Catering & Special Events Manager One World Observatory
LEGENDS GLOBAL is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services that keeps our partners front and center through our white-label approach.
Our network of 450 venues worldwide, hosting 20,000 events and entertaining 165 million guests each year, is powered by our depth of expertise and level of execution across every component feasibility & consulting, owner’s representation, sales, partnerships, hospitality, merchandise, venue management, and content & booking of world-class live events and venues.
The Legends Global culture is one of respect, ambitious thinking, collaboration, and bold action. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can be authentic, make an impact, and grow their career.
Winning is an everyday thing at Legends Global. We have the best team members who understand every win is earned when we come together as one unified team. Sounds like a winning formula for you. Join us!
VENUE INFO
One World Observatory, positioned atop One World Trade Center, offers 360-degree views of the New York skyline from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors are invited start their journey to the top in the SkyPod™ Elevators that depict the rise of NYC in just 47 seconds, experience the sights and sounds of the city in the See Forever™ Theater or discover something new from the Observatory's team of tour guides at City Pulse. The space also features ONE Dine, a view restaurant and bar, offering elevated American cuisine and a selection of beers, wines, and specialty cocktails. The private event space, ASPIRE at One World Observatory, offers 9,000 square feet of private event space with unparalleled views for up to 450 guests.
THE ROLE
The Catering & Special Events Manager for Aspire is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing catered events while delivering exceptional guest experiences through outstanding hospitality and food & beverage service. This role manages all aspects of special events from initial client planning through post-event follow-up while maintaining the highest standards of service, organization, and operational excellence.
The ideal candidate is an organized, client-focused hospitality leader who excels in fast-paced environments, builds strong cross-functional relationships, and consistently delivers exceptional event experiences. This individual has a proven track record of executing events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate and social functions.
ESSENTIAL DUTES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the planning and execution process.
Partner closely with the Event Sales team to ensure a seamless transition from sales to event execution.
Manage all event logistics, including timelines, floor plans, menus, staffing, rentals, vendor coordination, and event documentation.
Lead client consultations regarding food & beverage selections, menu development, tastings, and service style.
Coordinate preferred vendors and ensure all required insurance certificates and compliance documentation are received.
Deliver exceptional guest experiences by anticipating client needs and resolving concerns professionally.
Oversee all event operations, including load-in, pre-event meetings, event execution, and load-out.
Partner with Culinary, Operations, Engineering, IT, Security, Cleaning, and Loading Dock teams to ensure seamless event execution.
Attend weekly event and hospitality leadership meetings.
Manage the ordering and inventory of event equipment, smallwares, disposables, food, and beverages.
Partner with Operations and Engineering to maintain event spaces and venue presentation standards.
Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve operational efficiency and service consistency.
Ensure compliance with all health, safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards.
Support financial performance by assisting with event P&Ls, projected sales reporting, and post-event recaps.
Monitor event expenses to support budget objectives and cost controls.
Stay current on hospitality and event industry trends to introduce innovative service styles, menu concepts, and guest experiences.
Assist with interviewing, onboarding, training, coaching, and retaining catering team members.
Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervise catering event staff to ensure the successful execution of all assigned events.
Create staffing schedules and event assignments to ensure appropriate coverage and operational efficiency.
Lead pre-event briefings and post-event debriefs to communicate expectations and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Provide coaching, performance feedback, training, and professional development to team members.
Enforce company policies, service standards, safety procedures, and performance expectations while addressing employee relations matters in partnership with Human Resources, as appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this role successfully, the candidate must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required:
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or a related field preferred.
Three (3) to six (6) years of progressive management experience in catering, banquets, special events, or hospitality.
Proven experience managing upscale catering, hospitality, or special events serving both corporate and social clientele.
Experience with financial reporting, budgeting, and event P&L management.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, delegation, and organizational skills.
Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Strong client relationship management and problem-solving abilities.
Extensive knowledge of upscale food and beverage service, banquet operations, client relations, and professional etiquette.
Knowledge of fine dining service standards, synchronized service, table settings, service equipment, and menu presentation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Tripleseat, Social Tables/Prism, Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Figma, and scheduling platforms preferred.
General knowledge of hospitality market trends and competitive practices.
Demonstrated commitment to delivering exceptional guest service.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as business demands require.
Practice safe work habits; comply with all company safety policies, procedures, regulations, and required training.
COMPENSATION
Annual salary of $68k - $73k and a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and 401(k).
WORKING CONDITIONS
Location: On-site (One World Observatory, NYC)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
NOTE: The essential responsibilities of this position are described under the headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Also, this document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.
Legends Global is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and encourages Women, Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, and protected Veterans to apply. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.