Catering & Event Manager

$55,000 - $65,000/Yr

M&G Foodstuff - New York, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

New York, NY

Food Services and Drinking Places

About the position

M&G Foodstuff is a boutique catering company located in New York City's East Village, dedicated to providing hyper-seasonal, health-centric food in a sustainable format. The Catering and Events Manager plays a crucial role in managing both drop-off and full-service catering events, ensuring that every aspect of the event meets the high standards set by M&G. This position involves not only managing client relationships and communications but also overseeing the entire event process from planning to execution. The manager will actively pursue new client partnerships while nurturing existing relationships, aiming to deliver unforgettable experiences that exceed client expectations and meet financial objectives. In the role of Catering and Events Manager, you will be responsible for managing all client communications related to drop-off catering, ensuring that inquiries are responded to promptly and that all necessary information is gathered. You will prepare proposals, dietary sheets, and invoices, and manage the project through tools like Trello to ensure deadlines are met. Your ability to understand client needs and budgets will be essential in guiding them to the best catering options, and you will be responsible for ensuring timely payments and follow-ups. For full-service event catering, you will manage inquiries, prepare proposals and contracts, and oversee vendor management. This includes coordinating with third-party vendors, managing staffing levels, and ensuring that all event details are communicated effectively to the team. You will also lead client tastings and manage the execution of events, ensuring that all client expectations are met and that the event runs smoothly from start to finish. Additionally, you will work closely with the sales team to meet monthly catering sales goals, increase revenue through outreach to potential clients, and cultivate strong relationships with existing clients. Your role will also involve team management, where you will oversee coordinators or interns, ensuring that daily tasks are completed efficiently. Overall, the Catering and Events Manager is a pivotal position that combines client management, event planning, and team leadership to create exceptional catering experiences.

Responsibilities

• Manage all client communications relating to the sale and production of drop off catering.
• Review incoming inquiries and ensure all necessary information is obtained from prospective clients.
• Respond to all drop off inquiries within 24 hours.
• Prepare all proposals, dietary sheets, invoices, and other client facing materials and send initial proposals within 24 hours.
• Project manage all Drop Off Catering jobs via Trello lists ensuring all deadlines are met.
• Ensure that pricing is appropriate and accurate on estimates and invoices.
• Develop a keen understanding of clients needs and budgets and guide them to the best possible package/option.
• Ensure all payments are received within the appropriate time frame.
• Create daily Jobsheets for confirmed jobs 2 business days prior.
• Communicate all client updates and changes to both Kitchen & Operations teams.
• Attend drop offs as needed to meet and greet clients.
• Follow-up to thank clients and collect feedback to be shared with the team.
• Manage inquiries relating to the sale and production of full-service Event Catering.
• Understand and explain M&G event packages while suggesting package customizations based on the client's needs.
• Manage and prepare proposals, contracts, and other client facing materials and send initial proposals within 24 hours.
• Manage all proposal iterations relating to client updates, custom pricing and menu requests.
• Oversee completion and sending of all client invoices, deposits and all payments and any updates as needed.
• Recommend venues and other event vendors, tailored to client's needs.
• Manage all 3rd party vendors including timeline, duties, and payments.
• Create and manage rental equipment orders which are specific and customized to the client's event needs.
• Ensure that appropriate staffing levels are in place for events, collaborating with staffing companies for maximum efficiency.
• Arrange for and manage client site visits and walk-throughs.
• Manage, attend and lead all client onsite and offsite tastings as required.
• Project manage events using Trello lists and meeting weekly deadlines relating to the completion of food, beverage, staffing needs and rental equipment orders.
• Manage all internal team meetings and communications relating to the production and execution of the event.
• Create and manage Event BEO's, Staff Briefing documents, Job Folders and all other documentation needed for the event.
• Oversee and manage event execution including event set-up and briefing captains.
• Act as the client's voice to ensure all other departments are fully aware of client expectations.
• Arrange for thoughtful gift during planning process, at event or as follow-up, when appropriate.
• Manage team debrief and internal wrap up to do lists.

Requirements

• 2 years of experience in catering and event management.
• Proficient knowledge of systems and processes in catering & event management.
• Ability to self-manage and work autonomously.
• Ability to problem solve and make educated decisions.
• Strong understanding of diverse cuisine and beverage.
• Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills.
• Working knowledge of Tripleseat.
• Familiarity with Trello or other project management software.
• Familiarity with G-Suite.
• Experience with prospecting and cold call outreach.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in high-end luxury catering.
• Knowledge of current catering and event trends.
• Strong networking skills within the catering and events industry.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Potential Bonuses
• Commission in addition to Salary