Event Captain

Deborah Miller Catering & Events; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Deborah Miller Catering & Events in New York seeks an Event Captain to lead off-premise catering executions. You will coordinate onsite staffing, rentals, and cross-team communication to meet client standards with a friendly, efficient approach.

The role requires at least 1+ year of event captain experience in catering, strong service operations knowledge, and the ability to lift and move equipment while maintaining high hospitality standards. Flexible scheduling is expected.

Qualifications

• The ability to speak, understand, read, and write in English.
• The ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• 1+ years’ experience as an event captain in catering or similar business.
• Strong understanding of service and operations as it pertains to catering.
• Proficiency in all roles needed to execute an event including bussing, passing food, table service, expediting, bartending, etc.
• Strong understanding of off-premise event logistics and requirements.
• Strong understanding of varied cuisine and beverage knowledge (beer, wine, spirits).

Responsibilities

• Communicate with client to understand the event parameters and vision.
• Work with the onsite Events Team for off-premise events to create unique experiences.
• Establish and maintain service standards and hospitality best practices.
• Manage client communications relating to the execution of events and ensure high-quality experiences.
• Ensure buffet design and setup is visually appealing and functions well daily.
• Train and develop new servers, bartenders, and event staff members.
• Demonstrate leadership to inspire the team to meet and exceed standards.
• Follow all off-premise standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate captain’s planning, pre-shift meetings, and post-event reporting including captain’s report, equipment inventory, and rental coordination.

Skills

English proficiency

Teamwork

Independent working

Leadership

Customer service

Physical stamina

Job description

The Event Captain is responsible for managing the execution of off-premise catering events. This position will work with the Event Manager to execute the event to the client’s standards while adhering to Deborah Miller Catering & Events protocols. This role coordinates onsite staffing and rentals and is responsible for communicating with all internal teams to ensure successful event execution. The Event Captain is responsible for ensuring the client’s expectations are managed and executed in an efficient and friendly manner.

Philosophy & Culture:

• Uphold and maintain the philosophy of Deborah Miller Catering & Events. Start with the best possible ingredients, prepared to perfection, presented in a beautiful presentation by professional, hospitable staff
• Engage all employees in a meaningful way following the company motto: Rooted in the RADISH
• Uphold and maintain a positive, professional work environment for all staff and peers
• Work with Event Managers to ensure the successful execution of events on a day-to-day basis
• Support event planning process and internal communications through collaboration with the Event Sales, Operations, and Culinary Teams
• Maintain and grow client relationships

Events:

• Communicate with client to understand the event parameters and vision
• Work with the onsite Events Team for off-premise events to create “one-of-a-kind” experiences
• Establish and maintain service standards and hospitality best practices
• Manage client communications relating to the execution of events, ensuring the highest quality experience for clients is consistently delivered
• Ensure buffet design and set is visually appealing and functions well daily
• Responsible for training and developing new servers, bartenders, and/or event staff members
• Demonstrate positive leadership characteristics; inspire team members to meet and exceed standards
• Follow all off-premise standard operating procedures
• Responsible for captain’s planning procedure, event pre-shift meetings, and post event reporting including captain’s report, equipment and liquor inventory, and coordination of rental pickups

Essential Functions:

• The ability to speak, understand, read, and write in English
• The ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal direction
• The ability to understand basic math
• The ability to work independently or as part of a team
• The ability to lift at least 30 pounds on a regular basis
• The ability to bend, stoop, stand, and perform extensive walking for 8-10 hours a day
• Organized approach to projects
• Able to take and give direction
• Able to inspire others to be creative and work hard; a morale builder
• Adaptable in a fast-paced and challenging work environment
• Able to work nights, weekends, and holidays, and variable schedule, per the needs of the business
• Flexible to work long hours as needed
• Ensure all staff are compliant with company procedures and policies, as well as city and state laws

Experience / Qualifications:

• 1+ years’ experience as an event captain in catering or similar business
• Strong understanding of service and operations as it pertains to catering
• Proficiency in all roles needed to execute an event including but not limited to: Bussing, passing food, table service, expediting, bartending, etc.
• Strong understanding of off-premise event logistics and requirements
• Strong understanding of varied and diverse cuisine and beverage, including beer, wine, and spirits knowledge