What are the responsibilities and job description for the Catering Manager position at Fresh Baguette?
Fresh Baguette is a fast-growing, artisanal bakery known for its high-quality standards and modern atmosphere. The company was founded in Bethesda, MD in 2013, to bring fresh, made-from-scratch organic breads, pastries, sweets, and croissant items inspired by bakeries in France to the DMV area. We have expanded to seven retail locations, two production bakeries, and a thriving wholesale business. We serve coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores with fresh products every day, 365 days a year . Our mission is to offer our customers unique moments of indulgence that are delicious to every sense. We are passionate about quality and take great pride in everything we do. This value is evident in everything we do, from the smell of scratch-made artisanal croissants and organic bread baking fresh throughout the day to the beauty of hand-crafted pastries, delicious coffee, and savory creations delivered in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Reports to: Retail Operations Manager
Salary: Starting at $25/hour
Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k), product discounts, meal benefits, generous paid vacationPosition OverviewWe are looking for an entrepreneurial, hands-on Catering Manager to drive the growth, development, and execution of our expanding catering business. This role operates in a startup-like environment, where many processes are still being built, improved, and refined. The ideal candidate thrives with evolving priorities, flexible schedules, and creating structure in a fast-paced setting.The Catering Manager will focus on two key missions:Growing the catering program through outreach and client relationship building.Ensuring flawless preparation, presentation, and delivery of all catering orders, including large events exceeding $8,000.This is a highly visible, client-facing, hands-on role that requires physical stamina, including lifting heavy items, walking, and being on your feet for extended periods.Key ResponsibilitiesCatering Operations & ExecutionManage all incoming catering orders with accuracy, quality, and timely execution.Spend significant time hands-on in stores, preparing orders, supervising production, and ensuring all items meet company standards for taste, quality, and presentation.Travel store to store to physically supervise and support execution, especially during high-volume periods or complex orders.Support early-morning, late-afternoon, or evening prep and pickup needs (e.g., preparing or coordinating pickups at 5 AM or 5 PM).Work during busy seasons, holidays, and weekends for high-volume and time-sensitive catering needs.Work a flexible, non-standard schedule based on catering volume, client timelines, and new business generated.Adapt quickly as processes, priorities, and responsibilities evolve.Perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, walking, and standing for long periods as part of daily responsibilities.Large Orders & EventsCreate detailed action plans for large catering events, including orders over $8,000.Coordinate production, assembly, logistics, and communication across teams.Serve as a brand ambassador at events when needed.Client Acquisition & RelationshipsProactively secure new clients through in-person outreach to offices and local businesses.Respond to quotes, follow up on leads, and maintain long-term client relationships.Act as the warm, energetic, and customer-focused face of the catering program.Marketing, Growth & Process DevelopmentPartner with marketing on catering promotions.Provide input on menu updates based on trends and client needs.Suggest improvements to streamline operations and elevate the client experience.Help build and refine systems, workflows, and best practices as the department grows.Reporting & Strategic InputTrack catering sales, performance, and trends.Offer insights and recommendations to support growth and evolution.QualificationsMindsetEntrepreneurial, flexible, and comfortable in a startup-like, fast-changing environment.Strong initiative and adaptability, comfortable with evolving responsibilities.Passion for client service and relationship building.Experience & Skills3 years of project management experience.3 years in retail (preferred).Project Management Certification (a plus).Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities.Enjoys hands-on work with store teams.Physical RequirementsAbility to lift heavy items regularly.Comfortable being on your feet and walking throughout the day.Additional RequirementsAuthorized to work without sponsorship.Reliable transportation for frequent travel to store locations.Ability to work a variable, needs-based schedule driven by catering demands.Application ProcessSubmit a resume and cover letter highlighting your entrepreneurial mindset, client development experience, and interest in helping build an evolving catering operation.
Reports to: Retail Operations Manager
Salary: Starting at $25/hour
Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k), product discounts, meal benefits, generous paid vacationPosition OverviewWe are looking for an entrepreneurial, hands-on Catering Manager to drive the growth, development, and execution of our expanding catering business. This role operates in a startup-like environment, where many processes are still being built, improved, and refined. The ideal candidate thrives with evolving priorities, flexible schedules, and creating structure in a fast-paced setting.The Catering Manager will focus on two key missions:Growing the catering program through outreach and client relationship building.Ensuring flawless preparation, presentation, and delivery of all catering orders, including large events exceeding $8,000.This is a highly visible, client-facing, hands-on role that requires physical stamina, including lifting heavy items, walking, and being on your feet for extended periods.Key ResponsibilitiesCatering Operations & ExecutionManage all incoming catering orders with accuracy, quality, and timely execution.Spend significant time hands-on in stores, preparing orders, supervising production, and ensuring all items meet company standards for taste, quality, and presentation.Travel store to store to physically supervise and support execution, especially during high-volume periods or complex orders.Support early-morning, late-afternoon, or evening prep and pickup needs (e.g., preparing or coordinating pickups at 5 AM or 5 PM).Work during busy seasons, holidays, and weekends for high-volume and time-sensitive catering needs.Work a flexible, non-standard schedule based on catering volume, client timelines, and new business generated.Adapt quickly as processes, priorities, and responsibilities evolve.Perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, walking, and standing for long periods as part of daily responsibilities.Large Orders & EventsCreate detailed action plans for large catering events, including orders over $8,000.Coordinate production, assembly, logistics, and communication across teams.Serve as a brand ambassador at events when needed.Client Acquisition & RelationshipsProactively secure new clients through in-person outreach to offices and local businesses.Respond to quotes, follow up on leads, and maintain long-term client relationships.Act as the warm, energetic, and customer-focused face of the catering program.Marketing, Growth & Process DevelopmentPartner with marketing on catering promotions.Provide input on menu updates based on trends and client needs.Suggest improvements to streamline operations and elevate the client experience.Help build and refine systems, workflows, and best practices as the department grows.Reporting & Strategic InputTrack catering sales, performance, and trends.Offer insights and recommendations to support growth and evolution.QualificationsMindsetEntrepreneurial, flexible, and comfortable in a startup-like, fast-changing environment.Strong initiative and adaptability, comfortable with evolving responsibilities.Passion for client service and relationship building.Experience & Skills3 years of project management experience.3 years in retail (preferred).Project Management Certification (a plus).Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities.Enjoys hands-on work with store teams.Physical RequirementsAbility to lift heavy items regularly.Comfortable being on your feet and walking throughout the day.Additional RequirementsAuthorized to work without sponsorship.Reliable transportation for frequent travel to store locations.Ability to work a variable, needs-based schedule driven by catering demands.Application ProcessSubmit a resume and cover letter highlighting your entrepreneurial mindset, client development experience, and interest in helping build an evolving catering operation.