Catering & Events Manager - Operations

Wooden Paddle

$80K — $90K *
Hospitality & Recreation
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in catering or event operations
  • 3+ years managing high-volume, off-site catering
  • Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or equivalent
  • Experience with off-site catering logistics
  • ServSafe Manager & BASSET Certifications required

Responsibilities

  • Hire and develop a high-performing catering team
  • Ensure uncompromising event quality control
  • Run smooth catering and event operations
  • Drive catering profitability while controlling costs
  • Create opportunities for brand exposure through public events

Benefits

  • PPO medical, dental, & vision insurance with 50% company contribution
  • 401K retirement savings plan with 3% company match
  • 2 weeks of paid time off & 5 sick days
  • Flexible days off, typically back-to-back
  • Generous $250 monthly food & drink allowance
  • 20% employee discount on food & drinks
  • Free Thanksgiving & Christmas dinner boxes for employees and families
  • Access to company-paid business coaching and resources
  • Automatic days off on Thanksgiving, Christmas, & birthdays
  • Opportunities for rapid growth in a forward-thinking company
Full Job Description
IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?
  • Do you love working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment?
  • Are you the kind of person who can't stand sitting still when there's work to be done?
  • Do you thrive on figuring out a way to make things happen, no matter what?
  • Are you the type of person who holds yourself to high standards, because you believe how you do one thing is how you do everything?
  • Do you believe that working hard and having fun can (and should!) go hand-in-hand?


Yes?! Then YOU should join our team!

WHY WORK HERE?:

Here are some of the perks!
  • PPO medical, dental, & vision Insurance with 50% company contribution
  • 401K retirement savings plan w/ 3% company match
  • 2 weeks of paid time off & 5 sick days
  • Flexible days off, typically back-to-back
  • A generous, never-expires, $250 monthly food & drink allowance
  • A 20% employee discount on food & drinks anytime you're not working, for you & your whole table
  • A 20% employee discount on drop-off catering
  • Free Thanksgiving & Christmas dinner boxes for you & your family - so you don't have to cook on the holidays!
  • Attendance at fun, "State of the Company" company events twice a year
  • Access to lots of company-paid business coaching & resources
  • As a company, we run on EOS; so we're a collaborative, strategic, and winning team (i.e. no more meetings that just waste your time - promise!)
  • Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, & your birthday off, automatically
  • The opportunity to grow quickly with a forward-thinking company that regularly reinvests in itself and its people

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?:

RESPONSIBILITIES

As our Catering & Events Manager - Operations, you'll be at the helm of all things restaurant operations. These are the results you'll be hired to accomplish:

" • Hire & Develop a High-Performing Catering Team

Hand-pick your A-players, coach & develop your B-players, and encourage the C-players... to work somewhere else.

" • Uncompromising Event Quality Control

You'll lead the charge to ensure - with your own eyes and ears! - that our high standards are met, event after event - definitely when you're there, and especially when you're not.

" • Run Top-Notch Catering & Event Operations

You'll ensure catering operations run smooth like *butta* - from packing to setup to service to breakdown, and everywhere in between.

" ④ Drive Catering Profitability

Maximize yours P's and minimize your L's, bb! You'll be responsible for (and damn good at!) controlling catering costs, without ever (we mean ever-ever!) sacrificing quality.

" ⑤ Create Smart Opportunities for Brand Exposure

Show us off! Plan & execute public events that turn heads, build buzz, and drive real business.

*As a disclaimer*: This is a dynamic position, in a rapidly growing company, in an always-changing industry. That means that this position and its responsibilities will continue to evolve. So, if you're change-adverse, this job ain't it.

That being said - if you're good with change, and are willing to try new things - you'll love this job, and it'll love you right back.

PAY

The total compensation for this position will be between $80000 - $90000 per year. Base salary depends on relevant experience.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position is full-time, with a semi-set schedule designed around the demands of our catered events. Our Catering Manager will be on-site for the most significant, most complex, highest-revenue events - and expected to float between multiple events in a single day when needed. While the weekly schedule may vary, days off are typically back-to-back. Our Catering Manager will work 5 days, and typically 45-50 hours per week.

WILL YOU FIT IN HERE?

Our team has been built - brick by brick - on shared core values. And no, they're not just bullsh*t words slapped on a wall - they're who we are at our core - and they're non-negotiables for working here. You'll feel super *comfy* and right at home if these words describe you:

" You Come With Batteries Included

You're a high-energy self-starter who jumps into action, and doesn't need hand-holding to get things done.

" You're Scrappy

You're a resourceful problem-solver who makes things happen; if there's no door, you get in through a window.

" You Take Your Work Seriously

You take pride in your work, big and small, and you have a natural reflex to do things the *right* way.

" But, You Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously

You're a positive team player who owns up to your mistakes, is open to feedback, and is humble about your wins.

And if these words *don't* describe you? You'll be decidedly *uncomfy* here. So, fair warning - If you're a cranky a** problem-bringer who's cool being super-mid at your job and needs constant hand holding... may we suggest... working literally anywhere else?

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Here are some of our must-haves & would-like-to-haves:
  • At least 5 years of professional experience in catering or event operations
  • At least 3 years in a General Manager, Catering Operations Manager, or equivalent role, preferably managing high-volume events or off-site catering operations
  • A Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, or equivalent real-world experience
  • Familiarity with off-site catering challenges (weather, space limitations, guest dynamics, etc.)
  • Must be able to (or be willing to learn to!) drive large vehicles - including trailers, box trucks, and extended vans
  • Must have current ServSafe Manager & BASSET Certifications
  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Must have open availability - including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Must have the ability to regularly work 50-ish hours per week
  • Physically able to lift 50 pounds, stand for long periods, and keep up with the pace of fast-paced events
  • Must have a valid driver's license & sole access to a personal vehicle
  • Familiarity with Total Party Planner, 7Shifts, & Margin Edge, a plus!

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