Group Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

About the Organization
About SBR Events Group
We are a collection of two of Chicago's leading special event brands, all working collectively together to provide our clients with proven excellence in culinary, hospitality design, and production for their unique events.
SBR Events Group brings tremendous opportunities for agile and passionate individuals looking to work hard in a dynamic, challenging, fun, and inspiring environment. We place integrity, teamwork, and kindness at the heart of what we do.
We have created a culture where we are passionate about collaboration and hospitality and can care for each other and our customers by doing the right thing for the right reason.
Get to know us!
TikTok: @sweetbabyrayscatering
IG: @sweetbabyrayscatering
IG: @truecuisine
Facebook: Sweet Baby Ray's Restaurant & Catering
YouTube: Sweet Baby Ray's Catering
Category
Operations
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
Position
Staffing Operations Manager
Description
Position Summary
The Staffing Operations Manager leads the effort to develop and support the Event Services Department, building a unified, consistent, and engaged workforce through visible leadership, clear communication, fair staffing practices, employee development, accountability, and dependable follow-through.
Working closely with the General Manager, Human Resources, and Event Directors, and with direct supervision of the Event Directors, the Staffing Coordinator, and Event Services staff, this manager establishes consistent departmental standards and ensures employees feel supported, informed, accountable, and connected to the company. The role owns Event Services recruiting, onboarding, training, employee engagement, performance management, workforce planning, scheduling practices, leadership development, and departmental communication.
As the primary departmental point of contact for Event Services employees, the Staffing Operations Manager maintains an active, visible presence both in the office and at events.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Department Leadership, Engagement & Communication

• Build and maintain a department culture rooted in trust, clear communication, and connection.
• Maintain trust, communication, and connection throughout the Event Services Department.
• Maintain a visible, accessible, and supportive presence with employees by regularly attending events to observe execution, providing oversight, supporting Event Directors, reinforcing company standards, and identifying coaching or operational improvements or opportunities. Support any staffing shortages.
• Conduct regular check-ins with Event Directors, Captains, and Event Services employees.
• Ensure employee questions and concerns are acknowledged, addressed, and followed through in a timely manner.
• Communicate scheduling expectations, operational changes, training opportunities, and company standards clearly and consistently.
• Identify recurring employee concerns and partner with the General Manager and Human Resources on practical solutions.
• Promote teamwork, recognition, accountability, and a strong sense of belonging, ensuring field employees feel connected to department leadership and the broader company.

Recruiting & Hiring

• Partner with Human Resources to recruit and hire qualified Event Services employees.
• Identify staffing needs, required qualifications, and the type of employees needed to support upcoming business.
• Participate in applicant screening and interviews and recommend hiring decisions based on operational fit.
• Develop and maintain a dependable applicant pipeline for Event Services positions.
• Monitor staffing levels, forecast future hiring needs, and develop strategies to improve retention and workforce quality.

Onboarding & New Hire Development

• Oversee a consistent Event Services onboarding program in partnership with Human Resources.
• Introduce new employees to company culture, workplace expectations, customer service standards, safety requirements, and event execution standards.
• Coordinate with Event Directors and department leaders to deliver practical, position-specific training and field orientation.
• Monitor new-hire progress throughout onboarding and ensure required training is completed.
• Leverage Event Directors and other qualified leaders to support onboarding while remaining accountable for the overall process.

Training & Employee Development

• Develop and administer training programs for Event Directors, Captains, Servers, Bartenders, Porters, Culinary Event Staff, and other Event Services positions.
• Identify skill gaps and development opportunities and build clear development plans.
• Create and maintain training materials, standard operating procedures, and employee development programs.
• Facilitate leadership development, cross-training, and promotion-readiness programs.
• Regularly assess training effectiveness and develop new initiatives based on performance, operational needs, and client feedback.

Staffing Operations Oversight

• Provide direction, support, and accountability to the Staffing Coordinator.
• Establish and monitor fair, consistent, and operationally effective scheduling practices.
• Weigh employee availability, qualifications, performance, travel requirements, workload, labor utilization, and event coverage when evaluating staffing decisions.
• Oversee workforce planning, labor utilization, scheduling strategy, and event coverage for the department.
• Lead staffing adjustments and develop solutions for call-offs, coverage gaps, and other operational challenges.
• Ensure event staffing aligns with company standards, client needs, and service expectations.

