Catering/Events Lead

About the role

We seek extraordinary individuals who drive our brand promise of Creating Exceptional Experiences. We are a people-first organization, ignited from inside to succeed on the outside. We have fun, grow together, and strive to leave a positive lasting impression on everyone we meet.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Events Coordinator to plan for each event in the weeks and days prior to ensure readiness.
• Work with Food & Beverage Manager to hire, train, and develop events-capable team members then schedule them as needed to support event execution.
• Establish standards for event sets, food and beverage quality, presentation, handling, sanitation and safety.
• Set the room according to what is outlined in the banquet event order and experiential insights inform what may enable better service and guest flow.
• Bring an eye for detail and table/bar scape, using elevation, thinking through details such as order of service, plate assembly, and service ware to optimize member experience and minimize distractions.
• Oversee decorating the room, buffet, and tables in a manner that compliments the event theme and/or business brand hosting the event.
• Influence decisions around specialty cocktails, producing signage when added to event that can enhance member experience and contribute to positive revenue generation.
• Oversee delivery of private club level customer service, contributing hands-on as may be beneficial or needed for smaller events.
• Know the menu for each event, representing it well to members, guests, and clients to include menu cards for every item.
• Communicate directly with the culinary, service, and stewarding teams during service to ensure proper member and guest service is being achieved.
• Coordinate the timing of each course to correspond with the dining pace of guests.
• Maintain awareness of culinary team readiness for service, staging items for efficient replenishment.
• Assist in the acquisition of special equipment needed for banquet functions, taking care to transport and store it safely.
• Oversee event and storage rooms ensuring they remain organized and tidy.
• Ensure event spaces are “show ready,” minimizing clutter natural to transition between events.
• Conduct a briefing or “line-up” with team members at the beginning of each event in order to convey service, menu, timing, and other key details.
• Represent the club as the point of contact during events, acting as the primary liaison between members, guests, and team members including culinary.
• Respond to member and guest or prospect inquiries in a timely manner.
• Work to resolve guest issues and concerns during or post-event as necessary.
• Be available for back up service and bartending needs in the restaurant and other outlets.

Requirements

• At least two years of experience in a high-volume, high-quality catering, banquet, or event service operation; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Previous food & beverage supervisory experience desired.
• Exceptional customer service and relationship skills – a heart for hospitality.
• Basic computer literacy with point-of-sale system and the sales and catering applications.
• Organized and efficient in use of time.
• Capacity to respond with care and empathy to diffuse member challenges or frustrations.
• Physically capable of setting rooms, moving equipment, and décor.
• Current State Food Handling and Liquor Serving License(s).

Benefits

• Hourly Base Pay Range: $28 to $30.
• Service Charge/Tip eligible - Estimated up to $12/hr.
• Complimentary Access to Club Amenities (Free Golf!).
• Complimentary Shift meal if working (5) or more hours.
• Get Paid Daily (Make any day payday).
• Paid Time off & Holiday Pay (Because Balance Matters).
• Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, 401K.
• HSA/FSA Plans -with employer contribution.
• Values Based Culture (#OMGLIFE).
• Culture Add (Creating Space for Fresh Perspectives).
• Referral Bonus (Get Paid to Recruit).
• Discounted Lodging, Dining, Spa, Golf, and Retail (Yes, Discounted Travel!).
• Employee Assistance Program.
• “Columbia Cares” Volunteer Opportunities.
• Committee Participation Opportunities (Fun, Philanthropic, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion).
• Task Force Work Opportunities (Grow your career in idyllic locations across the globe).
• Online Learning Platform to Help You Grow!
• Third Party Perks (Including discounts on Pet Insurance, Rental Cars, Movie and Concert Tickets, Theme Park and Attractions & so much more).

Work Environment

Situated on the shores of Useless Bay on Whidbey Island, our members come from all walks of life to enjoy everything the Club has to offer in a location known for its serene coastal landscape. From the gently rolling hills of the Golf Course, to the spacious Clubhouse and restaurant, Useless Bay provides an escape from the distractions of your day-to-day routine so you can explore your interests, foster lifelong relationships, and continue building new ones.