Director of Catering - Obama Presidential Center

Company: Bon Appetit
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Salary: $75,000 - $90,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries, instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translates into exciting opportunities for our people! Job Summary The Director of Catering at the Obama Presidential Center leads a high-end catering and events operation with multi-million-dollar annual revenue, overseeing sales, service delivery, and full operational execution across a 19-acre, world-class campus. This role is responsible for all internal and external catering and events, managing and developing a diverse team, building strong client relationships, and ensuring exceptional quality and service. The facility includes a world-class museum, auditorium, athletic, programs, and events spaces, a Chicago Public Library branch, and outdoor venues, serving as a vibrant community hub and cultural destination on the South Side of Chicago. Key Responsibilities: Coordinates and oversees all internal and external catering and events, including sales strategy, service delivery, and operational execution Leads catering sales and services while managing all operational elements to ensure financial performance, client satisfaction, and event excellence Develops and executes the catering marketing plan, including comprehensive event planning services and detailed menu development Hires, trains, schedules, and develops catering staff with a focus on service standards, presentation, policies, and procedures Ensures successful event operations, including labor and food cost control, preparation, transportation, setup, execution, and post-event cleanup Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or Culinary Arts required Minimum of five years of hospitality experience, including at least two years in management, preferably in catering or events Strong experience with menu booking and selection, cost analysis, contract pricing, and sourcing temporary labor and equipment Proven ability to supervise food preparation, service execution, and event breakdown Apply to Bon Appetit today! Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA. Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits. Medical Dental Vision Life Insurance/ AD Disability Insurance Retirement Plan Paid Time Off Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state) Associate Shopping Program Health and Wellness Programs Discount Marketplace Identity Theft Protection Pet Insurance Commuter Benefits Employee Assistance Program Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Paid Parental Leave Personal Leave Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. https://www.compass -usa.com/wp- content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace. Req ID: 1498862 Bon Appetit Tyler Justus

Keywords: Bon Appetit, Glenview , Director of Catering - Obama Presidential Center, Hospitality & Tourism , Chicago, Illinois