Event Operations Manager
Skills
About this role
As a Zuma Event Operations Manager, you are responsible for the seamless operational execution of private events and special functions at Zuma, overseeing each event from pre-event preparation through on-site execution and post-event follow-up. Working closely with Events Sales, restaurant management, culinary teams, and other departments, this role ensures the highest standards of service for a discerning, often high-profile clientele while supporting daily restaurant operations as a Floor Manager when event volume permits.
Zuma is a contemporary Japanese restaurant collection, inspired by the dynamic Izakaya dining style. Our global collection includes four venues across North America's most iconic cities: Miami, New York, Las Vegas, and Boston. Our venues are icons in each of their hospitality landscapes, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and to elevating our guest experiences. Zuma in proud to be part of the Azumi collection.
Life at Zuma
At Zuma, we're more than a restaurant – we're a vibrant community fuelled by the energy that flows from our Robata grills, guided by our core values:
Honor the Mastery - we celebrate every detail, always striving for perfection – putting pride in everything we do
Do Unto Others - we support each other to be at our best, treating every team member and guest with warmth and openness
Embrace the Energy - we bring passion and positivity to everything we do
Main Duties
Your key responsibilities will include:
• Lead the operational execution of private events, buyouts, and special functions from setup through breakdown, ensuring all details meet client expectations and Zuma standards • Review BEOs, floor plans, menus, timelines, guest profiles, and special requests in advance to ensure operational readiness • Partner closely with the Events Sales team to transition confirmed events from planning into seamless operational execution • Coordinate with FOH, Culinary, Bar, Sommelier, Facilities, and other departments to align staffing, setup, service requirements, and event timelines • Lead pre-event briefings and provide direction to service teams, ensuring clear understanding of event details, VIPs, service expectations, timing, and individual responsibilities • Oversee event setup, including room configuration, table arrangements, service stations, equipment, and other operational requirements • Manage event service in real time, monitoring timing, service flow, food and beverage execution, and overall presentation while proactively resolving operational challenges • Responsible to accurately ring in all event sales in accordance to event contract into the POS and ensure proper financial SOPs are upheld • Serve as the primary operational point of contact during events, coordinating with event hosts and internal teams to accommodate requests and changes as needed • Manage high-profile and VIP events with professionalism, discretion, and careful attention to guest preferences and special requirements • Conduct post-event reviews and identify opportunities to improve event procedures, service standards, training, and overall execution • Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the restaurant’s private dining spaces, capacities, layouts, menus, and operational capabilities • Support daily restaurant operations as a Floor Manager when event volume permits, including overseeing service, supporting the FOH team, and addressing guest needs