Gilmore Catering Operations & Logistics Manager Location:

Grand Rapids, MI Employment Type:

Full-Time Salary:

$65,000-$80,000 annually

Reports To:

Director of Catering & Events / Executive Leadership About Gilmore Catering Gilmore Catering is a full-service catering operation within the Gilmore Collection, providing memorable food, beverage, and hospitality experiences for corporate events, weddings, private gatherings, large-scale celebrations, and special events throughout West Michigan. We are looking for an experienced, organized, and highly motivated Operations & Logistics Manager to help lead the execution of our growing catering business. This position is responsible for turning event plans into successful experiences by coordinating people, products, equipment, transportation, timelines, and on-site operations. The ideal candidate is a hospitality leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage multiple moving pieces simultaneously, and understands that exceptional events are built through preparation, communication, and attention to detail. Position Summary The Operations & Logistics Manager will oversee the operational execution of Gilmore Catering events from preparation through breakdown. This includes staffing, scheduling, event logistics, equipment and inventory management, transportation, setup and teardown, vendor coordination, and on-site event leadership. This role will work closely with the catering sales team, culinary team, venue partners, event clients, and Gilmore Collection leadership to ensure every event is executed efficiently and to Gilmore standards. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable building a detailed event plan in the office and jumping in to lead a team on-site when the event arrives. Key Responsibilities Event Operations & Execution Lead the operational planning and execution of catered events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale events. Review event orders, timelines, floor plans, menus, staffing requirements, rental needs, and operational details prior to each event. Develop and maintain detailed event logistics plans and checklists. Serve as an operational leader and primary point of contact for assigned events. Ensure events are set up, executed, and broken down according to client expectations and Gilmore standards. Anticipate operational challenges and develop solutions before they impact the guest experience. Conduct post-event reviews to identify opportunities for improvement. Staffing & Team Leadership Recruit, train, coach, and develop catering event set-up staff. Build staffing plans based on event size, service style, location, and operational requirements. Schedule and communicate staffing needs clearly and efficiently. Lead event teams on-site, providing direction and maintaining accountability throughout the event. Foster a positive, professional, and service-focused culture. Develop future leaders within the catering team. Logistics & Transportation Coordinate transportation of food, beverage, equipment, supplies, décor, and other event materials. Manage event loading, unloading, staging, setup, and breakdown. Maintain accurate inventories of catering equipment, smallwares, service items, linens, bars, décor, and other operational assets. Ensure vehicles and equipment are properly maintained, organized, and prepared for events. Create & maintain efficient systems for storing, transporting, and tracking catering equipment and supplies. Coordinate with rental companies, vendors, venues, and other outside partners as needed. Operational Planning Partner with the culinary team to ensure food production, transportation, holding, and service plans are aligned. Coordinate with sales managers and event teams to ensure operational details are accurately communicated. Identify labor, equipment, transportation, and supply requirements well in advance of events. Assist with developing and maintaining standard operating procedures for catering operations. Look for opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and control operating costs. Help establish and maintain operational standards across all Gilmore Catering events. Guest Experience Maintain a strong hospitality presence at events. Resolve guest, client, and operational issues professionally and quickly. Ensure service standards are consistently met. Act as a brand ambassador for Gilmore Catering and the Gilmore Collection. Create an environment where both guests and employees feel valued and supported. Administrative & Financial Responsibilities Monitor event labor and operational costs. Assist with payroll, timekeeping, and staffing reconciliation. Track inventory and equipment utilization. Assist with purchasing and supply management. Maintain accurate event documentation and operational records. Provide feedback and reporting to catering leadership regarding event performance, staffing, equipment, and operational needs. Qualifications 3+ years of experience in hospitality, catering, event operations, restaurant operations, or a related field. Previous leadership or management experience required. Strong understanding of food & beverage operations and hospitality service. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Excellent organizational and communication skills. Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure environments. Comfortable working evenings, weekends, holidays, and varying event schedules. Ability to lift and move catering equipment and supplies and work on your feet for extended periods. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. ServSafe Food Manager & Alcohol certifications are required. The Ideal Candidate We are looking for someone who: Thinks ahead and prepares for problems before they happen. Leads from the front and isn't afraid to jump in wherever needed. Has exceptional attention to detail without losing sight of the big picture. Understands that logistics and hospitality go hand in hand. Can communicate effectively with executives, clients, vendors, managers, and hourly team members. Enjoys building systems and improving processes. Takes ownership and holds themselves and their team accountable. Has a genuine passion for creating great guest experiences. Can balance professionalism with the energy and personality required to work in live event environments.

Compensation & Benefits Salary:

$65,000-$80,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits include:

Paid Time Off (PTO) Health Insurance Dental Insurance Food & Beverage Discounts throughout the Gilmore Collection Opportunities for professional growth and advancement Employee-focused culture within a long-standing West Michigan hospitality organization

Pay:

$65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person