TED Conferences, LLC
hospitality
CateringCoordinator–Contractor
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for mid candidates.
“Catering Coordinator – Contractor at TED Conferences, LLC. Skills: process management, cross-functional coordination, vendor/stakeholder management, operational metrics, resource planning, continuous improvement, catering operations, menu planning, budget management, logistics management. Plan and coordinate catering and banqueting orders for TED conferences at the San Diego Convention Center, partnering closely with Sodexo Live! and internal stakeholders to ensure clear communication and accura”
What You'll Achieve.
deliver a high-quality food and beverage experience across multiple catered functions within a conference; delivering high-quality and robust food and beverage programs at conferences; ensure clear communication and accurate reporting; prioritizing quality, variety, and dietary inclusivity; upholding a high standard of catering execution
Industry & Context.
Solutions-oriented problem-solver; proactively resolving service issues or programmatic bottlenecks
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends during peak periods is essential., Must be San Diego-based with local knowledge.
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
5+ years in high-volume catering operations/management, preferably in a hotel or convention center setting., Proven ability to manage high-volume logistics, including concurrent orders, menu planning (dietary inclusive), service standards, banquet setup, and equipment needs., Experience managing budgets, tracking spend, and working directly with catering teams and venue partners to execute menus and service plans., Exceptional attention to detail, organizational, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills., Solutions-oriented problem-solver, able to manage multiple workstreams, remain calm in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, and uphold a high standard for quality and guest experience., Comfortable with planning systems/spreadsheets (Google Workspace/Microsoft Office) and on-site execution., Must be San Diego-based with local knowledge.
Nice to Have
A degree in a related field, food safety certification, knowledge and education in wine
What You'll Do.
Plan and coordinate catering and banqueting orders for TED conferences at the San Diego Convention Center
partnering closely with Sodexo Live! and internal stakeholders to ensure clear communication and accurate reporting.
Develop and refine thoughtful menus
and dietary inclusivity in alignment with TED’s food guidelines.
Manage high-volume catering logistics
handling hundreds of individual orders for a single conference
including service needs
Ensure all catering details
and budgets are accurately documented
tracked across internal systems
and aligned with approved spend.
Serve as a trusted advisor
upholding a high standard of catering execution
and supporting on-site coordination and issue resolution.
Oversee on-site catering operations during conferences
directing short-term local staff and proactively resolving service issues or programmatic bottlenecks.
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Working alongside the Experience Production Manager - F+B; partners with internal stakeholders, Sodexo Live! at the San Diego Convention Center, and relevant health authorities; partnering closely with Sodexo Live! and internal stakeholders; working directly with catering teams and venue partners
Communication Scope
written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Process & Methodology
manage multiple workstreams
Full Job Description
TED is a global nonprofit dedicated to spreading ideas that matter — through talks, conferences, and experiences that connect and inspire. Our events bring together diverse voices to share ideas that shape the future. TED is an equal opportunity employer and contractor engager committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process. TED is seeking an experienced, highly organized, and detail-oriented Catering Coordinator to support banqueting operations for TED conferences. Working alongside the Experience Production Manager - F+B, this role partners with internal stakeholders, Sodexo Live! at the San Diego Convention Center, and relevant health authorities. The Catering Coordinator will develop menus, confirm service details, identify banquet and equipment needs, and deliver a high-quality food and beverage experience across multiple catered functions within a conference. This role is part of a 3-4 person contractor team dedicated to delivering high-quality and robust food and beverage programs at conferences. The role coordinates a high volume of catering details, while overseeing menu planning, service and equipment needs, budgets, and system accuracy at conferences. The ideal candidate brings strong catering operations experience from a hotel, convention center, or similarly high-volume hospitality environment, along with excellent judgment, strong attention to detail, and a high bar for quality and guest experience. Responsibilities * Plan and coordinate catering and banqueting orders for TED conferences at the San Diego Convention Center, partnering closely with Sodexo Live! and internal stakeholders to ensure clear communication and accurate reporting. * Develop and refine thoughtful menus, prioritizing quality, variety, and dietary inclusivity in alignment with TED’s food guidelines. * Manage high-volume catering logistics, handling hundreds of individual ord
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