Catering Operations Manager

Boka Catering Group – Operations Manager

General Description

The Operations Manager supports and oversees catering event execution while ensuring Boka standards are consistently upheld across all events. This role partners closely with General Manager, Culinary, and Sales leadership to ensure events are properly prepared, efficiently loaded in and out, and executed at a high level.

This is a hands-on leadership role focused on real-time support, team development, and maintaining strong operational systems both on-site and in the warehouse.

Schedule

• Five (5) days per week
• Schedule varies based on event needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Key Responsibilities

Event Execution & On-Site Operations

• Support event execution from load-in through breakdown
• Serve as the operational lead for assigned events and a support resource for Function Directors before, during, and after events
• Ensure all event details are accurate and aligned, including rentals, staffing, food & beverage, and timelines
• Ensure all event paperwork is complete, accurate, and distributed to teams in advance
• Assist with service flow, staffing organization, and execution standards
• Troubleshoot and resolve on-site challenges in real time
• Step in as needed to support FOH, BOH, beverage, or logistics teams
• Ensure Boka service, safety, and professionalism standards are consistently met

Warehouse Support & Load-In / Load-Out

• Support warehouse organization to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Assist with packing, staging, labeling, and return of event equipment and beverage supplies
• Help maintain clean, organized warehouse systems and workflows
• Oversee post-event load-outs to ensure all items are returned, accounted for, and properly stored
• Communicate shortages, packing issues, or process gaps to operations leadership

 Training, Leadership & Mentorship

• Act as a primary communicator and support resource for Function Directors across all event types
• Reinforce expectations around preparation, leadership, communication, and execution
• Provide real-time guidance and decision support during events
• Support onboarding and training of new Function Directors
• Provide hands-on mentorship to developing leaders during events
• Reinforce Boka leadership standards, operational best practices, and client-facing expectations
• Assist leadership with training processes and development initiatives

Qualifications & Requirements

• Proven experience leading large-scale catered events (200–300+ guests)
• Strong leadership, organizational, and people-management skills
• Ability to supervise and support both FOH and BOH teams
• Calm, organized, and solutions-oriented under pressure
• Outgoing, professional demeanor with excellent communication skills
• Strong work ethic with reliable attendance and punctuality
• Commitment to upholding Boka standards for professionalism, hospitality, and service

• Benefits & Perks:  Health, Dental, and Voluntary Benefits Package (available after 90 days), employer-sponsored mental health and resource program, free membership to Chicago Athletic Clubs, 401(k) program, life insurance, wellness benefits, paid parental leave, paid vacation, career mentorship and growth potential, and dining incentives across our 20+ establishments!

• About Boka Restaurant Group:  Boka Restaurant Group is a James Beard Award-winning group, anchored by partnerships with some of American’s greatest chefs. With a firm belief that genuine hospitality makes the world a more human place, we strive beyond convention to believe in and support each other, care for our communities, and work together to build the world we want to live in. View our restaurants here:  

  Physical Requirements:

• Lift and move up to 10 pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Safely and effectively use all necessary tools, equipment, and cleaning chemicals
• Stand and walk for an entire shift, including moving safely through all areas of the restaurant which may include stairs, uneven, and/or slick surfaces
• Ability to bear exposure to hot and cold environments