Catering Event Manager

Patrick Properties Hospitality Group; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Patrick Properties Hospitality Group seeks a Catering Event Manager to plan, detail, and supervise all culinary, beverage, and venue services for luxury events. You will liaise between clients, coordinators, and PPHG departments to ensure seamless pre-planning and flawless execution.

Responsibilities include leading event operations, coordinating plans and timelines, and delivering exceptional guest experiences while upholding PPHG standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of luxury event and catering management experience, including account management.
• Must hold a valid bachelor’s degree.
• Must be ServSafe Alcohol certified or able to obtain certification within 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Act as second to the Sales Manager until the tasting, then lead on event day as main contact.
• Coordinate with client/coordinator for floor plans, timelines, and rental orders.
• Ensure accurate Event Orders and timely final payments.
• Lead event operations discussions and communicate with departments.

Skills

Event management

Account management

Staff management

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Adaptability

Professionalism

Networking

Punctuality

Autonomy

Driver's License

Education

Bachelor's degree

ServSafe Alcohol certified

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

Since 1997, Patrick Properties has been restoring and preserving historic Charleston properties, including Parcel 32, The American Theater, The William Aiken House and Lowndes Grove. While we were at it, we crafted a tradition of warm, inviting hospitality that ensures our guests feel welcome, well-cared for and ever-ready to come back for more. With each event we host our focus is the oversight of our venues as well as the upscale food and beverage service we provide within them, requiring a keen eye for detail and the highest standard of customer service.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Catering Event Manager

Status: Full-Time

Reports To: Director of Events

POSITION OVERVIEW – Luxury Catering Experience Required

The Catering Event Manager is a key position responsible for the planning, detailing, and supervision of all culinary, beverage, and venue services at PPHG special events. The Catering Event Manager is the liaison between clients/coordinators and PPHG departments guaranteeing successful pre-planning and execution of all events.

RESPONSIBILITIES

ACCOUNT/FILE MANAGEMENT

• Once assigned to an event, act as a “second” to the Sales Manager until the event tasting, at which time, you will take over as the client’s main contact leading up to the day of the event.
• Communicate with client and/or coordinator to gather necessary information, such as floor plans, timelines, and rental orders in a timely manner, and assist with those items, as necessary.
• Responsible for accurate Event Order details, as well as ensuring the final payment is completed on time.
• Lead event operations discussion for assigned events, responsible for follow-up circulation and timely communication with proper departments

FOOD & BEVERAGE MENU CONSULTING

• Proficient Menu Knowledge: Awareness of all ingredients in dishes. Adjust menu based on allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Conduct Menu Tastings: Describe all menu items as they are served. Discuss timeline, layout, and flow of event, while working in the best interests of PPHG and upholding company standards.
• Conduct Menu Consultations: Schedule phone conference or meeting with clients who are not having a tasting. Describe menu in full detail and assist clients in making selections based on PPHG recommendations.
• Suggestive Selling: Uphold food and beverage minimums. Offer creative enhancements to meet minimums, as well as elevating events.
• Deadlines + Prioritization: Ability to meet culinary and event deadlines, as well as complete administrative work in a timely fashion, prioritizing, when necessary.

EVENT DAY MANAGEMENT

• Act as opening or closing Event Manager for other events when needed, overseeing both setup and breakdown.
• Responsible for greeting the client and planner upon arrival. Act as liaison between PPHG venues and vendors on site.
• Manage venue, staff, food and beverage service during event to ensure outstanding service by staff. Provide excellent communication and works cooperatively with Culinary Team.
• Assist with property management to ensure standards meet or exceed company expectations, including reporting any property maintenance or damage to the venue interiors, grounds, and all storage spaces.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attends weekly events and operational team meetings to be thoroughly informed of event details and logistics.
• Expected to actively participate in event operations and provide hands-on support to deliver events in keeping with PPHG standards.
• Submit all outside rental invoices, receipts, and closing inventories to CFO and appropriate Sales Manager.
• Promote positive guest relations, making every effort to accommodate any guest’s reasonable request during an event.
• Communicate with Director of Events for event needs.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Must hold a valid bachelor’s degree
• Must have a valid Driver’s License
• Minimum of 2 years of prior luxury event and catering management experience, including account management
• Must be ServSafe Alcohol certified or able to obtain certification within the first 30 days of employment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Outlook
• Possess knowledge of proper table service
• Ability to follow Patrick Properties standards, policies and procedures
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including in person, phone and email correspondence
• Ability to think clearly, analyze and resolve problems, exercise good judgment, and utilize solution-based thinking
• Detail oriented with the ability to prioritize, organize and manage multiple tasks
• Motivate and manage staff while maintaining cohesive team and provide follow-up, when necessary
• Willingness to adapt as needed in a fast-paced office environment with the ability to multi-task
• Communicate effectively and work cooperatively with all departments in a collaborative environment
• Must possess mature, professional demeanor to interact with clients, vendors and team
• Participate and attend industry and networking events when deemed necessary
• Ability to be on time and have a flexible schedule
• Work without direct supervision and follow through to completion of assigned tasks