Job Listing: Assistant Director of Catering

Location: We are seeking an experienced Assistant Director of Catering for the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Unit Description:

Sodexo Live! is the Official Supplier of Food and Beverage Services to the Vancouver Convention Centre. Located on Vancouver's waterfront with a dramatic mountain backdrop, the award-winning Vancouver Convention Centre offers one of the most beautiful settings in the world. As British Columbia's flagship convention centre, the facility hosts more than 500 events/year and welcomes hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, while generating significant economic activity for the province.

Job Overview:

The Assistant Director of Catering at the Vancouver Convention Centre supports the strategic and operational leadership of the catering department. This position plays a pivotal role in coordinating all aspects of catered functions-ranging from high-profile international conferences and gala dinners to intimate meetings and receptions-ensuring exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Assist in leading the catering team, including managers, coordinators, and service staff, fostering a high-performance culture focused on guest satisfaction.
• Act as a liaison between catering operations and other departments including culinary, sales, and event planning.
• Participate in client walkthroughs, tastings, and pre-event meetings.
• Oversee the planning and execution of catered events to ensure smooth delivery and exceptional service.
• Collaborate with culinary and operations teams to ensure menu feasibility and presentation standards.
• Assist in the development of catering proposals and contracts in coordination with the client's sales team.
• Build strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and ensuring expectations are met or exceeded.
• Monitor event budgets, food and labor costs, and financial performance of catering events.
• Evaluate post-event reports and implement continuous improvement strategies.

Qualifications/Skills:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in catering management, preferably in a convention centre, hotel, or large-scale event setting.
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage operations, event logistics, and customer service best practices.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a proactive, solutions-focused approach to client needs.
• Strong background in client-facing roles, with a focus on VIP guest service and custom event delivery.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple events and deadlines simultaneously.
• Degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Event Planning, or related field preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Other Requirements:

• Able to work effectively and safely while subject to wet floors, temperature extremes and excessive noise; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds in weight; must be able to maneuver in an often tightly-quartered environment.
• Hours may be extended or irregular to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Why Join Sodexo Live!?

At Sodexo Live!, we're proud to be experience makers, creating unforgettable moments for people across a wide range of industries and events. We bring that same commitment to our team members by offering a comprehensive benefits package that begins on day one, additional benefits include:

• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Coverage
• Identity Theft Protection
• Adoption Assistance

Thank you for expressing interest in employment with Sodexo Live!. While only those candidates considered for this position will be contacted, your resume will remain on file for 90 days.

Sodexo Live! is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.