Catering Manager

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Catering Manager is responsible for sales, management and execution of our catering program for all Che Fico properties. This position will handle communication with clients from sales & marketing, to lead generation to event completion, generating and updating of contracts and BEO’s, as well as the execution of events as needed. The ideal candidate will be experienced in handling a wide range of tasks and events and will be a solutions oriented self starter.

Outside of event responsibilities will include weekly manager meetings, financial oversight, driving sales, and working with the management team towards cultivating a healthy team dynamic.  This position is part of the management team and will evolve with the needs of the business.  This position can work out of our SF or Menlo Park location with the understanding there will be travel between and in "office" time at both. This role will report to the Events Director. 

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS

The outlined responsibilities below reflect an overview of the position; as a growing company, we will need to be flexible to a changing environment and change in duties and responsibilities.

• The Catering Manager will be the point of contact for our catering, office pantry, and gelato cart clients. They will assist with the client experience from the first lead, to the day of the event confirming party size, menu selection and any special needs they may have.
• This role will be a sales position, responsible for creative marketing, developing leads, and closing sales.
• Ensure all catering orders and event details are accurate and up-to-date with detailed information from any email and phone correspondence with clients for each event
• Coordinate with and be the main point of contact for our corporate pantry stocking service, help draft proposals, give feedback and operationalize the program in tandem with the Mercato GM
• Contribute to weekly manager meetings by reviewing upcoming special events and guest event feedback
• Be an organized, flexible, and enthusiastic person ensuring our catering program and events run smoothly and fulfill the mission of Che Fico’s Catering department 
• Bring the quality and experience of Che Fico to various settings around the Bay Area - event spaces, private homes, conferences, vineyards, and offices
• Drive sales for our catering and gelato cart via cold reach-outs and creative and boots on the ground marketing - this role is sales just as much as it is execution
• Maintain our great reputation and grow demand for catering by delivering excellent customer service and high-quality products at all events
• Maintain all catering platforms with current offerings, photos, and information and be main point of contact for any support needs
• Manage transportation, load-in, set-up and breakdown, and operation of Mercato’s Gelateria di Che Fico Cart
• Train new and existing staff on best practices for operating the Gelateria Cart and creating the Che Fico experience
• You do not need to know our exact systems before you start, but you need to be a strategic thinker and committed to the big-picture growth and success of our catering department, your co-workers across departments, and the company as a whole
• Collaborate with appropriate departments and outside vendors to ensure that our catering program has what it needs, including packaging, plates, utensils
• Coordinate and collaborate with General Managers and Mercato team to plan for scheduling, product and staffing
• Ensure that tools, equipment and inventory are organized and event-ready
• Collaborate with Director of Events to drive the catering business

Requirements

• Exceptional organizational and planning skills and a strong commitment to ensuring events, projects and programs are proactively managed and delivered on-time in a professional quality manner
• Strong Sales orientation, creative ability to market and drive catering sales.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team and work collaboratively with a diverse group of individuals
• Proficiency with Google Drive, spreadsheets and general comfort with use of technology
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong problem-solving abilities, analytical and technical skills
• Availability: flexible to accommodate for the nature of events, on-call for emergencies, ability to be on site at events
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Must have a valid CA Driver’s License and clean driving record

Management experience is a plus, however we will gladly accept applicants with a strong background in the service or events industry who are excited to take on a new role. We are growing quickly as a company, and seeking individuals who would like to grow with us.

We highly encourage people of all backgrounds with varied experience levels to apply. We value and seek diversity amongst our team.

For the role of Catering Manager we offer:

Salary Expectations: $30/hour + sales bonus

Health, Dental, Vision insurance

Paid Parental Leave

Retirement savings plan - 401k with 4% match

Opportunities for internal growth and career advancement - we are a fast growing company and look to promote from within

Profit sharing - after one year you will have access to our quarterly profit sharing pool

Financial education - we host monthly P&L reviews open to all employees

Work-Life Balance

We host staff events, field trips and seminars to build restaurant culture and further our development as a team.

We want this to be the most fun and rewarding job you have ever had in the hospitality industry, and we are seeking talented professionals to help grow our team. Please send us your resume and a brief note about you and why you want to work at Che Fico. We look forward to meeting you!