Location: Galway
Reports To: Head of Catering & Events
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
At Gourmet Food Parlour, we're incredibly proud of what we've built over the past 20 years.
What started as a single cafe has grown into one of Ireland's leading independent hospitality businesses. Today, we operate six standalone restaurants, premium locations within Brown Thomas and Arnotts, and two thriving catering divisions delivering exceptional food and service to corporate clients, private events, weddings and special occasions across Ireland.
As our catering business continues to grow, we're looking for an ambitious and commercially driven Catering & Events Manager to lead and expand our Galway operation.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced hospitality professional who enjoys building relationships, driving sales and delivering exceptional events.
Reporting to the Head of Catering & Events, you'll take ownership of growing our catering business throughout Galway while leading the day-to-day operation of the department. From securing new business and nurturing client relationships to overseeing successful event delivery and developing a high-performing team, you'll play a key role in the continued success of Gourmet Food Parlour's catering division.
This is a hands-on management role where no two days are the same.
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Drive the growth of our catering and events business across Galway.
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Develop new business opportunities across corporate, private, sporting, education and hospitality sectors.
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Build long-term relationships with clients, venues and local organisations.
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Convert enquiries into bookings while maximising repeat business.
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Work closely with our Marketing and Commercial teams to promote campaigns and identify new opportunities.
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Represent Gourmet Food Parlour at networking events, client meetings and industry functions.
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Manage the day-to-day running of the Galway catering department.
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Coordinate catering events from enquiry through to successful delivery.
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Plan staffing, logistics and event execution to ensure every event runs seamlessly.
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Work closely with the kitchen team to ensure timely production and exceptional food quality.
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Ensure every event reflects Gourmet Food Parlour's high standards of presentation, service and hospitality.
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Lead, motivate and develop chefs, drivers and event staff.
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Manage staffing levels and rotas in line with business needs.
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Recruit, onboard and coach new team members.
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Foster a positive culture built around teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.
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Conduct regular performance reviews and support employee development.
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Maintain the highest standards of food safety, HACCP and health & safety compliance.
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Monitor stock, catering equipment and company vehicles.
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Ensure deliveries and event logistics are completed safely, efficiently and on time.
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Continuously review processes to improve efficiency and customer experience.
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Deliver sales growth while managing labour, food and operational costs.
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Monitor budgets, profitability and key business metrics.
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Produce regular reports for the Head of Catering & Events.
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Identify opportunities to improve performance and maximise revenue.
You'll be a confident leader with a passion for hospitality, exceptional customer service and growing a successful business. You'll enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, building lasting client relationships and leading teams to deliver memorable events.
You'll ideally have:
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3-5 years' management experience within catering, hospitality or events.
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A proven track record in business development and sales.
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Strong leadership and people management experience.
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Excellent organisational and planning skills.
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Outstanding communication and relationship-building abilities.
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Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and profitability.
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A hands-on approach with excellent problem-solving skills.
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HACCP knowledge and a strong understanding of food safety standards.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office and hospitality management systems.
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A full clean driving licence and flexibility to travel throughout Galway.
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Join one of Ireland's leading independent hospitality brands.
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Be part of a growing and ambitious catering division.
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Genuine opportunities for career progression and development.
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Work with a supportive and experienced leadership team.
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Discounted Staff meals while on duty.
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Employee discounts across all Gourmet Food Parlour locations.
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Ongoing training and professional development.
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A dynamic role where you'll have real ownership and the opportunity to grow the business.
Gourmet Food Parlour is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants.
