Event Operations Manager-Maternity Leave

Event Operations Manager - Maternity Leave Director of Operations, Savoury Chef Events & Catering Overview The Event Operations Manager is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the seamless execution of catered events across Greater Vancouver by liaising with our client and event representatives. This position oversees all front-of-house (FOH) operations, including the hiring, training and leadership of a large and diverse team of event professionals, and collaborates with cross-functional departments—including Sales, Kitchen, Logistics, and Marketing—to deliver elevated guest experiences aligned with Savoury Chef’s standards of excellence. Key Responsibilities Event Execution & Service Standards Establish, implement, and uphold high-level service standards across all catered events. Oversee all on-site event operations, including setup, service flow, and teardown. Coordinate closely with Kitchen, Sales, Logistics, and Rentals teams to ensure flawless event delivery. Conduct site visits and walk-throughs to assess logistical needs and client requirements. Lead weekly events meetings to align teams, confirm event details, and proactively address challenges. Develop and maintain comprehensive event checklists and SOPs to streamline execution and ensure consistency. Ensure every event reflects the Savoury Chef brand, both in aesthetic presentation and service delivery. Capture photo and video content for potential use on Savoury Chef’s social media platforms. Lead and manage a team of 40+ FOH staff, including Event Managers, Servers, and Bartenders. Oversee recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training in alignment with company standards. Provide hands-on leadership during events, offering real-time mentorship and support. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance team culture. Manage FOH staff scheduling and ensure timely, accurate payroll administration. Train team members on guest engagement best practices and brand messaging. Operations & Continuous Improvement Oversee FOH operations at Savoury Chef’s café, including monthly reviews and service enhancements. Analyze event performance data, such as timing, client feedback, and staff reports, to identify improvement opportunities. Maintain a robust post-event reporting system to support team learning and process optimization. Monitor trends in client preferences, menu performance, and overall guest experience. Identify and implement innovative practices that enhance sustainability, efficiency, and service quality. Manage procurement and inventory of FOH/event-related supplies. Contribute to budgeting and cost control efforts for event operations. Monitor labour costs and event-related expenditures to ensure alignment with financial targets. Partner with the Sales team to adjust service models as needed for improved financial efficiency. Client Relations & Business Development Serve as the on-site lead and primary client liaison during events, ensuring a professional and polished experience. Anticipate and accommodate VIP and special client needs. Provide operational feedback to the Sales team to support continuous improvement in client proposals. Cultivate strong relationships with venues, planners, and vendors. Actively contributes to positioning Savoury Chef as a preferred partner within the event industry. Report regularly on industry relationships and business development opportunities. Brand & Marketing Support Work collaboratively with the Marketing Manager to uphold brand integrity across all event touchpoints. Support brand activations and experiential marketing events, ensuring seamless service execution. Provide content ideas and insights on seasonal trends based on real-time event experience. Ideal Candidate 3–5 years of experience in catering event operations, or similar field In-depth knowledge of off-site event logistics, FOH service delivery, and banquet operations. Demonstrated leadership ability with strong communication and mentorship skills. Calm, solution-oriented, and confident in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously. Proficient with platforms such as TouchBistro, Tripleseat, Payworks, and Google Suite. Strong administrative skills, including scheduling, payroll, and inventory management. Valid Serving It Right certification and driver’s license required. Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Contract Job function Management and Manufacturing Industries Events Services #J-18808-Ljbffr