Catering Manager
Kitchen Café & Catering — Novato, CA
Pay: $85,000–$90,000 per year + commission
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
Kitchen Café & Catering is seeking an experienced Catering Sales & Operations Manager to take ownership of our growing off-premise catering business.
We are looking for someone who can confidently manage an event from the first client inquiry through sales, planning, staffing, production coordination, loading, onsite execution, breakdown, and follow-up.
This is not primarily a desk-based event-planning position. The right person will be equally comfortable preparing proposals, meeting with clients, checking event details, loading a catering vehicle, directing staff onsite, and solving last-minute problems.
Responsibilities
• Respond to catering inquiries and convert qualified leads into booked events
• Meet with clients and develop menus, proposals, contracts, and event details
• Manage deposits, final payments, deadlines, and client follow-up
• Create event orders, timelines, floor plans, staffing plans, and service notes
• Coordinate closely with the culinary team on menus, quantities, dietary needs, and production timing
• Determine staffing needs and schedule/manage catering staff
• Coordinate rentals, venues, bartenders, and outside vendors
• Review event details and verify food, equipment, rentals, serviceware, and supplies before departure
• Oversee loading of catering vehicles
• Lead onsite setup, service, breakdown, and event execution
• Manage delivery, buffet, plated, and full-service events
• Troubleshoot quickly and professionally when plans change
• Maintain strong relationships with repeat clients, venues, and community partners
• Keep catering records, client information, event details, and payment schedules organized and accurate
Required Experience
• At least 3 years of professional catering or event-management experience; 5+ years preferred
• Direct experience managing off-premise catered events
• Experience independently planning and executing events from beginning to end
• Experience supervising and directing event staff
• Strong understanding of food service, event flow, and hospitality standards
• Strong client communication and sales skills
• Excellent organization and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple events, deadlines, staffing needs, and vendors at the same time
• Comfortable working independently and making decisions
• Comfortable with the physical side of catering, including loading, unloading, setup, and breakdown
• Availability for evenings and weekends based on the event schedule
• Valid driver’s license if driving company vehicles is part of the role
Strongly Preferred
• Tripleseat experience
• Catering sales experience
• Experience with corporate events, private parties, weddings, memorials, and staffed off-site events
• Experience creating BEOs, staffing plans, timelines, and floor plans
• Experience coordinating rentals and outside vendors
• Restaurant or café management experience
• Experience working in a small independent hospitality business
What We’re Looking For
We want someone who takes ownership, follows through, anticipates problems, communicates clearly, stays calm under pressure, and is willing to lead by example.
This role is best suited for someone who enjoys both planning and execution and understands that successful catering requires strong administration, strong communication, and hands-on leadership.
Compensation
$85,000–$90,000 base salary, depending on experience, plus commission on eligible catering sales.
Benefits
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Employee discount
• Commission opportunity
Schedule
Full-time. Evening and weekend availability is required based on the catering schedule.
To Apply
Please submit your resume and briefly answer:
• How many years have you managed off-premise catering events?
• What is the largest or most complex event you have personally planned and executed?
• Are you comfortable working onsite at events, including evenings/weekends and participating in load-in, setup, service, and breakdown?
Applicants without relevant hands-on catering or event-operations experience may not be considered.
Work Location: In person — Novato, CA
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