SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT THIS POSITION
Please do not apply for this job unless you have direct experience managing event logistics for an offsite event catering company or an offsite event beverage catering company. If you do not have this experience your application will be categorically denied.
We are seeking candidates who have worked in offsite event catering as opposed to hotel banquet catering and restaurants as this position requires a different skill set. However, if you do not meet the technical requirements of this job but are still highly qualified and would like to be considered please send us a cover letter or message us separately providing additional background for consideration.
Position Summary
The Director of Catering Operations oversees the beverage service production, delivery and event execution systems for catered events, including purchase and inventory of alcohol and supplies for Snake Oil Cocktail Company and its venues. The Director of Catering Operations ensures conformance with client contracts and implementation of onsite events.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
- Directs all onsite and offsite beverage catering operations from the planning to execution of all company-wide events
- Oversees operations manager, general manager, beverage director, and staffing coordinator; and coordinates with sales leaders and other stakeholders as assigned to execute each client’s event vision
- Manages warehouse, kitchen and operations teams on a daily basis including handling internal scheduling, fleet management, writing vehicle schedules and creating task lists and arranging event transportation
- Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for operations, kitchen, and warehouse staff including implementing and overseeing effective product costing, inventory management and ingredient sourcing protocols
- Approves the purchase of ingredients, supplies and equipment and ensures that program resources are received, added to inventory and stored properly
- Administers and oversees budget for assigned areas of responsibility
- Serve as a lead during larger galas and events including supervision of front of house staff when required (on-site for events)
- Serves as an active member of the executive management team & upholds company policies, implements administrative guidelines/procedures
- Advances the organization’s professional image, maintains open/effective communications and problem-solving techniques to tactfully address and resolve questions/concerns
- Leads weekly operations meetings, individual breakout strategy and event logistics meetings with team members as necessary
- Obtains vendor price quotes and prepares comparative data (e.g., quality, discounts, credits, warranties, delivery dates, etc.)
- Approves invoices for payment and prepares revenue/expense projections and maintains accurate inventory records
- Maintains the highest standards of cleanliness and safety in the kitchen and warehouse
- Ensures compliance with mandated regulations (e.g., hazard analysis of critical control points, portion size, sanitation procedures, etc.)
- Publishes seasonal beverage menus, makes available various cocktail and mocktail choices that appeal to consumer preferences, and manages batch preparation activities according to contract requirements, in coordination with the Beverage Director
Management and Leadership
- Hire, train, mentor, manage, and retain a high-performing team
- Manage direct report performance according to Snake Oil Cocktail Company’s evaluations and performance improvement processes
- Establish clear expectations and develop a robust work plan that is driven to meet the department indicators while fostering a culture of accountability
- Serve as a member of the Executive Team
- Manage and attend assigned executive and operations team meetings in an advisory capacity
- Monitor and report on department activities and outcomes
Competencies
- Strong planning, organizational and problem-solving skills
- Logistics superstar with high attention to detail
- Excellent time management and follow through
- Ability to empower and manage the performance of direct reports.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills.
- Creative; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.
- Strong Data analysis and interpretation skills.
- Ability to work diligently and efficiently, set priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making skills
Education & Work Experience
- Bachelor's degree in related field (preferred)
- Five years of catering operations experience
- Prior experience in a food and beverage setting (preferred)
- High volume production and catering experience (preferred)
- Understanding of state regulations and local policies regarding food services
- Strong knowledge and experience with forecasting, budgeting, labor management, and purchasing to ensure maximum productivity
- Proficient in Google suite, Tripleseat Event Platform, Microsoft office 365
Work Environment
This job operates in a kitchen environment, housed with equipment such as an oven, stove, dishwasher, coffee machine, steamer, mixer and chef’s knives. The employee is frequently exposed to heat, steam, and noise. Location is in an urban area near transit.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.The employee is required to stand for prolonged periods of time and reach, lift, bend, kneel, stoop, climb, push, and pull items weighing 50 pounds or less. The position requires manual dexterity, auditory and visual skills, and the ability to follow written and oral instructions and procedures.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time exempt position, and regular office hours of work are 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and days and hours are typically scheduled Monday through Sunday, depending on the needs of the operation. This an event industry position which will regularly require evening hours and weekend work. Must have weekend availability.
Travel
The employee will be expected to travel as needed to additional offsite locations to perform duties. The employee must have a driver's license, access to reliable transportation to Snake Oil Cocktail Company locations as needed, and the ability to work across multiple sites.This job operates primarily in a downtown San Diego adjacent facility, as well as other sites located throughout Southern California.
Other Duties
Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice, based on the needs of the department and organization.
Job Type: Full-time, Salary
Work Location: In person, San Diego 92101
Salary: $90,000 - $125,000 per year/ commensurate with experience
Supplemental Pay Types: Bonus opportunities
Benefits
- Health Care Plans
- Dental and Vision Plans
- 401K Plans
- Two Weeks Paid Time Off
- Free Parking / Trolley adjacent
- Referral Program Bonuses
Ability to Commute:
San Diego, CA 92101: Must have reliable transportation and be able to reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Experience
REQUIRED
- Director-level event catering experience: 5 to 7 years
- Budget and Costing Background: 3 to 5 years
- Customer service: 5 years
- Managing People: 5 years
- Strong ability to use technology hardware and software effectively
STRONG PREFERENCE
- Catering Experience
- Beverage Catering Experience
- Venue Operations Experience
- Event Hospitality Experience
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY
Snake Oil Cocktail Company provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practices, including religious dress or grooming practices), color, national origin (including language use restrictions and possession of a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code section 12801.9), ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and gender expression) genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, registered domestic partner status, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.