Manager - Catering Operations

About the role

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 reports to the Senior Event Operations Director and oversees a team of salaried, hourly, and O&T Cast Members.

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Pay

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 may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 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.