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Serve as the primary departmental point of contact for Event Services employees, ensuring concerns are acknowledged and appropriately addressed or escalated to Human Resources or senior leadership.
• Coach Event Directors and Captains on employee performance, workplace expectations, documentation, and accountability.
• Conduct and document first-level coaching and counseling; partner with the General Manager and Human Resources on all formal corrective action, Performance Improvement Plans, investigations, and separations, which Human Resources leads.
• Establish and oversee a consistent review process for 90-day and annual performance reviews.
• Use Event Director evaluations, performance surveys, attendance records, documented coaching, client feedback, and adherence to company standards when evaluating performance.
• Oversee timely, accurate completion of performance surveys and conduct monthly reviews with department leaders to identify trends, recognize strong employees, address concerns, and set follow-up actions.
• Maintain consistent application of company policies and promote a positive, professional, and accountable work environment.

Promotions & Leadership Development

• Identify Event Services employees with leadership potential.
• Develop advancement and succession plans for key positions.
• Coordinate training for advancement into Captain, Event Director, Delivery Driver, supervisor, and other leadership roles.
• Evaluate readiness for increased responsibility using documented performance, training completion, leadership ability, and operational experience.

Compliance & Standards

• Partner with Human Resources to track required certifications and ensure employees complete all necessary training and renewals before expiration.
• Monitor compliance with Food Handler, BASSET, safety, and other required training standards.
• Ensure employees assigned to events meet all applicable certification and training requirements.
• Support accurate training and personnel records in partnership with Human Resources.
• Implement and reinforce company policies, procedures, and operational standards within the department in partnership with the General Manager and Human Resources.

Leadership Expectations

• Lead by example through professionalism, consistency, accountability, and respectful communication.
• Build strong working relationships with employees and department leaders.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to Event Services leaders and staff.
• Drive continuous improvement in workforce performance, retention, communication, and employee engagement.
• Support company culture, service standards, and organizational goals.

Position Requirements
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of five years of experience in staffing, workforce development, hospitality, or event operations, including at least two years in a supervisory or team-lead capacity
• Experience in a high-volume, event-driven, or seasonal hospitality environment strongly preferred.
• Bilingual (English / Spanish) preferred, given the department's multilingual workforce.

Certifications & Licenses

• BASSET certification, or ability to obtain within [30] days of hire.
• Food Handler Manager certification, or ability to obtain within [30] days of hire.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for travel to event sites.

Reporting Relationships
Reports to: General Manager.
Supervisors: Event Directors, the Staffing Coordinator, and Event Services staff.
Partners closely with: Human Resources and the General Manager.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership, coaching, conflict-resolution, and team-building skills.
• Working knowledge of employment practices and Illinois employment law as they apply to hiring, scheduling, and performance management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and the ability to build trust across a diverse, field-based workforce.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment under operational pressure.
• Proficiency with scheduling / workforce-management systems and standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office).

Physical Demand & Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Most of the time is spent in office and event/operational settings. The operational environment includes fluctuating temperatures and high noise levels.
Frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and talk or hear.
This is not a sedentary role, and some physical activity is required. This role may require the ability to lift and carry equipment, stand for extended periods, and assist with event setup activities.
Occasionally, an incumbent will be required to climb stairs, kneel, and lift to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, aligned with the event calendar.
Regular travel to event venues across the Chicagoland area.
Work is performed in both a standard office setting and active event environments.
Benefits:
SBR Events Group offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families in managing their health and wellness needs. Some ot the benefits may include:
401(k) Retirement Plan with company matching contributions.
Dental insurance, Health insurance, and Vision insurance.
Health savings account.
Short-term and long-term disability income.
Term life and AD&D insurance.
Employee assistance program
Paid time off and holiday pay.
Mileage and cell phone reimbursement.
Performance bonuses.
Flexible schedule
Employee discounts
Wellness programs
Wealth management planning
Reward programs
Compensation & Benefits:
Salary offers may be commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training. The compensation is subject to change at the company's sole discretion based on institutional needs.
EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt
This position is currently accepting applications.