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Director of Catering & Events - Operations

IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?

  • Do you do your best work in fast-paced environments with a lot of moving parts?
  • Are you naturally wired to act instead of wait?
  • When something isn’t working, do you figure it out and move it forward?
  • Do you hold yourself — and your team — to high standards, because how you do one thing is how you do everything?
  • Do you take your work seriously, without taking yourself too seriously?

Yes?! Then YOU should join our team!


WHY WORK HERE?:

Here are some of the perks!


  • PPO Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance - PPO plans, 50% company-paid 
  • 401K Retirement Plan - With 3% company match
  • Weekly Pay – In your bank, once a week, like clockwork
  • Paid Time Off - 2 weeks of paid time off
  • Bonus Days Off – Never work on Thanksgiving or Christmas - we’re closed!
  • Paid Sick Leave - 5 sick days, just in case
  • Flexible Days Off – Typically scheduled back-to-back, with the ability to move them around
  • Monthly Leadership Book Club – Free book, free snacks, free drinks, and big ideas
  • Fast Growth – We’re scaling fast and we promote from within!
  • Access to Expert Coaches – If you’re hungry to grow, we’ve got the pros
  • Free Holiday Dinner Boxes – So you don’t have to cook on the Thanksgiving or Christmas!
  • $250 Monthly Dining Allowance – free food & drinks, that never expires
  • 20% Restaurant Discount – 20% off anytime, for you and your whole table
  • 20% Drop-Off Discount – 20% off anytime, for any size party
  • State of the Company Events – Fun team hangs with big updates and snacks galore
  • We Run on EOS – Clear roles, real accountability, & we’re always leveling up


WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?:


RESPONSIBILITIES

As our Director of Catering & Events - Operations, you'll be at the helm of all things catering & event operations. These are the results you'll be hired to accomplish:


» ① A Healthy & High-Performing Catering & Events Team

In this role, you’ll hire & train a *dream team* full of the ‘right people’ — that fit our culture — in the ‘right seats’ — the job that best matches what they’re naturally wired to do, and do well.


» ② Bulletproof Event Preparation

Every event is staffed, prepped, packed, and staged correctly before it leaves the building — no scrambling, no missing pieces, no last-minute chaos.


» ③ Consistent, On-Point Event Execution

You make sure events are run the right way, every time. During peak volume, you’ll be present across multiple events — coaching in real time and reinforcing our standards so they stick. 


» ④ Tight, Controlled Catering Costs

You actively manage labor, food, and operating costs so they stay in check and on track — without ever cutting corners or sacrificing quality. 


» ⑤ A Well-Oiled Catering & Events Machine

You build, improve, and maintain the systems behind how we operate — so the entire department runs on structure and repeatable processes, not heroics, guesswork, or “how we’ve always done it.”



*As a disclaimer*: This is a dynamic position, in a rapidly growing company, in an always-changing industry. That means that this position and its responsibilities will continue to evolve. So, if you're change-adverse, this job ain't it.


That being said - if you're good with change, and are willing to try new things - you'll love this job, and it'll love you right back.



PAY

We pay a base wage of $85,000 - $90,000, depending on experience, plus a performance-based quarterly bonus after the 90-day onboarding period. Total compensation for this position will likely fall between $100000.00 - $105000.00 per year. 



WORK SCHEDULE

This position is full-time, with a semi-set schedule designed around the demands of our catered events. Our Director of Catering & Events - Operations will be on-site for the most significant, most complex, highest-revenue events — and expected to float between multiple events in a single day when needed. While the weekly schedule may vary, days off are typically back-to-back. Our Director of Catering & Events - Operations will work 5 days, and typically 45-50 hours per week.


WILL YOU FIT IN HERE? 

Our team has been built - brick by brick - on shared core values. And no, they’re not just bullsh*t words slapped on a wall - they’re who we are at our core - and they’re non-negotiables for working here. You’ll feel super *comfy* and right at home if these words describe you:


» You Come With Batteries Included

You’re a high-energy self-starter who jumps into action, and doesn’t need hand-holding to get things done.


» You’re Scrappy

You’re a resourceful problem-solver who makes things happen; if there’s no door, you get in through a window.


» You Take Your Work Seriously

You take pride in your work, big and small, and you have a natural reflex to do things the *right* way.


» But, You Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

You’re a positive team player who owns up to your mistakes, is open to feedback, and is humble about your wins.


And if these words *don’t* describe you? You’ll be decidedly *uncomfy* here. So, fair warning - If you’re a cranky a** problem-bringer who’s cool being super-mid at your job and needs constant hand holding… may we suggest… working literally anywhere else?


JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Here are some of our must-haves & would-like-to-haves:

  • At least 5 years of professional Catering & Events experience
  • At least 3 years of experience leading a high-volume Catering, Events, or Hospitality operation 
  • Proven experience hiring, staffing, and leading teams
  • Proven experience actively managing costs in a high-volume hospitality operation
  • Familiarity with off-site catering challenges (weather, space limitations, guest dynamics, etc.)
  • Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, or equivalent real-world experience
  • Must be able to (or be willing to learn to!) drive large vehicles — including trailers, box trucks, and extended vans
  • Must have current ServSafe Manager & BASSET Certifications
  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Must have open availability — including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Must be able to regularly work 50-ish hours per week
  • Physically able to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for long periods, and keep up with the pace of fast-paced events
  • Must have a valid driver's license & sole access to a personal vehicle
  • Familiarity with Total Party Planner, 7Shifts, & Margin Edge a plus

Work schedule

  • 8 hour shift
  • 10 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability
  • Holidays

Supplemental pay

  • Bonus pay

Benefits

  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k) matching
  • Referral program
  • Employee discount
  • Paid training
  • Mileage reimbursement

Wooden Paddle - Catering - Wooden Paddle

16135 W New Ave, Lemont, IL, 60439
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