JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Catering Event Manager
Status: Full-Time
Reports To: Director of Events

POSITION OVERVIEW – Luxury Catering Experience Required

The Catering Event Manager is a key position responsible for the planning, detailing, and supervision of all culinary, beverage, and venue services at PPHG special events. The Catering Event Manager is the liaison between clients/coordinators and PPHG departments guaranteeing successful pre-planning and execution of all events.

RESPONSIBILITIES

ACCOUNT/FILE MANAGEMENT

• Once assigned to an event, act as a “second” to the Sales Manager until the event tasting, at which time, you will take over as the client’s main contact leading up to the day of the event.
• Communicate with client and/or coordinator to gather necessary information, such as floor plans, timelines, and rental orders in a timely manner, and assist with those items, as necessary.
• Responsible for accurate Event Order details, as well as ensuring the final payment is completed on time.
• Lead event operations discussion for assigned events, responsible for follow-up circulation and timely communication with proper departments.

FOOD & BEVERAGE MENU CONSULTING

• Proficient Menu Knowledge: Awareness of all ingredients in dishes. Adjust menu based on allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Conduct Menu Tastings: Describe all menu items as they are served. Discuss timeline, layout, and flow of event, while working in the best interests of PPHG and upholding company standards.
• Conduct Menu Consultations: Schedule phone conference or meeting with clients who are not having a tasting. Describe menu in full detail and assist clients in making selections based on PPHG recommendations.
• Suggestive Selling: Uphold food and beverage minimums. Offer creative enhancements to meet minimums, as well as elevating events.
• Deadlines + Prioritization: Ability to meet culinary and event deadlines, as well as complete administrative work in a timely fashion, prioritizing, when necessary.

EVENT DAY MANAGEMENT

• Act as opening or closing Event Manager for other events when needed, overseeing both setup and breakdown.
• Responsible for greeting the client and planner upon arrival. Act as liaison between PPHG venues and vendors on site.
• Manage venue, staff, food and beverage service during event to ensure outstanding service by staff. Provide excellent communication and works cooperatively with Culinary Team.
• Assist with property management to ensure standards meet or exceed company expectations, including reporting any property maintenance or damage to the venue interiors, grounds, and all storage spaces.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attends weekly events and operational team meetings to be thoroughly informed of event details and logistics.
• Expected to actively participate in event operations and provide hands-on support to deliver events in keeping with PPHG standards.
• Submit all outside rental invoices, receipts, and closing inventories to CFO and appropriate Sales Manager.
• Promote positive guest relations, making every effort to accommodate any guest’s reasonable request during an event.
• Communicate with Director of Events for event needs.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Must hold a valid bachelor’s degree.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Minimum of 2 years of prior luxury event and catering management experience, including account management.
• Must be ServSafe Alcohol certified or able to obtain certification within the first 30 days of employment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Possess knowledge of proper table service.
• Ability to follow Patrick Properties standards, policies and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including in person, phone and email correspondence.
• Ability to think clearly, analyze and resolve problems, exercise good judgment, and utilize solution-based thinking.
• Detail oriented with the ability to prioritize, organize and manage multiple tasks.
• Motivate and manage staff while maintaining cohesive team and provide follow-up, when necessary.
• Willingness to adapt as needed in a fast-paced office environment with the ability to multi-task.
• Communicate effectively and work cooperatively with all departments in a collaborative environment.
• Must possess mature, professional demeanor to interact with clients, vendors and team.
• Participate and attend industry and networking events when deemed necessary.
• Ability to be on time and have a flexible schedule.
• Work without direct supervision and follow through to completion of assigned task.