Catering Lead (Full-Time) - Eataly Chicago

About the role

Eataly Chicago’s Catering Lead manages the third-party catering business (primarily FoodStorm and EZCater), coordinating with Eataly’s kitchens and outlets to ensure orders are prepared accurately, packaged properly, and completed on time. The role reports to the Private Dining Manager and helps identify catering opportunities that can transition to private dining or events.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day third-party catering orders through platforms including FoodStorm and EZCater.
• Coordinate with kitchens, departments, and outlets to ensure catering orders are prepared accurately, packaged correctly, and ready for pickup or delivery on time.
• Communicate order details, timing, special requests, dietary requirements, and other relevant information to the appropriate teams.
• Monitor catering orders from placement through completion and proactively address any issues that could impact quality, accuracy, or timing.
• Coordinate with delivery partners and ensure orders are properly prepared and handed off.
• Follow up with guests after catering orders are completed to ensure satisfaction and address any concerns or service issues.
• Handle and resolve guest complaints or service issues related to third-party catering, escalating to management when necessary.
• Track guest feedback and communicate recurring issues or opportunities for improvement to management.
• Maintain strong working relationships with Eataly kitchens and outlets supporting catering production.
• Identify opportunities to grow third-party catering business through outreach, local business relationships, and lead-generation activities.
• Identify potential opportunities for private dining, in-house catering, or events and refer those leads to the Private Dining Manager.
• Support the Private Dining Manager by generating and passing along qualified catering and event leads.
• Ensure catering menus, collateral, and other relevant materials are current, available, and properly displayed.
• Assist with training team members on third-party catering procedures, order execution, and service standards.
• Communicate product, packaging, equipment, and operational needs related to catering.
• Monitor overall catering operations and help identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, guest satisfaction, and profitability.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in catering/sales management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fluid environment, working cross-functionally with different departments.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to exert well-paced mobility for up to 8 hours, including standing, walking, bending, and squatting.

Pay

$22.00–$24.00 hourly.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Paid Time Off.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• 401K with match or RRSP.
• Free family meal daily.
• Discounts at Eataly.
• Classes on products and Italian cuisine.
• Referral bonus program.