Assistant Event Manager

Socket.dev; North Garden (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is seeking an experienced Assistant Event Manager to support the events department's leadership and daily operations. You will oversee event operations, coordinate with culinary and sales teams, and help manage staffing and guest experiences for weddings and private events.

Responsibilities include leading staff, reviewing event details, and ensuring adherence to Pippin Hill’s standards.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in event, hospitality, restaurant, or related operational leadership preferred.
• Supervising and developing employees.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable lifting up to 40 lbs and standing 8–12 hours.

Responsibilities

• Oversee weddings, private events, and other property events in collaboration with the Event Manager.
• Review BEOs, staffing plans, timelines, and event details to ensure team readiness.
• Lead Event Supervisors and staff before, during, and after events; provide on‑site direction.

Skills

Event leadership

Staff supervision

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Hospitality experience

Problem solving

Job description

Description

Join a team where exceptional events come to life.

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is one of Virginia’s premier event destinations, known for exceptional hospitality, breathtaking views, and thoughtfully executed weddings and private events. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Event Manager to support the leadership and day-to-day operation of our events department.

The Assistant Event Manager works closely with the Event Manager to oversee event operations, develop and support the events team, manage staffing and labor, and ensure each event is executed according to Pippin Hill’s standards. This position combines hands-on event leadership with the administrative and operational responsibilities necessary to maintain a successful events program.

What You’ll Do

Event Operations & Leadership

• Partner with the Event Manager to oversee the successful execution of weddings, private events, and other property events
• Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), staffing plans, timelines, and event details to ensure the operations team is prepared for each event
• Provide leadership and direction to Event Supervisors and event staff before, during, and after events
• Lead events as needed and provide management support during complex or high-volume events
• Coordinate with culinary, sales, bar, and other departments to ensure event details are communicated and executed consistently
• Troubleshoot operational challenges and make real-time decisions while maintaining a professional and guest-focused environment

Team Management & Development

• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training event staff
• Support the continued training and development of Event Supervisors and event team members
• Provide coaching and feedback to maintain service, professionalism, and performance standards
• Assist with creating staff schedules based on event needs, guest counts, employee availability, and established labor targets
• Review staffing levels and make adjustments based on changes in event requirements
• Help foster a collaborative, accountable, and professional team environment

Guest, Client & Vendor Experience

• Serve as a management-level point of contact for clients, guests, and vendors during events
• Support Event Supervisors with escalated guest, client, or vendor concerns
• Build strong working relationships with vendors and internal departments
• Ensure specialty service requirements, dietary accommodations, and other important guest details are communicated and executed appropriately

Service & Venue Standards

• Maintain Pippin Hill’s standards for event spaces, bridal and groom suites, service stations, bars, and other guest-facing areas
• Ensure proper setup, organization, cleanliness, and breakdown standards are consistently followed
• Monitor event supplies, equipment, and inventory and coordinate replenishment or maintenance as needed
• Oversee bar setup and liquor and beverage inventory procedures
• Assist with periodic inventory counts and maintenance of appropriate par levels

Administrative & Financial Support

• Monitor event labor hours and staffing costs to support established labor targets
• Assist with reconciling event labor and operational costs for financial reporting
• Review event recaps, incident reports, and operational feedback and follow up on issues as necessary
• Identify opportunities to improve event procedures, service standards, training, and operational efficiency
• Maintain accurate event operations records and assist with other administrative responsibilities of the department

Qualifications

• 2+ years of event, hospitality, restaurant, or related operational leadership experience preferred
• Previous experience supervising and developing employees
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and working knowledge of event service and operations
• Professional, calm, and solutions-oriented when handling guest or operational concerns
• Comfortable working collaboratively across multiple departments
• Able to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods of 8–12 hours
• Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays according to the event schedule

Why Join Us?

At Pippin Hill and across Easton Porter Group, we believe great hospitality starts with great people. We foster leadership, professional growth, collaboration, and high standards while creating memorable experiences for our guests.

The Assistant Event Manager plays an important role in both the immediate success of our events and the continued development of our events team, with opportunities to expand leadership and operational experience within Pippin Hill and Easton Porter Group.