Catering Operations Assistant Manager | Full-Time | Wicked Whisk

Oak View Group

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

Position Summary

We are looking for a full-time Catering Operations Assistant Manager to assist in leading our operations team to execute contracts, inspire excellence, and serve our clients and community reliably to generate repeat booking opportunities and drive future business.

Work Location: In person, Wicked Whisk Office in The Woodlands, Texas

This role pays an annual salary of $43,888-$47,000 and is bonus eligible

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)

This position will remain open until October 10, 2025.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the operations of the Wicked Whisk Catering department, co-managing a team of up to ten (10) associates.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients to ensure repeat business and customer satisfaction.
• Build and maintain strong relationships within our department: operations, sales, culinary, & leadership.
• Identify and develop operations associates that demonstrate skills that can be leveraged within the department.
• Create detailed documents required for successful event execution.
• Develop and execute strategic operational plans to maximize efficiency, systems, and economic sustainability for the operations department with the Catering Operations Manager.
• Attend and conduct monthly operations meetings with the operations team to communicate upcoming events & departmental needs.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and banquet event orders to accurately lead, operate, and manage contracted events.
• Build and strengthen relationships with existing and new accounts to enable future bookings. Activities include leading events, assisting the lead at events, attending open houses/promotional business event opportunities, etc.
• Execute and support the operations by assisting with warehouse projects, managing inventory, and ensuring all systems and practices related to event operations are kept up to date.
• Understand the client’s vision from banquet event orders (BEOs) and communicate with sales, operations, culinary, & leadership when necessary.
• Responsible for event execution as the contracts are sold to include preparations before, during, and after the contracted event (ex: load lists, service plans, leading events, close out of events, vendor payouts, returns, etc.)
• Actively and creatively troubleshoot operational systems/practices as necessary.
• Ensure professional and timely correspondences with the operations team and leadership.
• Work with the Catering Operations Manager on event and departmental plans and needs.
• Work with the Catering Operations Manager to ensure that displays are creative, innovative, and priced appropriately for the contracted profit margins.
• Carefully review all catering contracts (BEOs) to ensure proper profit margins are hit and event details are captured.
• Identify trends and curate items to continue to develop new looks and functions our equipment can serve.
• Work with the leadership team to develop and execute departmental plans and goals.
• Partner with our operations team and other departments to develop diversity in our operations teams’ skills.
• Partner with the operations team to coordinate customer specifications, and effectively respond to customer issues and comments to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Adjust work schedule as needed to meet the business demands, which may include hours in early morning, evening and/or weekend hours to include holidays.
• Supervise the operations team which may include working on the weekends, evenings, and/or holidays.
• Assist the Catering Operations Manager with all plans, development, and operational needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years experience
• Proven experience in food and beverage, preferably in the catering industry
• Strong work ethic with the ability to problem solve and adapt to present needs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with the operations team and clients to maintain and build relationships
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work with leadership and hourly staff to lead events
• Food Handler Certification (Preferred)
• TABC Certification (Preferred)

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.