Event Manager

$39,520 - $49,920/Yr

Ssa Group - Asheboro, NC

Full-time - Mid Level

Asheboro, NC

Social Assistance

About the position

Come join our growing team with SSA at the North Carolina Zoo! As a Catering Manager, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the catering operations for events at the zoo. SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions to integrate dining, retail, admissions, and more, enhancing revenue opportunities for our partners across the United States. With over 50 years in the business, we have refined our practices while pioneering innovative solutions that focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and customer satisfaction. Our mission is to provide exceptional service and create memorable experiences for guests and clients alike. In this role, you will maintain communication with other Catering Managers and the Director, ensuring that all events run smoothly and meet client expectations. You will be responsible for managing your team, which includes hiring, training, and evaluating staff performance. As the onsite client liaison during events, you will be available to address client requests and ensure their satisfaction. Your responsibilities will also include planning and detailing functions with clients, managing vendor relationships, and overseeing the quality and inventory of products used in catering. You will need to develop and execute plans to meet sales goals, analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities, and report on financial performance. Additionally, you will uphold company policies and procedures, maintain a clean and organized work environment, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. This position requires flexibility and adaptability to respond to client needs and changes, as well as the ability to work varied hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintain communication with other Catering Manager(s) and/or Director and unit specific contacts.
• Work closely with Management team regarding client relationships and maintain professional communication.
• Manage direct team with business needs in mind: hire, recruit, supervise, evaluate performance, and manage employee exits.
• Develop training programs to motivate and mentor employees.
• Act as onsite client event liaison during event day and be available for client requests.
• Plan, upsell, and detail functions with clients including space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes, and decorations.
• Solicit, negotiate, and book new and return business through a defined sales process.
• Respond to client requests in a timely manner to ensure satisfaction.
• Guide menu planning and selections for events.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Complete full operations plan of each catered event prior to event day, including diagrams and staff needs.
• Participate in weekly BEO meetings with Chefs and Catering leadership.
• Schedule appropriate staff levels in accordance with budget and business forecast.
• Maintain strong positive relationships with clients and partners.
• Oversee quality, product levels, and inventory of products used in catering.
• Create innovative displays with Executive Chef/Chef team and implement with catering staff.
• Responsible for post-event follow-up and continued client development.
• Develop and execute plans for coordinating department sales goals with budget and operational plan.
• Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities and minimize controllable costs.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven leadership skills with an understanding of team building and development.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated financial management and analytical skills.
• Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer knowledge and skills for office functions.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift boxes (up to 35lbs).
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Nice-to-haves

• ServSafe or Food Handling Certified.
• Previous experience in off-site catering, hotel, or cultural attraction catering venue.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave