Catering Event Manager

Company Description

Ready for the next chapter of your career? Why not make one of Canada's leading restaurant groups a part of it We value relentless innovation and kick-ass creativity We provide advancement through training and development and our hands on managers empower people and awaken ability through responsibility and respect.

The catering event manager is an integral role for the O&B catering department. It is a dual role that requires both an understanding of the sales cycle and client relationships, as well as how to support the execution of the event onsite. Working closely with the culinary team, the catering event manager will need to pull multiple event elements together to create show-stopping, creative proposals that will give O&B catering a competitive advantage over the rest. As O&B continues to grow our catering division, the catering event manager will seek new business while maintaining relationships with our key venue partners and clients each year.

**Job Description**:

- Seek new business opportunities for the unit & department focusing on prospects & cold calling
- Support the relationship development of our key contacts at catering partner venues.
- Actively seek new venue catering lists for O&B to join
- Respond to inquiries by setting up discovery calls to prepare impactful proposals that will help secure event leads.
- Provide creative proposals that are on theme, on budget and on time.
- Travel to destinations for property walkthroughs and client meetings as required.
- Liaise with all vendors to create an event, which may include: event rentals, florals, DJ services & décor.
- Communicate event details and client needs with Event Venue Management and O&B culinary team
- Ensure all receipts are reconciled post event and landmark fee reports are submitted
- Follow up with clients using information from post events creating opportunity for new bookings and Moment of Truth
- Contribute to bi-weekly sales forecasting and working to reach annual sales goals.

**Tastings**:

- Catering manager is expected to be onsite for all tastings to connect with the client and support the culinary team in executing the service of the meals.

**Onsite Expectations**:

- Client meet and greet
- Review timeline and key moments of event with client
- Connect with staffing agency lead to ensure expectations are being met
- Connect with Chef about any last minute details and confirm timing
- Ensure set up is per floor plan and client changes
- Connect with venue manager to ensure all is going to plan
- Help manage timeline and keep in contact with client and/or venue manager
- Complete food service and confirm clean up details before departing until majority of dinner service is over
- Set up kitchen
- Set up event/stations
- Communication with staffing lead
- Client greeting/pre-event walk though
- Culinary contact
- Expo food service

**Event Prep**:

- Unpacking
- Manager packages ( to be confirmed with staffing agency)
- Assignments - (to be confirmed with staffing agency)
- Menu, tent card & station signage (create/print)

**Décor**:

- Purchases/upgrades - sales but has to be approved by Nicole
- Station design

**Other**:

- Billing & Post events
- Staffing Needs/communication with agency

**Qualifications**:

- Prior understanding of equipment, event rentals and staffing levels is an asset
- Prior administrative experience and exposure to marketing and sales
- Proven ability to work in a team environment with self-motivation and independent work ethic
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to engage clients

Additional Information

What’s in it for you?
- Staff dining discount
- Competitive wages/salary
- Gratuity sharing
- Training and development opportunities
- Wellness program
- A comprehensive group benefits package
- RRSP matching program