Manager - Catering Operations
Job Description:
The Manager, Catering Operations leads a cross-functional, Front of House-focused team that coordinates all convention and group activity across a region in Resort and/or Park Operations, overseeing the execution of meetings and events held throughout WDW Resorts, theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.
This leader oversees a team of salaried, hourly, and O&C Cast Members and reports to the Senior Event Operations Director.
Position Responsibilities:
- Oversee and manage all aspects of Front of House catering operations across Walt Disney World Resorts, theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.
- Lead a team dedicated to delivering exceptional service and creating memorable guest experiences.
- Develop and mentor direct reports through regular coaching, feedback, and career development conversations, building a strong bench of future leaders.
- Develop and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring their needs and expectations are consistently met and exceeded.
- Partner closely with Culinary, Event Services, Sales, and Marketing to plan, organize, and execute catering events of varying sizes and themes.
- Develop and implement strategies to drive revenue, reduce costs, and improve overall profitability.
- Ensure all catering services uphold Disney's high-quality standards and comply with local health and safety regulations.
- Monitor and analyze key performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and drive operational change.
- Foster a positive work environment that encourages teamwork and professional growth across the team.
- Manage catering inventory and equipment, ensuring proper maintenance, storage, and availability.
- Stay current on industry trends and best practices, continuously seeking improvement and innovation, and recommending enhancements that elevate the guest experience.
Basic Qualifications:
- Minimum 7 years of leadership experience in Catering, Conventions, or related event/F&B roles.
- Proven, inspirational leader with experience developing and succession planning a high-performing team of both salaried and hourly Cast Members.
- Ability to optimize financial performance through efficient and effective allocation of labor and other expense resources to deliver outstanding service and event execution.
- Strong understanding of principles food and beverage quality, safety, and sanitation.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to partner effectively across multiple functions and levels of leadership.
- Ability to influence thinking and apply complex strategies.
- Strong understanding of the STCU contract, where applicable.
- Ability to interpret and apply financial results.
- Working knowledge of emerging and current technologies supporting group business.
- Ability to work effectively within an unpredictable environment and adapt to changing priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong computer proficiency, including Email, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proven career experience in Group & Convention and/or Food & Beverage business or industries.
- Working knowledge of Walt Disney World and The Walt Disney Company's organizational structure.
- Experience with continuous improvement methodologies.
Required Education:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.