Catering Event Manager

Hello and thank you for your interest in The JDK Group!  We are super excited to post this job opportunity as we love welcoming new members to our family!  First though, here is a little about who we are:

The JDK Group Catering & Events is Central PA’s premier custom catering and event-planning company where clients, and their special life moments, come first. Since 1987, we’ve continued to set the standards for events and hospitality for the areas surrounding Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York. With over 25 years of event management experience and the ability to plan a celebration for 15 to 15,000 people, our talented and passionate team offers exceptional guest service, award winning food, and innovative event design.  At JDK, we pride ourselves on being a passionate, cohesive family.  We provide an environment for growth and have promoted 75% of our current team in-house. It’s why our customers expect nothing less than an amazing event from us. We set a very high standard for ourselves, and constantly innovate by embracing, not fearing, change.

Below is a detailed job description for this role.  We know this is a lot to read and digest, but we wanted to be as thorough as possible as this is a full time, leadership role within our Event Service Department so it is important that we are clear of the expectations from the outset. 

FOOD SERVICE, CATERING OR OTHER HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.

PLEASE NOTE:  This is a VERY LABOR INTENSIVE role as you will be the onsite Event Manager for our events and responsible for ensuring the event is successfully executed. WEEKEND AVAILABILITY A MUST!

Thank in again for your interest in joining the JDK family!

Event Manager Key Job Responsibilities:

â—      Ability to handle and take full responsibility of executing typical, average-size, events in specific venues without the presence of the Event Coordinator or Producer.

â—      Lead an Event Team effectively through clear communication and positive reinforcement while also providing constructive criticism for the purposes of training, betterment, and morale of your team members.

â—      Full understanding and enforcement of all major company policies as well as the following procedures;
service of alcohol, tipping, dress code, work related injuries, damage to client or venue property, vehicle damage or accidents, supervision of minors, supervising temporary and W-9 staff members, purchase vouchers, event overtime fees, mileage reimbursement, etc.

â—      Act as the point of contact for the client on the day of the event. Forward-thinking ability to guide the client through the event timeline and provide them advice when adjustments are needed in order to ensure the best possible guest experience, and keep the food quality to our standards.

â—      Constant communication to all Event Staff, Supervisors, Culinary Leads and Staff, Bartenders, Vendors, etc., on the constant evolution of a specific event timeline while paying attention to all concerns raised.

â—      Responsible for ensuring all services contracted by JDK, on behalf of the client, are executed as planned and that they meet or exceed the client’s expectations. This may include pieces above and beyond catering that are often provided by outside vendors such as rentals, decor, and entertainment.

â—      Ability to properly use, troubleshoot, transport and set up AV Equipment owned by JDK.

â—      Interact with, and guide outside vendors such as DJs, florists, and bakers, as they arrive on site and throughout the event. Also, taking the proper care of their equipment if a vendor is not remaining onsite

â—      Ability to foresee potential issues that may arise that could negatively impact your guest or client experience with the event as planned. Problem solve and implement solutions quickly with little or no guidance.

â—      Ability to work effectively hand-in-hand with your Event Sales Coordinator or Producer in the case that they are present for either a period of time or the entire duration of your event.

â—      Accurately interpret complex event notes and diagrams to ensure all event details are executed as promised.

â—      Create comprehensive staff assignments based on event details

â—      Proactive communication to Event Sales Coordinator or Producer if you need more information regarding event or venue specifics, policies, and procedures in order to confidently execute the event.

â—      Ability to lead a team through the execution of a full-service meal including salad service, expo for full-service dinners, cake service, and the management of guests’ dietary restrictions.

â—      Conducting pre-shift stand-up meetings including all members of both FOH and BOH.

â—      Mandatory attendance at bi-monthly Event Manager meetings and positive overall attendance record.

â—      Perform other duties, as assigned, or as needed, to meet ensure a successful event

Kitchen & Warehouse Responsibilities:

â—      Assist with the preparation, execution and delivery of daily contracted meals

â—      Assist with event related food preparation when needed

â—      Be trained and become proficient in the below event execution related areas; not only to work shifts within each department but also to supervise teams within each department:

Packing / Loading / Put Away

Event Setup

Laundry

Dish

â—       Perform other duties, as assigned, or as needed, to meet ensure a successful event