Role Description

This is a full-time role at Immigrant Food in the Washington Metropolitan Area. The Senior Manager will be responsible for acquiring, planning, coordinating, and executing private events and catering at the restaurants, including private parties, fundraisers, and offsite catering. They will execute the Catering/Events strategy, and provide hands-on management and oversight in the areas of service and F&B operations during events. They will oversee an Assistant Manager, Events & Catering who will assist them in planning and executing events.

The ideal candidate is excited to work in a fast-paced environment, working towards establishing and growing an events/catering department within the restaurant group. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. The Events Manager will work closely with the restaurant operations team, vendors, and community partners to ensure successful and impactful events. The schedule is hybrid and flexible work focused on results.

Company Description

Immigrant Food is America's first gastroadvocacy restaurant concept with three locations in Washington, DC and a fourth opening in Virginia this Summer. The restaurant celebrates America's rich immigrant history and the contributions immigrants have made to the country's cuisine. Immigrant Food's menus feature a fusion of diverse cultures and flavors, showcasing the stories of immigrants through food. In addition to offering delicious meals, Immigrant Food advocates for and educates the public on immigration issues through impact partnerships with local NGOs, training programs, and a monthly magazine.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages the restaurant group's catering and events to ensure an efficient operations process and excellent guest experience.
• $1M in event/catering sales projected across three locations
• Senior Events person in a fast-growing restaurant group looking to build up/grow its Events & Catering department
• Develops and writes catering proposals, contracts and event orders; schedule catering events in TripleSeat, responds to client and guest requests, and works towards achieving annual and quarterly sales goals
• Develops and maintains an client database using various sales techniques, including but not limited to, prospecting and cold calls
• Develops and maintains relationships with third party vendors
• Communicates and coordinates with culinary and staff on daily basis
• Ensures all details are as noted in BEO. Creates staffing requirements, floor plan set-up, and other tasks 
• Places orders with all third party vendors
• Oversees one Assistant Manager, Events & Catering and works closely with the operations team of each restaurant
• Flexible work schedule including hybrid work; requires evening and weekend work as event schedule requires

Qualifications

• Experience in the hospitality/restaurant industry is required
• Events sales and coordinating experience required
• Rolodex of clients/contacts strongly preferred
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Creative problem-solving abilities
• Degree in event management, hospitality, or related field is preferred