Private Events Manager

Summary

The Bear’s Smokehouse Events Department manages public and Private Events on behalf of the company. The department oversees all pickups and deliveries as well as in-house events, off-site catering, and food trucks along with several off-site venues that serve Bear’s BBQ to their patrons. The Event Manager position is a fast-paced, multifaceted position. The individual in this role will perform a range of office activities for the Bear’s Smokehouse department, such as scheduling and staff management, event coordination, client consultations, email marketing and sales calls, and other routine office tasks. The Event Manager will work with various departments including HR, Accounting, and Operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop a working knowledge of all administrative systems (Restaurant365, Connecteam, Toast and Caterzen) and functions
• Ensures daily orders are accurately input into POS, handle money, make change, and process credit card transactions, when applicable
• Answers telephones, takes messages, and provides general information about Bear’s Smokehouse catering services; answers routine catering inquiries and develops menus and quotes based on customer’s needs; maintains and monitors a log of inquiries.
• Establishes, maintains, processes, and/or updates tracking sheets, records, and/or other documents related to the catering department
• Assists Bear’s locations in scheduling in-house events, interested customers in scheduling wedding tastings, and other related staff or company events.
• Assists in the organization and preparation of Bear’s holiday catering orders
• Establishes strong relationship with venues and vendors in which the company partners
• Coordinates with CT based stores and commissary kitchen for specialty items
• Assists Director in the development of and manages marketing materials to increase sales and identify new customers
• Assists in the completion of weekly payroll for event staff
• Assist in the hiring and training of event staff
• Develop BEOs for events to ensure staff are prepared with all necessary information
• Attend weekly manager meetings
• Attend weekly events department meetings
• Assist in the timely and accurate submission of required event applications and fees including health applications and off-site liquor notifications
• Onsite in-store support during peak dates to orders and services remain onsite and accurate
• Provide oversight and guidance to office staff inclusive of training staff on new protocols and procedures within the office
• Review forms submitted by staff regarding waste, end of shift reports, temperature logs, etc
• Have great menu knowledge in order to make suggestions, upsell items and offer custom menu options if necessary.
• Follow up with customers to solicit feedback and communicate directly to customers to recover from any unexpected challenges.
• Responsible for documenting and communicating staff referrals.
• Build brand loyalty by nurturing relationships with current customers.
• Always seek to improve food presentation & process.
• Directly communicate and interact with guests in a friendly manner, at respective volume & handle crowds and put guests at ease
• Communicate with other team members to ensure order accuracy and guest satisfaction
• Communicate with Director of Events and Strategic Partnerships in a timely manner
• May support full service events or deliveries as needed
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned
• May run various routine errands, as required, for the department such as orders or supplies to Bear’s locations.

Minimum Job Requirements

Must be 18 years of age and candidate must be able to:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Previous catering & event service or planning experience required
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule to meet business demands including weekends, holidays and nights. Typical work schedule is 45-50 hours per week. Must be available to work holidays
• Provide proof of a valid driver's license and personal insurance per company requirements.
• Pass a motor vehicle record check
• Adhere to company policies regarding safe driving and maintain a clean driving record during the course of employment.
• Maintain a high degree of pace and intensity for an extended period of time while performing with quality and accuracy
• Adhere to schedule and be on time for shifts.
• Adhere to company uniform and appearance policy.
• Must be able to work in a fast paced environment while exercising a high degree of quality and accuracy. Must maintain a high degree of pace and intensity for an extended period of time.
• Must be available to receive and respond to phone calls and texts 24/7 unless appropriate coverage has been provided.
• Must be able to work in a food service environment including preparing and serving food, lifting, bending, standing for long periods of time.
• Must be tolerant to exposure to possible food allergens including but not limited to; meats, fish, nuts, dairy, and oils
• Must be able to work with a variety of cleaning chemicals and tolerate frequent handwashing.
• Must adhere to company uniform and appearance policy
• Must obtain ServSafe and TIPS certification within 60 days of hire
• Must attend Sexual Harassment training within 6 months of hire
• Must have reliable transportation and ability to drive to different locations as needed.
• Must be able to drive company vans, trucks, trailers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Strong customer services skills
• Detailed oriented
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures
• Skill in the use of operating basic office equipment
• At least 3 years supervisory /management experience in a food service environment
• Event management/catering experience
• Must possess hearing, visual and sensory abilities to observe and detect emergency situations; also to distinguish product, taste, texture, temperature and presentation and preparation.
• Serv Safe/TIPS Certification preferred
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills and strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Advanced personal computer literacy
• Basic business math skills, and solid decision making skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Some or very limited physical effort required
• Some or very limited exposure to physical risk
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment unless onsite at event

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in this position. This position description is subject to change by the Company as the needs and requirements of the position change.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Windsor Locks, CT 06096: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person