Catering Manager

Note to Candidate: 

• This position requires a flexible schedule

A glimpse at the job: 

 At Wegmans, our Catering team provides both internal and external customers a unique service by planning and executing events including private parties and events of varying sizes. As Catering Team Leader, you will be responsible for assisting customers with planning and executing their meetings and events. In this position, you’ll be given the opportunity to develop the skills and passion of a team of employees.  You will partner with our Culinary team to ensure all events are successfully executed and clients are provided with incredible service and a one-of-a-kind experience.

I will add value by:

• Providing incredible customer service by accurately assessing customers’ requests, capturing details and translating their vision to the team; and successfully selling and executing events by ensuring all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively
• Preparing proposals, contracts and banquet event orders
• Booking events for internal and external clients including store banquet rooms, off-site events, etc. 
• Understanding the vision and themes, as well as budgetary parameters, for events; designing décor, table settings, etc;  working to meet requests and produce an event that remains consistent with Wegmans high standards and meets customer needs by giving them an experience they can’t get elsewhere
• Ensuring successful events, to be measured by factors such as food, customer satisfaction and ensuring the event stays within the budgets agreed upon by the customer
• Accurately forecasting the time it will take to successfully complete an event from loading, travel time, set up, execution and tear down
• Working with the Sous Chef to meet the menu needs and ensure meal preparation and planning of the customer events
• Direct and oversee staff during events

Work environment:

• Work involves continuous interaction with customers and co-workers in a fast-paced environment
• Typical motions include standing, walking and bending
• Will be responsible for moving and lifting an average of 25 – 35 pounds with a maximum weight lifted of 50 pounds occasionally

What abilities I must bring to the table to be considered: 

• Experience in food service
• Proficient in Windows-based software including Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
• Understand, recognize and implement the company values; striving to make a difference by empowering employees and promoting high standards and excellence in all areas (Who We Are)
• Use performance and career development tools to manage and develop others, working with employees to set and achieve individual and department goals
• Practice proper planning and staffing techniques which include managing time and resources.
• Ability to multi-task and react to a variety of situations at one time
• Work towards continuous improvement to encourage change; find ways to increase profitability and productivity; and improve processes, products & customer service in the department(s)
• Use data analysis, wisdom, experience, judgment, and past actions as well as input from other sources for decision making, always considering the impact on customers, sales and contribution (profit)
• Control inventory levels and expenses such as payroll and shrink to impact bottom-line contribution (profit) for the department
• Practice proper ordering techniques to complete orders by deadlines and participate in inventory process to ensure items are available to support merchandising programs and product promotions
• Exhibit merchandising skills by attractively displaying products considering seasonality, cross-merchandising opportunities and corporate programs with the aim of educating and enticing customers
• Assist with meal preparation and planning by providing customers with proper serving guidelines and recommending correct cooking techniques, helping to make great meals easy
• Maintain a safety focus by ensuring safety standards are followed, teaching safety practices to employees, looking for ways to improve safety, solving safety problems, and looking for ways to exceed safety standards and reduce risk potential

What will set me apart from other candidates:

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in hotel management,food services or equivalent field
• Experience coordinating events and/ or running banquets
• Other sales, restaurant, banquet or event planning experience including managing deadlines, making adjustments for multiple demands and ability to direct others
• Experience acting as a main contact for customers and clients preferably in a food service, grocery or retail setting
• Write and speak clearly, concisely and with tact in a variety of settings using effective communication skillsRelate well to others using interpersonal savvy to foster two-way communication
• The ability to remain positive, calm, and focused when under pressure or when dealing with ambiguous situations

Other: 

• Employment at Wegmans may be contingent upon applicants passing a drug screen and/or criminal background check