Director of Operations
Schaffer, Los Angeles, CA, United States
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
COMPANY DESCRIPTION Schaffer serves as a leading Event Hospitality partner, renowned for combining exceptional cuisine, gracious service, and innovative design to create memorable experiences. We emphasize collaboration and creativity, working closely with clients to bring their vision to life. Our focus is on enhancing each event with attention to detail and extraordinary care. At Schaffer, we go beyond catering to deliver exceptional event experiences tailored to our clients' needs.
POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Operations is the senior operational leader responsible for end-to-end event management and overall operational performance. This role owns the full execution engine of the business—ensuring events are planned, staffed, produced, and delivered seamlessly while maintaining the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and consistency.
Acting as the primary owner of execution and team performance, the Director of Operations leads day-to-day operations so senior leadership can focus on growth, strategy, and expansion.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES Event Operations & Execution • Own end-to-end event management from planning through execution and post-event review • Lead BEO reviews and ensure alignment across all operational teams • Ensure all events meet brand standards for quality, presentation, and execution • Serve as senior on-site decision-maker for high-profile or complex events • Coordinate cross-functional execution across culinary, staffing, warehouse, and logistics
Team Leadership & Staffing • Lead and develop operations teams, including event staff, warehouse, and coordinators • Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management • Ensure proper staffing levels and scheduling efficiency • Build a high-performance, accountable culture • Drive retention through training, development, and clear expectations
Warehouse, Logistics & Inventory • Oversee warehouse operations, pack accuracy, and event readiness • Ensure alignment between BEOs, pack sheets, and rental orders • Maintain inventory, equipment tracking, and appropriate par levels • Coordinate logistics for off-site and destination events
Financial & Operational Performance • Manage labor efficiency and operational expenses • Monitor cost performance and identify opportunities for margin improvement • Track and report on key operational metrics and performance indicators
Vendor & Supplier Management • Manage relationships with operational vendors and suppliers • Negotiate pricing, terms, and service expectations • Ensure vendor compliance with contracts and operational standards
Training, Standards & Process Improvement • Develop and maintain SOPs and training programs across all operational functions • Enforce service standards and brand consistency • Drive continuous improvement, scalability, and operational efficiency
Compliance & Safety • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and labor regulations • Maintain required certifications, permits, and documentation • Establish and manage event safety and incident response protocols
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) • Event execution quality • Operational efficiency and accuracy • Labor cost and staffing efficiency • Team retention and performance
Qualifications • 7+ years of experience in hospitality, catering, or event operations • Proven leadership experience managing multi-functional teams • Strong operational and organizational capabilities • Financial awareness and cost management experience • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills • Ability to perform in fast-paced, event-driven environments
Compensation & Benefits • Salary range: $120,000 – $125,000 annually • Full benefits
Reporting Structure • Reports to: President • Works closely with Sales, Finance, and Culinary leadership
Work Environment This role operates across office, warehouse, and event environments and requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
COMPANY DESCRIPTION Schaffer serves as a leading Event Hospitality partner, renowned for combining exceptional cuisine, gracious service, and innovative design to create memorable experiences. We emphasize collaboration and creativity, working closely with clients to bring their vision to life. Our focus is on enhancing each event with attention to detail and extraordinary care. At Schaffer, we go beyond catering to deliver exceptional event experiences tailored to our clients' needs.
POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Operations is the senior operational leader responsible for end-to-end event management and overall operational performance. This role owns the full execution engine of the business—ensuring events are planned, staffed, produced, and delivered seamlessly while maintaining the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and consistency.
Acting as the primary owner of execution and team performance, the Director of Operations leads day-to-day operations so senior leadership can focus on growth, strategy, and expansion.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES Event Operations & Execution • Own end-to-end event management from planning through execution and post-event review • Lead BEO reviews and ensure alignment across all operational teams • Ensure all events meet brand standards for quality, presentation, and execution • Serve as senior on-site decision-maker for high-profile or complex events • Coordinate cross-functional execution across culinary, staffing, warehouse, and logistics
Team Leadership & Staffing • Lead and develop operations teams, including event staff, warehouse, and coordinators • Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management • Ensure proper staffing levels and scheduling efficiency • Build a high-performance, accountable culture • Drive retention through training, development, and clear expectations
Warehouse, Logistics & Inventory • Oversee warehouse operations, pack accuracy, and event readiness • Ensure alignment between BEOs, pack sheets, and rental orders • Maintain inventory, equipment tracking, and appropriate par levels • Coordinate logistics for off-site and destination events
Financial & Operational Performance • Manage labor efficiency and operational expenses • Monitor cost performance and identify opportunities for margin improvement • Track and report on key operational metrics and performance indicators
Vendor & Supplier Management • Manage relationships with operational vendors and suppliers • Negotiate pricing, terms, and service expectations • Ensure vendor compliance with contracts and operational standards
Training, Standards & Process Improvement • Develop and maintain SOPs and training programs across all operational functions • Enforce service standards and brand consistency • Drive continuous improvement, scalability, and operational efficiency
Compliance & Safety • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and labor regulations • Maintain required certifications, permits, and documentation • Establish and manage event safety and incident response protocols
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) • Event execution quality • Operational efficiency and accuracy • Labor cost and staffing efficiency • Team retention and performance
Qualifications • 7+ years of experience in hospitality, catering, or event operations • Proven leadership experience managing multi-functional teams • Strong operational and organizational capabilities • Financial awareness and cost management experience • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills • Ability to perform in fast-paced, event-driven environments
Compensation & Benefits • Salary range: $120,000 – $125,000 annually • Full benefits
Reporting Structure • Reports to: President • Works closely with Sales, Finance, and Culinary leadership
Work Environment This role operates across office, warehouse, and event environments and requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.