THE ROLE:Catering & Special Events Manager | Central Park Boathouse
LOCATION:New York, NY
ABOUT LEGENDS GLOBAL
Legends Global is the premier partnertothe world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated suite of premium services through a white-label model that keeps our partners front and center — from feasibility and project development to sales, partnerships, hospitality, merchandise, venue management, and world-class content and booking.
With a global network of more than 450 venues, hosting 20,000 events and welcoming 165 million guests annually, Legends Global brings unmatched scale,expertise, and connectivity to help our partners grow. The Legends Global Way guides how weoperate: Align, Scale, Connect, Team, Win — shared success, repeatable systems, connected solutions, unstoppable teams, and wins that are earned every day.
About the Role
The Catering & Special Events Manager for Aspire is an experienced hospitality professional with a passion for exceptional guest experiences, food & beverage, and event / banquet execution. This role is responsible for managing all aspects of special events from client planning through on-site execution while maintaining the highest standards of service, organization, and operational excellence.
The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver, strong communicator, and collaborative leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and understands that client satisfaction is the foundation of successful events. This individual has a proven record of successfully executed intimate gatherings to large-scale events.
About the Project/Venue
The Central Park Boathouse is a historic building started over 150 years ago as an area to explore and rent rowboats, and over the years it has evolved into a landmark restaurant. This iconic space will continue to hold catered events, restaurant services and rowboat rentals to its millions of visitors each year.
WHAT YOU’LL DO (KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & OUTCOMES)
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the event planning and execution process
Collaborate closely with the Event Sales team to ensure accurate and successful event execution
Manage all event logistics including timelines, floorplans, menus, staffing, rentals, and vendor coordination
Lead food & beverage planning with clients including menu development, tastings, and service style coordination
Attend weekly event and hospitality leadership meetings
Partner with internal departments including Culinary, Operations, Engineering, IT, Security, Cleaning, and Loading Dock teams to ensure seamless execution
Oversee event load-in, event operations, and load-out, including leading pre-event meetings
Manage ordering and inventory of event equipment, smallwares, disposables, food and beverages
Coordinate preferred vendors and ensure all required insurance and compliance documentation is collected
Deliver exceptional guest experiences by maintaining high service standards and anticipating client needs
Support financial reporting including event P&Ls, projected sales, and post-event recaps
Assist with interviewing, onboarding, training, and retention of catering team members
Develop and implement SOPs to improve operational efficiency and service consistency
Partner with Operations and Engineering teams to maintain event spaces and venue standards
Stay current on hospitality and event trends to support innovative event experiences, service styles, and menu offerings
Ensure adherence to health, safety, and cleanliness standards
Perform additional duties as assigned by management
WHAT YOU BRING (QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE)
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty with energy and enthusiasm. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Able to demonstrate flexibility and quickly adapt to changes
Ability to be self-motivated and work independentlyandwork well as a team player.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Bachelor’s Degree, Hospitality Management degree preferred
3-6 years of management experience in Catering, Banquets, Events or Hospitality
Excellent communication, leadership, delegation and organizational skills
Meticulous organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
Highly proficient in computer applications with preferred experience in platforms such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, Tripleseat, Social Tables or Prismm, Canva, Figma, and scheduling software/applications
Proven ability to manage multiple events and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Familiarity with P&L reporting and financial management practices
Consistent commitment to exceeding guest expectations
Extensive knowledge of upscale food and beverage preparation and ingredients, banquet service standards, client / guest relations, and professional etiquette
Knowledge of fine dining table settings and service, synchronized services, service equipment and printed menu design
Proven experience managing high-end catering, hospitality, or special events with corporate and social clientele
General knowledge of competitive markets
Willingness to work extended hours and flexible shifts including mornings, nights, weekends and holidays
Practice safe work habits, follow all safety policies and procedures and regulations, complete company-wide safety training and additional job specific