Director of Catering & Events

IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?

• Do you love working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment?
• Are you the kind of person who can’t stand sitting still when there’s work to be done?
• Do you thrive on figuring out a way to make things happen, no matter what?
• Are you the type of person who holds yourself to high standards, because you believe how you do one thing is how you do everything ?
• Do you believe that working hard and having fun can (and should!) go hand-in-hand?

Yes?! Then YOU should join our team!

WHY WORK HERE?:

Here are some of the perks!

• PPO medical, dental, & vision Insurance with 50% company contribution
• 401K retirement savings plan w/ 3% company match
• 2 weeks of paid time off & 5 sick days
• Flexible days off, typically back-to-back
• A generous, never-expires, $250 monthly food & drink allowance
• A 20% employee discount on food & drinks anytime you're not working, for you & your whole table
• A 20% employee discount on drop-off catering
• Free Thanksgiving & Christmas dinner boxes for you & your family - so you don’t have to cook on the holidays!
• Attendance at fun, \State of the Company\ company events twice a year
• Access to lots of company-paid business coaching & resources
• As a company, we run on EOS; so we're a collaborative, strategic, and winning team (i.e. no more meetings that just waste your time - promise!)
• Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, & your birthday off, automatically
• The opportunity to grow quickly with a forward-thinking company that regularly reinvests in itself and its people

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?:

RESPONSIBILITIES

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

» ① Hire & Develop a High-Performing Catering Team

Hand-pick your A-players, coach & develop your B-players, and encourage the C-players... to work somewhere else.

» ② Uncompromising Event Quality Control

You’ll lead the charge to ensure - with your own eyes and ears! - that our high standards are met, event after event - definitely when you’re there, and especially when you’re not.

» ③ Run Top-Notch Catering & Event Operations

You’ll ensure catering operations run smooth like *butta* - from packing to setup to service to breakdown, and everywhere in between.

» ④ Drive Catering Profitability

Maximize yours P's and minimize your L's, bb! You'll be responsible for (and damn good at!) controlling catering costs, without ever (we mean ever-ever!) sacrificing quality.

» ⑤ Create Smart Opportunities for Brand Exposure

Show us off! Plan & execute public events that turn heads, build buzz, and drive real business.

*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

The total compensation for this position will be between $80000 - $90000 per year. Base salary depends on relevant experience.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position is full-time, with a semi-set schedule designed around the demands of our catered events. Our Catering Manager 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 Catering Manager 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 experience in catering or event operations
• At least 3 years in a General Manager, Catering Operations Manager, or equivalent role, preferably managing high-volume events or off-site catering operations
• A Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, or equivalent real-world experience
• Familiarity with off-site catering challenges (weather, space limitations, guest dynamics, etc.)
• 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 have the ability to regularly work 50-ish hours per week
• Physically able to lift 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!

Wooden Paddle is 11-years-young restaurant & catering company, started in 2013. (That's a whole middle-schooler ago!)
Our purpose, and the reason we exist, is to be 'The Place You Want to Be'.
Our niche, and the thing we work really freaking hard to do better than anyone else, is creating ✨ Super Fun Dining Experiences✨.
Our focus is shareable, wood-fired comfort foods , artsy cocktails , & good-time energy ‍♀️.
As a team, we're scrappy go-getters who don't take ourselves too seriously - but we take our food, drinks, and hospitality *extremely* seriously.
And we're all on a mission to hit 10 Million Good-Time Guest Experiences by 2033! Come for the pizza, stay for the party bb!