivers License
  • Good DMV record
  • Catering or event management experience preferred
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Project management skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills