Manager, Catering & Event Operations

As a valued member of the MLSE Restaurants and Catering team, the Manager, Catering & Event Operations is responsible for leading the operational planning and execution of premium catering events throughout Scotiabank Arena. This role oversees the successful delivery of corporate, social and hospitality events across the arena's premium spaces, while providing operational leadership for catered events throughout our venue(s). 

Working closely with the Catering Sales Team, Culinary, Restaurant Operations, Scheduling, and Event Services teams, this Manager ensures exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, financial accountability, and championship service standards across every event. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Event Operations 

• Lead the planning and execution of premium catering events throughout Scotiabank Arena.  

• Oversee event operations in premium clubs, suites, lounges, meeting spaces, and other hospitality venues throughout the arena.  

• Provide operational leadership for catering events hosted at MLSE venues.  

• Support selects off-site catering events, including private residences, golf tournaments, community activations, and other special events as required.  

• Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and ensure all event requirements are executed accurately.  

• Coordinate staffing plans, rentals, equipment, décor, event logistics, and operational timelines.  

• Prepare production sheets, setup diagrams, seating plans, timelines, and operational documentation.  

• Conduct pre-event meetings and communicate expectations to supervisors and hourly staff.  

• Work closely with the Scheduling team to ensure labour is appropriately budgeted and scheduled while adhering to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).  

• Partner with Culinary, Sales, Audio Visual, Security, Building Operations, Housekeeping, and other departments to ensure seamless event execution.  

• Oversee food and beverage service, ensuring timing, presentation, and service standards are consistently met.  

• Respond proactively to client and guest concerns, ensuring service recovery is handled professionally.  

• Anticipate operational challenges and implement solutions before they impact the guest experience.  

• Ensure opening, service, and closing procedures are completed accurately and efficiently. 

Leadership 

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and hourly event teams.  

• Foster a collaborative "One Team" culture while promoting accountability and operational excellence.  

• Conduct performance coaching, development conversations, and annual performance reviews.  

• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, succession planning, and ongoing employee development initiatives. 

• Ensure teams consistently deliver MLSE's championship service standards. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• 3+ years of progressive management experience within catering, hospitality, or event operations.  

• Experience managing premium hospitality or large-scale catering operations in a sport, entertainment, hotel, convention centre, or similar high-volume environment.  

• Demonstrated experience leading multiple concurrent events in a fast-paced environment. 

• Strong financial acumen, including labour management, event costing, and operational budgets.  

• Experience working with event management software (Tripleseat preferred).  

• Strong knowledge of premium food and beverage service, banquet operations, and hospitality standards.  

• Ability to adapt quickly in a dynamic, event-driven environment. 

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills. 

• An ongoing awareness and responsiveness to client satisfaction, with high expectations for quality. 

• Confident user of MS Office, inventory, and POS programs- experience with TripleSeat an asset. 

• Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to build and develop professional relationships. 

• Ability to communicate, motivate, and lead effectively. 

• A proactive approach toward day-to-day activities and shifting demands. 

• An effective problem solver, driven by results and alert to change. 

• Shown to perform well under pressure; manage and lead multiple priorities simultaneously. 

• Ensure compliance with all food safety, liquor licensing (AGCO), Smart Serve, WHMIS, Occupational Health & Safety, and MLSE operating standards. 

• Skilled knowledge of food, wine, beer and spirits. 

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays. 

• Experience managing premium hospitality or large-scale catering operations in a sports, entertainment, hotel, or convention centre environment will be considered an asset. 

Please apply by: Thursday, August 20.