Event Operations Manager

Event Operations Manager – Mobile Coffee Catering Full-time | Extensive travel required

Lead the team. Own the details. Deliver the experience.

Express Kafeh is hiring a hands-on Event Operations Manager to lead the execution of our mobile espresso catering services at conventions, trade shows, corporate events, and private functions on the road locally around the country.

Established in 2011, Express Kafeh brings premium coffee experiences to events across the United States and internationally. Our work combines hospitality, equipment, logistics, and teamwork—and every successful event depends on getting the details right.

You will take ownership of assigned events from preparation and equipment readiness through setup, service, breakdown, and final reporting. You must be equally comfortable speaking with a client, directing baristas, checking inventory, loading equipment, and stepping in when something needs fixing.

This position involves frequent travel, physical work, early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overnight stays.

What You Will Do

Prepare each event for success

• Review event orders, service requirements, schedules, staffing plans, venue instructions, and client expectations.
• Coordinate with our Director of Operations, account managers, warehouse team, and travel coordinator.
• Verify that equipment, supplies, branding, and backup materials are complete, tested, and ready.
• Lead in staging, packing, loading, and inventory checks.
• Confirm access, loading arrangements, power requirements, setup timing, and other essential venue details.
• Identify missing information or potential problems early and follow through until resolved.

Lead setup and event service

• Direct in unloading, station setup, equipment testing, and final presentation.
• Brief baristas and support staff on assignments, service standards, schedules, and expectations.
• Ensure every station is clean, properly stocked, operational, and ready before service begins.
• Supervise attendance, appearance, breaks, replenishment, and service performance.
• Maintain a visible presence throughout the event, checking stations and supporting the team.
• Address staffing gaps, equipment problems, supply shortages, and client concerns promptly.
• Step in wherever needed, including assisting with beverage service.
• Follow safety procedures and escalate issues requiring management approval.

Complete the job properly

• Lead equipment cleaning, breakdown, packing, loading, and return.
• Reconcile equipment and supplies, documenting missing items, damage, and maintenance needs.
• Verify staff hours and submit required receipts and expense records.
• Complete event reports covering service results, client feedback, staff performance, incidents, and improvements.
• Follow through on outstanding items until the event is fully closed out.

What You Bring

Required qualifications

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in catering, banquets, conventions, event production, hospitality operations, or a comparable hands-on field.
• Experience directly supervising staff in a busy service environment.
• Strong organization and follow-through, including the ability to manage several stations or competing priorities.
• Practical problem-solving skills and confidence handling equipment and learning basic troubleshooting.
• Professional communication and a customer-focused approach.
• Comfort using email, shared calendars, Google Drive, spreadsheets, and digital checklists.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to drive for company assignments.
• Availability for frequent overnight and multiday travel.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as event schedules require.
• Ability to perform essential physical duties, including extended standing, loading and unloading, and moving event equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred qualifications

• Mobile catering, coffee catering, trade show, or convention experience.
• Barista experience or familiarity with commercial espresso equipment.
• Experience with inventory control, warehouse coordination, freight, or equipment logistics.
• Experience leading temporary staff or teams working together for the first time.
• Experience tracking event expenses and working within an approved budget.

Coffee experience is a plus. Proven leadership, reliability, and operational judgment are essential.

How to Apply

Submit your résumé and a brief introduction describing:

• Your experience leading event, hospitality, catering, or operations teams.
• The size and type of events or operations you have managed.
• Your availability for frequent travel.

We are looking for someone who takes responsibility, supports the team, and follows through from the first equipment check to the final return.

Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Are you available for frequent overnight and multiday travel, including weekends?
• Describe your personal involvement in event setup, equipment handling, and breakdown.
• Are you able to work in person at our Boca Raton office/warehouse between travel assignments?

License/Certification:

• drivers licence (Required)

Work Location: On the road