Director, Catering and Events

About Us:

We are an off-premises catering, food service, and special events company specializing in traditional Criollo cuisine. While Latino food is our specialty, Salsa also offers diverse menus for most cultural affairs.

About the Role:

The Director, Catering and Events is responsible for the successful development and growth of the catering department. Overall tasks and responsibilities will include supervision of the event planning process from inquiry through event execution. The Director, Catering and Events ascertains full scope event details and plans accordingly; manages budget, directs all event logistics including management of staff and vendors for both on and off premise events. The Director, Catering and Events must be a team player who can successfully collaborate across departments and step into other roles as needed. This is a full time, salaried exempt position. Work schedule will include nights and weekends based on scheduled events or event necessity.

Qualifications:

• The qualified candidate will possess a passion for flawless service and the highest level of integrity and work ethic




• Minimum 5 years working in Catering Sales with minimum of 2 years experience in a supervisory role




• Strong selling and negotiating skills




• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), and G Suite applications




• Professional verbal and written communication skills




• Must be highly organized and detail oriented




• Excellent customer service skills and an open, courteous, and friendly personality




• Strong interpersonal and team player skills




• Strong leadership and management skills




• Must be flexible and adaptable, knowing when to adjust and/or pivot




• Must be able to efficiently manage multiple tasks simultaneously, while meeting deadlines, prioritizing appropriately, and providing excellent customer service




• Knowledge of Caterease application is a huge plus

Responsibilities:

Includes but is not limited to the following:

Maintains and monitors the accuracy and effectiveness of all written communication from catering and event services managers and support staff for our external customers as well as internal team

• Actively prospects, solicits, develops and maintains catering accounts through personal sales calls, networking events, and on-site entertainment




• Ensures all event details are finalized and communicated to responsible department managers enabling sufficient lead time for product ordering, staff scheduling and event preparation




• Ensures accuracy of Invoices and provides bill review on completion of event




• Managing challenges and glitches that arise and finding solutions, keeping Chief Operations Officer and Event Manager(s) fully informed on all unusual matters so that prompt corrective action can be taken where appropriate




• Monitors sales performance of Event Sales Managers




• Designs creative and innovative menus based on skills of the kitchen

           and works closely with the Executive Chef on pricing specialty menus

• Hire, fire, train, coach and work with event staff, in order to solicit and book event functions, as well as the plans, and executes functions. Evaluates performance of staff duties in accordance with Salsa Caterers & Events performance standards




• Works collaboratively across all departments to create and ensure quality levels are being met on a daily basis as well as enhances overall event experiences




• Responds to prospect inquiries with 24 business hours




• Provides tours of the facilities, reviews booking logistics, room options, and menus with potential clients




• Meets weekly with the Executive Chef to review upcoming events; informs all necessary departments of any updates or changes and coordinate with the Executive Chef for revisions and updates of the catering menu regularly, reflecting culinary trends and member/client needs




• Leads event team to build long-term, value-based customer relationships that enable achievement of Salsa Event Sales objectives




• Creates and reviews annual budget; communicates directly with the

           Finance Manager on budget issues and/or inconsistencies

• Works with the Production team in the preparation of performance objectives and evaluation of the service staff




• Must have knowledge, skill and ability to perform proper table service, event set-up, table sizes and capacities, proper table settings for daytime and evening events; experience in fine dining etiquette




• Flexible schedule with the ability to work morning/afternoon shifts, nights, weekends, and at times holidays




• As a Manager of Salsa it is expected to establish a mentor/mentee relationship with direct reports in order to support our employees learn and grow in a manner that fosters a positive and encouraging environment.

Additional Job Requirements:

• Booking and coordinating event logistics using Caterease application




• Preferred Education and/or Experience: This position generally requires a two or four-year degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, and/or relevant experience in Catering and Food Services. Previous knowledge, skills, and abilities serving, supervising and training in a fine dining food service environment are a plus.




• Required certification: New York City Food Handler’s Certification. If you do not have this certification, Salsa will sponsor your certification.




• Language Skills: The ability to write and speak concisely is required to maintain proper, effective communication between staff and clients; excellent verbal skills are essential to supervise and direct personnel effectively. Bilingual English - Spanish is required.




• Physical Demands: This position routinely requires standing, walking, holding/carrying, reaching, twisting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, kneeling/squatting, sitting, climbing stairs/ladders. Employee must have the ability to lift and/or move at least 40 pounds on a consistent basis.




• Other duties as assigned

Salsa embraces diversity. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.