Manager - Catering Operations
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10158272 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted Aug. 19, 2026Job Summary:
Job Description:
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 oversees a team of salaried, hourly, and O&T Cast Members and reports to the Senior Event Operations Director.
Position 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.
Basic Qualifications:
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.
Required Education:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
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 also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. 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.
About Walt Disney World Resort:
Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World Resort has played an important role in many childhood and family memories. Today, hundreds of millions of guests from around the globe visit this magical place to enjoy a Disney vacation. Through a combination of creativity, innovation and technology, the resort immerses guests in classic Disney tales and new kinds of family entertainment. Drawing from a rich heritage of storytelling, Walt Disney World Resort cast members bring Disney magic to life through unmatched attention to detail and superior guest service.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney World Resort.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.
