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&T 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 F&B catering logistics, menu design, food and beverage quality assurance, safety, food 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.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong computer proficiency, including Email, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Ability to work varying shifts within a 24/7 operation, including weekends and holidays.

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.

The hiring range for this position in Orlando, FL is $120,800 to $161,900 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.