Manager, Catering

The Manager of Catering is responsible for the operational planning, leadership, and execution of all catering operations at WinSport, supporting both internal and external functions. Reporting to the Director, Food & Beverage, this role ensures that all catering functions, onsite and offsite, are delivered efficiently, professionally, and in alignment with WinSport's service standards, brand, and financial objectives.

Operating within a high-volume, multi-use sport and event environment, the Manager of Catering oversees a diverse portfolio of catering operations, including corporate meetings, weddings, exhibitions, sporting events, private and VIP suite functions, and backstage food service for live entertainment events.

The Manager of Catering exercises day-to-day operational decision-making authority within Food & Beverage catering operations, while escalating strategic, capital, financial, or risk-related decisions to the Director, Food & Beverage. This role is accountable for operational execution and contributes to broader Food and Beverage departmental goals through strong leadership, financial stewardship, and cross-functional collaboration.

Success in this role is demonstrated by consistently well-executed catering functions, strong operational and financial performance, a positive and accountable team culture, and high levels of guest satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

 Operational Leadership & Catering Execution

• Direct and oversee all internal and external catering operations, ensuring functions are executed to established service, quality, and safety standards, while leading and inspiring cross-functional teams to foster a positive, accountable, and high-performing culture in a fast-paced, high-volume, and ever-changing environment.
• Ensure all catering requirements are scheduled, set up, serviced, and dismantled according to catering plans and guest experience expectations.
• Maintain active involvement in day-to-day catering operations to meet departmental objectives and service commitments.
• Collaborate with Sales Associates and Event Coordinators to confirm accurate catering schedules, specifications, and requirements.
• Review catering documentation to ensure accurate and timely invoicing.
• Provide creative input into menu options, leveraging guest feedback and expertise from the catering team.
• Work closely with the Director of Food & Beverage, Executive Chef, sales leaders, and teams to develop menus and set up options for various catering functions.
• Plan and execute VIP and private suite catering, including backstage services for entertainers when required.
• Develop and execute innovative on-snow and specialty catering experiences for unique sporting events, ensuring creative solutions that enhance guest experience and align with WinSport's brand and safety standards.

Financial Management & Business Planning

• Develop, manage, and monitor the annual operating budget for Food & Beverage catering operations.
• Track financial performance and implement corrective actions to meet budgetary targets.
• Partner with internal teams to enhance the financial performance of catering operations, aligning strategies and initiatives to support the overall success of Food & Beverage.
• Manage inventory, cost controls, and minimize food and beverage waste to support financial sustainability.
• Oversee ordering and management of alcohol inventory, including development and maintenance of liquor, wine, and beer menus.

People Leadership & Talent Development

•  Lead the recruitment, onboarding, training, and development of team members within the catering operations, working closely with Team & Culture to build a skilled, engaged, and high-performing team.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to Team Leads and catering servers, fostering accountability, operational excellence, and a positive service-oriented culture.
• Develop work schedules and oversee payroll in collaboration with Team & Culture to ensure effective coverage, labour control, and compliance with organizational standards.
• Support Team Leads in strengthening leadership capability, creativity, and operational effectiveness, while ensuring alignment with department and organizational priorities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, retention, and continuous learning that promotes team engagement, high morale, and repeat business.
• Partner with Team & Culture on performance management, recognition, and professional development initiatives to ensure employee growth and alignment with organizational values.

Guest Experience & Brand Alignment

•  Champion exceptional customer service standards that drive guest satisfaction, loyalty, and repeat business.
• Monitor guest feedback and service metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure all catering services align with WinSport's brand, values, and behaviour expectations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, partners, and external clients to support high-quality catering delivery.

Policy, Compliance & Safety

•  Develop, maintain, and review departmental catering policies and procedures to support consistency, safety, and compliance.
• Promote a safe and respectful work environment, adhering to WinSport safety policies and procedures.
• Identify, address, and report safety hazards or concerns as per WinSport's safety and Alberta OH & S requirements.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations (including Alberta Health Services), liquor service legislation, workplace safety obligations, and employment standards.

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

•  Identify and implement improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and consistency in catering operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support organizational priorities and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Use operational data, financial results, and feedback to inform decision-making and service enhancements.
• Contribute to the evolution of Food & Beverage catering operations as WinSport grows and adapts.

Qualifications & Experience

•  Post-secondary education in Food & Beverage, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years' experience in food and beverage catering/banqueting in hotels, exhibition/convention centers, multi-plex venues, or professional sports environments, including VIP suite or entertainment industry.
• Minimum three (3) years' proven experience leading and managing teams efficiently and collaboratively
• ProServe certification.
• Valid Class 5 driver's license with good driving record.
• Strong working knowledge of food, wine, liquor, and beer service.
• Experience with food and beverage point-of-sale systems.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Skills & Competencies

•  Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop teams in a fast-paced, catering-driven environment.
• Strong operational and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple simultaneous catering functions.
• Demonstrated financial acumen, including budgeting, inventory management, and cost controls.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to service excellence.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across departments and with external partners.
• Professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

Work Environment

• Primarily based in food and beverage and catering operations environments within a multi-use sport and event facility.
• Regular interaction with team members, guests, suppliers, and internal partners.
• Exposure to fast-paced, high-volume catering settings and time-sensitive operational demands.

Work Hours

• Full-time position requiring flexibility, including evenings, weekends, and extended hours during peak periods.

Physical Demands

•  Requires standing and walking for extended periods during catering functions.
• Occasional lifting and movement of catering materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Ability to work in kitchens, catering spaces, outdoor venues, and varied environmental conditions.

What We Can Offer You:

If an unforgettable experience working alongside an amazing team wasn't enough, as a WinSport Team Member you also receive the added benefits of: 

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Free Park pass 
• Free parking 
• Reciprocals at other ski resorts 
• Food, beverage, retail and program discounts 
• Access to our world-class gym facility. 

Discover, Develop, and Excel with WinSport:

Working with WinSport means you will create one of the unique winter sport institutes in the world. You will be rubbing shoulders with athletes of all levels and disciplines, and you will be working in a world-class facility that showcases exceptional services to support our guests in training and maintaining an active lifestyle.  You will thrive and be supported as you discover, develop and excel in your role at WinSport.