Director of Catering Operations
Bold Catering amp; Design, Atlanta, GA
Are you a seasoned operations leader with a passion for creating extraordinary event experiences? Join our award-winning catering company that specializes in elevated, high-end off-site events with full-service design capabilities. We're seeking a Director of Catering Operations to lead our operational excellence and drive strategic growth in Atlanta's competitive luxury events market.
About This Role
As our Director of Catering Operations, you'll be the operational backbone of our organization, ensuring seamless execution of sophisticated events while maintaining our reputation for excellence. Reporting directly to the General Manager, you'll oversee our Warehouse amp; Logistics Manager, Senior Event Operations Manager, Scheduler, and Director of Event Services, creating alignment across all operational functions to deliver unforgettable experiences.
What You'll Do
Strategic Leadership amp; Team Development
- Lead by example, embodying our company's mission, vision, and values while fostering a high-performance culture
- Provide clear direction and measurable objectives for department heads, conducting regular one-on-ones and quarterly strategic reviews
- Develop and mentor senior leaders, building a strong succession pipeline and ensuring exceptional leadership at every level
Operational Excellence
- Design and implement streamlined processes across culinary, logistics, and service operations
- Ensure cohesive departmental collaboration aligned with company SOPs and client expectations
- Deploy systems that enhance communication, eliminate inefficiencies, and maintain quality assurance throughout the event lifecycle
- Oversee complete event execution from initial planning through final load-out, ensuring flawless food, beverage, and service delivery
- Coordinate cross-departmental responsibilities, anticipate logistical challenges, and proactively mitigate operational risks
- Serve as the ultimate operational decision-maker during high-stakes events, providing real-time leadership and problem-solving
Financial Stewardship
- Own and manage comprehensive operations budgets, maintaining strict control over labor, equipment, rentals, and logistics costs
- Lead monthly P amp;L reviews with department heads, analyzing performance metrics and identifying improvement opportunities
- Drive cost optimization initiatives and margin enhancement through strategic process improvements and vendor negotiations
- Partner with culinary, warehouse, and design teams to align operational strategies with profitability goals
- Monitor COGS and labor trends, developing actionable strategies to improve margins while preserving service quality
- Negotiate vendor partnerships and supplier agreements to ensure competitive pricing and reliable service delivery
What You Bring
Experience amp; Expertise
- Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in food and beverage operations, event logistics, and service management
- Proven track record managing multi-departmental operations and building high-performing teams
- Advanced proficiency in financial analysis, operational reporting, and cost control methodologies
- Strong vendor negotiation skills with demonstrated success optimizing procurement practices
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strategic mindset with the ability to translate vision into actionable execution plans
- Collaborative and empowering leadership style that drives team success
- Data-driven decision-making approach with keen attention to efficiency and profitability
- Exceptional composure under pressure with expertise navigating complex event scenarios
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to lead effectively through change and uncertainty
- Passionate commitment to hospitality excellence and memorable client experiences
- Sharp analytical skills and attention to operational detail
Physical requirements
- Constant standing and walking
- Frequent stooping, kneeling and crawling
- Frequent ascending or descending of ladders, stairs and/or ramps
- Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 10-12 hours per shift
- Frequent, continual, intermittent flexing and rotation of the spine, elbows and wrists
- Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment
- Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs on a regular and continuing basis
- Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting or carrying up to 75 lbs
- Must be able to listen and speak, for both client and team member interaction
- Frequent use of POS/Computer systems
- Must be able to work days, nights, weekends, and/or holidays as needed
Why Join Us?
Join a company where your operational expertise will directly impact the success of Atlanta's most sophisticated events. You'll work with a talented team of culinary professionals and event designers. This role offers the opportunity to shape operational strategy while maintaining hands-on involvement in creating extraordinary experiences.
Ready to elevate your career with Atlanta's premier catering company?
We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to work with an exceptional team dedicated to operational excellence and client satisfaction.
FULL-TIME/PART-TIME Full-Time
EOE STATEMENT We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.