Catering & Events Operations Manager

Flavours Catering & Events is a gold license caterer that has fueled greater Sydney with delicious catering since 2004. 

Family-owned and operated we pride ourselves on providing delicious and approachable food that suits our clients specific needs.  Our extensive menus suit a wide range of clients, events and budgets including fully staffed service or drop-off catering.

From intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, our versatile menus are designed to suit simple morning teas, executive boardroom lunches, multi-day conferences, BBQs, buffets, and elegant cocktail events.

We are currently seeking a talented and experienced Catering & Events Operation Manager to lead our operations team based in Artarmon.

The ideal candidate for this role is a highly motivated professional with a solid background in all things food and beverage.  A candidate who can showcase exceptional people management abilities and who has the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Overview of Role:

As the Catering & Events Operation Manager at Flavours Catering + Events, you will join our leadership team who are responsible for driving the creative direction, quality, and profitability of our catering operations. This pivotal role requires a dynamic and experienced F&B professional with a passion for innovation, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to inspire and mentor a team who are passionate about hospitality.

Joining our team as the Catering & Events Operation Manager at Flavours Catering + Events offers an exciting opportunity to showcase your food and beverage talent, drive innovation, and lead a dynamic team in delivering extraordinary F&B experiences for our clients.  Adaptability, creativity, and a commitment to excellence are essential traits for success in this dynamic and rewarding role.

List of Duties:

-  Work off-site at events in both a service & supervisory role in a variety of settings & locations for set up, service execution, and pack down. 

- Manage and execute large-scale events, including plated dining for up to 500 guests and cocktail parties with live cooking or interactive food stations for up to 1000 people.

- Oversee bar set-up and beverage service execution, including tray service drinks and cocktails, for events of up to 1000 guests.

- Demonstrate expertise in batching cocktails for large-scale events and ensure seamless execution of beverage service.

- Develop and execute themed food stations, buffets & grazing station presentations, showcasing creativity and attention to detail.

- Collaborate with the sales team to assist with event execution and operational questions during the quoting stage, reviewing event sheets, and pack lists to ensure a seamless event experience.

- Assist management team to drive a team of Catering All Rounders, Event Operations Assistants and Delivery Driver team

- Assist kitchen Management team to manage the day to day operations of the production kitchen to ensure a smooth operation

- In supervision of events, ensure all staff are adequately briefed; and have a clear understanding of event requirements, client expectations and guest experience expectations. All processes and service elements are delivered as efficiently and professionally as possible

-  Have a clear understanding of food and beverage service flow, and set up styles and be able to recognize challenges before they arise.

- Recruit, train, and manage a team of event operations staff, including waitstaff, bartenders, and offsite event chefs, ensuring high standards of professionalism and service.

-  Assist as required in event packing for upcoming events in a well-planned timely manner.

-  Assist as required in managing returning equipment post-event

- Coordinate the ordering of event inventory such as linen, ice, beverages, service ware and external hire items as required.

-  Ensure all required documentation is completed post event including Post Event Report, submission of relevant receipts (Eg. parking, last-minute on-site purchases) and shared with relevant internal stakeholders

-  Monitor all operational activity within event execution ensuring liaison, delegation and negotiation with relevant stakeholders to achieve effective event delivery

-  Work closely with Catering + Event Managers / Coordinators to ensure event execution is done in line with client expectations.

-  Ensure all elements of planned events are adhered to, changes are communicated, and any problems are communicated to relevant internal stakeholders in a timely manner

-  Identify and communicate any matters that require problem-solving with Senior Management including but not limited to staff performance, client complaints/feedback, and venue challenges.

- Identify operational improvements and discuss with Managing Director and/or Executive Chef and/or General Manager and/or Catering and Events Logistics Manager where appropriate

-  Assist to maintain tidy, organised, and hygienic state of site

-  Assist with drop off catering deliveries by driving company vehicles 

- Support team members as required so they can fulfil their tasks in a safe, efficient and timely manner while maximising their productivity 

-  Provide a high level of customer service and support to internal and external customers and stakeholders

-  Work closely with Catering + Events Logistics Manager, General Manager, General Manager Sales + Events, Executive Chef and Managing Director to always ensure high level service delivery, efficiency and profitability

-  Meet and exceed customer service standards

-  Report on customer satisfaction and feedback

-  Ensure compliance to all WHS and Food Safety standards

- Contribute to a positive and cohesive relationship between BOH, FOH, sales, administration, and management teams

-  Represent Flavours Catering + Events in the marketplace with a professional, consistent presence in line with the brand voice and look

-  Maintain a strong operational presence with a hands-on approach to off-site events

Key Requirements:

-  Proven experience in a high-volume catering or hospitality environment. 

- Strong organisational and multitasking abilities, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

- Understanding the business from end to end.

- Balancing hands-on work in our production kitchen along with team management and admin tasks.

- Advanced time management skills and a proactive organiser.

- Strong leadership and management skills, with a proven track record in nurturing and driving team performance.  The ability to inspire, motivate, and mentor a diverse team of culinary professionals to achieve collective goals and exceed performance targets.

- Exceptional creativity & flair, with a demonstrated ability to develop and execute beverage menus that delight clients and elevate the overall dining experience.

- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders at all levels of the company.

- We are a technology driven business who value structure, process, and efficiency in a calm and efficient working environment.

- Maintain a positive, approachable, collaborative attitude always

-  Effective communicator to both internal and external stakeholders

-  Maintain compliance with RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol), food handling, and food safety supervisor requirements.

-  Sound knowledge of WHS

-  Safe practise of hazardous manual tasks: a certain level of physical strength and ability is required

-  Attend meetings, briefings and feedback meetings as required

-  Confidence and experience to suggest strategies that can improve efficiencies and revenue potential

-  Ability to deliver service excellence in all areas

-  Have a keen eye for detail, be structured and meticulous

-  Impeccable personal presentation

-  Ability to work under pressure, be quick thinking and have good problem-solving ability

- Computer skills will be highly regarded.  Software packages include Microsoft office suite, cooking the books, Monday.com & Caterease.

- Valid NSW drivers license & ability to drive company vans

- Full unrestricted working rights

- Availability to work a 5-days a week including weekends, public holidays and evenings as so required by business demand. We believe strongly in work life balance but also need flexibility to go with business demand.  Don't worry though you get paid for all the hours you work

If you are a passionate and experienced hospitality leader looking to join a dynamic team and contribute to the success of Flavours Catering + Events, we encourage you to apply. Check out more about us at www.flavourscatering.com.au. 

Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.