Events Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Description:

The Banquets & Events Operations Manager is responsible for managing and executing banquet and event operations with precision and professionalism. This role ensures all front-of-house (FOH) elements, service details, and event logistics align with client expectations and company standards. Partners with the Executive Chef, Director of Food & Beverage, and Sales Team to plan and execute all contracted events across event spaces, meeting rooms, and bar/restaurant outlets. Provides lateral support to other Food & Beverage operations as needed.

Perks and Benefits:

• Competitive pay & a Comprehensive Benefit Package.

• Other benefits include Health Saving Account, Flexible Saving Account, Employee Assistance Program.

• Annual Education Allowance

• Generous Referral Program

• Fun & collaborative company culture with lots of team building events

• Friends and Family rates for Level Hotels & Furnished Suites, The Opus Hotel, and The Emily Hotel

What Will You Do?

Event Execution

• Execute all Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) according to client specifications, service standards, and timelines, including proper event close-out through Toast.

• Develop and distribute event timelines, pull sheets, floor plans, and service outlines to staff.

• Coordinate scheduling of Captains, Servers, Bartenders, Housemen, and support staff based on BEO directives and business demand.

• Assign and oversee setup of all dining, bar, and event areas to ensure accuracy and readiness before guest arrival.

• Manage load-in and load-out for all vendors, confirming placement per floor plan and setup notes.

• Ensure wayfinding, event signage, and AV requirements are in place per BEO specifications.

• Conduct a Culinary Check-In with the Executive Chef before setup to confirm menu details, pull sheets, equipment, presentation, and service flow; lead a joint Pre-Shift briefing with the chef, sales and service team before event start.

• Retrieve and verify menu cards from the Prep Kitchen before bringing them to the event space.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop captains, servers, bartenders, housemen, and support staff through all phases of event operations.

• Conduct pre-shift meetings to communicate event details, role assignments, service expectations, and pertinent business information.

• Prepare weekly schedules in accordance with staffing guidelines and labor forecasts; make real-time adjustments to meet business demands.

• Establish and maintain training standards for service execution, side duties, and department procedures; lead onboarding of new hires and reeducation of existing staff as needed.

• Hold staff accountable to grooming, attire, and conduct standards; address deficiencies directly and professionally.

• Ensure all closing duties are completed and verified before staff sign out.

Front-of-House Operations

• Oversee and optimize all event station and bar layouts for operational efficiency and guest flow.

• Inspect event spaces before, during, and after events for cleanliness, organization, and proper setup; take corrective action on all deficiencies.

• Manage FOH equipment, signage, and display materials; maintain inventory controls and coordinate timely replenishment.

• Ensure FOH storage areas are organized, clean, and all items are properly labeled and stored post-event.

• Submit work orders for maintenance repairs; escalate urgent facility needs to Engineering directly.

• Participate in monthly inventories of supplies, equipment, liquor, and wine.

• Maintain and update POS system with menu changes as needed.

Guest & Vendor Relations

• Serve as the primary on-site manager, ensuring all building protocols and service standards are upheld throughout each event.

• Anticipate guest and client needs; foster positive guest relations through attentiveness, professionalism, and name recognition.

• Manage resolution of guest complaints, ensuring issues are addressed promptly and to a satisfactory outcome.

• Troubleshoot issues in the moment to uphold gracious hospitality for guest experience and execution expectations

• Maintain clear, proactive communication between internal departments and external partners to ensure seamless event execution.

Event Sales Team Collaboration

• Serve as the primary operations liaison to the Event Sales Team, ensuring all contracted event details are accurately translated into executable staff assignments, equipment pulls, timelines, etc before distribution to staff.

• Review new and upcoming event contracts with the Sales Team to identify operational requirements, flag potential conflicts or resource gaps and identify solutions.

• Participate in pre-event walkthroughs or planning meetings with the Sales Team to align on space layout, service expectations, and event flow.

• Communicate operational feedback and post-event learnings to the Sales Team to inform future proposals, upsell opportunities, and expectation-setting with clients.

• Collaborate with Sales on the development and maintenance of service standards, food and beverage presentation guidelines, and event packages to ensure consistency between what is sold and what is delivered.

• Uphold handoff protocols between Sales and Operations so that no event reaches execution without confirmed staffing, equipment, and culinary alignment from the finalized BEO.

• Attend weekly BEO meetings and relevant sales planning sessions to stay ahead of upcoming business and contribute an operational perspective.

Planning & Administration

• Attend weekly BEO and manager meetings; contribute operational insight to improve event flow, service efficiency, and overall guest experience.

• Partner with the Director of Food & Beverage, Culinary Director, and Sales Director to align budget targets with booked events and plan for CapEx and equipment needs.

• Leverage prior event history to anticipate client preferences, identify opportunities for improvement, and add meaningful touches to repeat events.

• Review catering sales and resolve discrepancies with the Accounting and Sales teams as needed.

• Manage bi-weekly payroll review and submission for all event staff hours.

• Maintain thorough knowledge of and strict adherence to Illinois liquor regulations, including those prohibiting service to minors and intoxicated persons.

What You Bring?

• 5+ years in event coordination, banquet operations, or hospitality management, with demonstrated experience in a management role.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Proficiency in reading and executing BEOs and floor plans

• Certifications required: Illinois Manager's Food Handler and Alcohol Service (ServSafe, TIPS/BASSET)

• Experience working with Canva, TripleSeat, Microsoft Office, and Toast preferred

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality or management preferred

• Availability: Open availability including nights, weekends, and holidays; 5-day work week with both administrative and floor shifts.

Salary Range:

$70,000 - $75,000 USD Per Year

About The Company:

Onni

For over half a century, Onni has been building communities for people to live, work, and play. Our success reflects our commitment to our employees and partners, and our dedication to quality construction, innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Our expertise expands across North America, with offices in Vancouver, Toronto, Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix, and Chicago.

AI Use:

This role may involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support research, analysis, content development, design, reporting, or operational efficiency. Employees are expected to use AI responsibly and in compliance with company policies, data privacy requirements, confidentiality obligations, and applicable laws.

All AI-generated or AI-assisted outputs must be reviewed for accuracy, quality, and appropriateness before use. Employees are also expected to disclose when AI tools have been used in the creation of work and must not present AI-generated content as solely their own original work.

How To Apply:

Please apply through the link on the job posting and attach your resume and any other required documents.

We thank all applicants for your interest in the Onni Group. Note that only those applicants under consideration will be contacted.