Assistant Director of Catering
4 days ago
Syracuse
Job Description ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF FOOD & BEVERAGE - CATERING THE ROLE We are seeking an experienced Assistant Director of Food & Beverage to help lead catering and event operations within a high-volume hospitality environment. This role combines hands-on operational leadership with financial management, team development, client service, and event execution. The ideal candidate has experience overseeing catered events, banquets, or large-scale food and beverage operations and is comfortable balancing the guest experience with labor, cost, and revenue goals. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Lead the planning and execution of catering and food & beverage operations for meetings, receptions, banquets, private functions, and large-scale events, • Coordinate event logistics including staffing, scheduling, purchasing, ordering, setup, service, and post-event follow-up, • Support menu development and food & beverage programming based on client and event needs, • Manage departmental budgets, forecasts, revenue, expenses, and overall financial performance, • Monitor sales, labor, event volume, and other operational metrics to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and profitability, • Maintain high standards for service, presentation, consistency, and overall guest experience, • Ensure operations meet applicable food safety, alcohol service, health, and workplace safety requirements, • Monitor facilities, service areas, and equipment to ensure operational readiness, • Lead, coach, and develop food & beverage managers and team members, • Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, employee development, and performance management, • Manage labor planning and payroll processes while adjusting staffing levels based on business demands, • Coordinate with supplemental or temporary staffing partners when necessary, • Maintain productive employee and labor relationships, • Partner closely with culinary, operations, sales, finance, HR, and event teams, • Assist with vendor relationships, purchasing, and contract-related needs, • Participate in event planning meetings and contribute to operational strategy, • Identify opportunities to grow catering and food & beverage revenue, • Build relationships with existing and prospective clients and support account development, • Perform additional operational and leadership responsibilities as needed LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES This position will provide direct leadership to members of the food & beverage operation. Responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, assigning work, coaching, evaluating performance, resolving employee concerns, and maintaining operational standards. QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Business, Food & Beverage Management, or a related field preferred, • 5+ years of hospitality or food & beverage experience with progressive management responsibility, • Experience within catering, banquets, events, hotels, convention facilities, entertainment venues, or another high-volume hospitality environment strongly preferred, • Experience leading complex food & beverage operations and large-scale events, • Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, labor management, cost controls, and operational planning, • Experience with POS, inventory, scheduling, and standard business software, • Understanding of purchasing, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations, • Experience working within a union or structured labor environment is beneficial, • Strong leadership and team-development skills, • Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities, • Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously, • Comfortable making decisions in a fast-moving operational environment, • Strong financial and business acumen, • Guest-focused approach with a commitment to service excellence, • High level of accountability, initiative, and professionalism, • Ability to work a flexible hospitality schedule, including evenings, weekends, early mornings, and holidays as business needs require WORK ENVIRONMENT This is an on-site position within a high-volume events and hospitality operation. The role requires significant time throughout the facility and active involvement during event execution. Candidates should be comfortable: • Standing and walking for extended periods, • Occasionally lifting or moving items up to approximately 50 pounds, • Working in active, high-volume event environments, • Moving between office, event, service, and operational areas, • Working both indoors and outdoors when necessary, • Using computers, POS systems, and standard office equipment COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Competitive salary based on experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage. \nCompany Description The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed. The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.