Event Operations Manager Jobs in Erie, PA (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: CAFE SERVICES MANAGER
Location: ERIE'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Now seeking an experienced Dining Services Manager to join our AMAZING K-12 Food SErvice Teams throughout the district. Enjoy a work-life balance with a mainly Mon-Fri daylight schedule (some catering events will apply).
The K-12 Cafe Services Manager oversees the operational excellence, safety compliance, and team development across up to 12 assigned school cafeteria sites. This role acts as a primary strategic resource, mentor, and operational partner to on-site cafeteria supervisors and team members. The manager ensures that all locations consistently outperform company standards while maintaining absolute adherence to local health codes and government guidelines (including NSLP/ CACFP regulations and allergen protocols). Beyond daily breakfast and lunch operations, this position assists with specialized catering services and athletic concessions.
Core Responsibilities
1. Operational & Regulatory Compliance
Standards Accountability: Daily travel to multi-site locations to execute K-12 standards checklists and EcoSure audit preparedness protocols.
Government & Health Regulations: Ensure 100% compliance with local Health Department regulations. Monitor food/equipment temperature logs, proper food hierarchy storage, chemical labeling, and corrective action documentation.
Nutritional Guidelines: Monitor strict adherence to federal and state guidelines, ensuring any food provided during designated school hours meets mandatory smart snack compliance.
Safety & Sanitation: Maintain a culture of safety by identifying property hazards, verifying proper glove/personal hygiene usage, and managing site safety inspections.
2. Team Training & Performance Coaching
On-the-Floor Mentorship: Act as an approachable, supportive resource for cafeteria supervisors. Provide real-time coaching, training, and operational support directly within school dining environments.
Professional Development: Identify individual training gaps within site teams. Design and execute targeted upskilling initiatives for team members covering food safety, allergen management, and customer service.
Cultivating Culture: Build positive team dynamics by prioritizing open communication, genuine appreciation, and professional uniform and presentation standards.
3. Operations
Program Management: Direct school operations and service frameworks line up with organizational standards.
Dietary Verification: Supervise checking protocols for guest dietary needs and allergen safety controls prior to event delivery.
Hands-on Service: Coordinate and actively work specialized catering functions, including logistic.
Work Schedule & Expectations
Primary Hours: Mon-Fri, 7AM-4PM.
Flexibility Required: Occasional evening and weekend hours are expected to accommodate special events, late catering demands, concessions, or district administrative needs.
Travel: High daily local travel across up to 12 school district kitchen and dining properties.
Qualifications & Skills
Certification: Current food safety manager certification from an accredited program (e.g., ServSafe).
Experience: Prior experience managing multi-unit culinary operations, preferably within a K-12 contract food service environment or large-scale institutional setting.
Leadership Style: A servant-leader approach centered on coaching and relationship-building
Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have openings for a Rock Star Hands on Operations Manager who shares our passion for Food and Service. We are seeking a polished and professional Manager with winning attitude ready to hit the ground running in a busy commercial kitchen and café operations setting. FOH and BOH Leadership experience desired in a Contract Dining Food Service setting such as Hospital, School, College, Senior Living or Corporate Dining accounts.
This position offers strong potential for growth, providing all the tools and platform necessary to develop into a strong General Manager.
Requirements:

• 3+ Plus Years in a Contract Dining
• 3 years in a management role
• Solid knowledge of kitchen operations and cafeteria operations
• Solid knowledge of Guest and Client Relations
• Impeccable Communication Skills
• Restaurant Management knowledge
• Knowledge of Menu implementation
• Catering Experience

Metz Culinary Management Values are what separates us from the competition. Our Leaders share our Values, Attributes, and Strategic Focus reinforcing our culture and values every day to our Team Members creating an environment for personal growth, enrichment and career success.
As one of the fastest growing companies in the industry, we continually seek talented and dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence. Join our team of over 7,000 team members who share a passion for Onsite Dining and Support Services, working together toward one common goal, excellence, in quality and service. We are committed to providing the atmosphere, opportunity, and benefits that enable us to be an employer of choice in the industry.
We are a family-driven company that delivers restaurant-inspired hospitality to everyone we serve.