Catering Operations Lead

Catering Operations Lead

About Bear’s Smokehouse:

At Bear’s Smokehouse, we take pride in delivering mouthwatering BBQ and top-notch service, whether in our restaurants or at off-site events. We are looking for a Catering Operations Lead to ensure seamless catering operations and provide exceptional customer service during our events. This position involves hands-on leadership, coordinating event logistics, and delivering an unforgettable experience for our clients.

Position Overview:

The Catering Operations Lead will represent Bear’s Smokehouse at off-site events, leading the catering team and ensuring smooth event operations. This role includes overseeing inventory, delegating tasks, maintaining food safety standards, and working collaboratively with restaurant and event management teams. The Catering Operations Lead will also act as the primary point of contact for clients during events to ensure guest satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and lead catering staff at events, ensuring smooth operations and excellent service.
• Coordinate event logistics with restaurant and event management teams, including packing all necessary supplies (food, beverages, smallwares, etc.) according to the Banquet Event Order (BEO).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients during events, addressing concerns and ensuring a positive guest experience.
• Ensure safe food handling practices are followed, including time and temperature controls, and record temperature data per company policy.
• Lead setup and breakdown of food and beverage stations, following event-specific timelines and guidelines.
• Use strong menu knowledge to explain and recommend items to guests during service.
• Maintain clean and organized workstations to minimize visibility of excess supplies from guest view.
• Assist with deliveries and food truck service at various locations.
• Report issues promptly to management and assist with venue inventory and waste logs.
• Complete daily event logs and submit end-of-shift reports.
• Drive company vehicles safely to and from event locations, including food trucks, vans, and box trucks, as needed.
• Support the execution of company-wide and specialty/custom events.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred, or at least 1 year of relevant industry experience.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service and create a positive guest experience in high-pressure environments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with guests, including VIPs.
• Experience in leading and coordinating event teams to ensure smooth operations.
• Proactive problem-solving skills to handle unexpected challenges during events.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and maintain order accuracy.
• Knowledge of food safety practices and ability to maintain quality standards.
• Proficiency in handling cash and processing credit card transactions.
• Experience with inventory tracking and daily event reporting.
• Ability to safely operate company vehicles, including food trucks and box trucks.
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in high-visibility or high-pressure situations.
• Willingness to work a fluctuating schedule based on events, including weekends and some holidays.
• Ability to lift and carry catering equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

DRIVING REQUIRED:

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to attend off-site meetings and drive company vehicles as needed.
• Proof of personal insurance that meets company requirements.
• Clear motor vehicle record (MVR) check.
• Ability to safely operate company vehicles, including large vans, box trucks, food trucks, and combination truck/trailer units.
• Comply with company policies regarding safe driving practices and maintain a clean driving record throughout employment.

Certifications/Training Required:

• Successful completion of company training program.
• ServSafe certification (must have or obtain within 8 weeks of start date and maintain throughout employment).
• TIPS alcohol certification (must have or obtain within 8 weeks of start date and maintain throughout employment).
• Onboarding and retraining required for re-hires with a lapse in employment of four months or more.

Why Join Bear’s Smokehouse?

• Work in a fun, fast-paced environment with a passionate team.
• Opportunities for growth and advancement in a dynamic hospitality company.
• Enjoy delicious BBQ while making memorable events happen!
• Shift Meals – Fuel up with free legendary BBQ on the job.
• Group Rate Colonial Life Insurance Plans – Access to affordable coverage for peace of mind.

If you're ready to bring your leadership, organizational, and customer service skills to a team that values hard work and great food, we want to hear from you!

Apply now and be part of the Bear’s Smokehouse family!

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $20 - $35