Event Producer – High-End Catering & Venue Production

Event Producer- Catering & Special Events

Joel Catering & Special Events | New Orleans, LA

Job Type: Full-time

Location: Greater New Orleans Area

Schedule: Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends based on event needs

Joel Catering & Special Events is seeking an experienced Event Producer to lead the planning, coordination, and on-site execution of weddings, galas, corporate events, and other high-end catered events.

This is a hands-on event production position for someone with direct experience managing complex events from the planning phase through successful execution.

Our Event Producers take ownership of events following the sales handoff, approximately 4–6 months before the event date. They serve as the primary client contact throughout production, coordinating every detail from floor plans and timelines to vendors, staffing, rentals, and event-day logistics.

We're looking for someone who knows what it takes to bring an event to life—not just plan it on paper. The ideal candidate is highly organized, confident leading teams, calm under pressure, and passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences.

Event Planning & Client Management

• Take ownership of events from the production handoff through execution and final wrap-up.
• Serve as the primary client contact throughout the production process.
• Develop detailed event timelines, floor plans, layouts, and production schedules.
• Guide clients through event design, logistics, service flow, and final decisions.
• Manage event details within established budgets while identifying opportunities to enhance the guest experience.
• Prepare and maintain accurate event orders, production documents, and supporting paperwork using Caterease and Prismm.

Event Production & Logistics

• Coordinate all production elements, including rentals, vendors, staffing, equipment, and event infrastructure.
• Communicate event requirements to kitchen, warehouse, delivery, and front-of-house teams.
• Conduct site visits and coordinate load-in, setup, breakdown, and vendor logistics.
• Anticipate operational challenges and develop solutions before they impact the event.
• Collaborate with sales and operations teams to ensure a smooth transition from booking to production.

On-Site Event Execution

• Serve as the lead producer and primary point of contact during assigned events.
• Oversee vendor arrivals, load-in, setup, staffing, service execution, and breakdown.
• Direct event staff and coordinate with internal teams to maintain timelines and service standards.
• Troubleshoot unexpected challenges and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Ensure every event meets Joel Catering's standards for presentation, hospitality, and guest experience.
  

• Minimum 5 years of direct, hands-on event planning and production experience, preferably in full-service catering, weddings, galas, or high-end special events.
• Professional working experience with both Caterease and Prismm/Allseated/Cvent required.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing events from planning through on-site execution.
• Experience developing floor plans, production timelines, event orders, and detailed logistics plans.
• Experience coordinating outside vendors, rentals, staffing, and internal production teams.
• Experience leading on-site event setup, service, and breakdown.
• Strong client communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours as event schedules require.
• Based in the Greater New Orleans area.

You'll thrive in this position if you:

• Take ownership of your events and follow through on every detail.
• Understand both the creative and logistical sides of event production.
• Enjoy working directly with clients, vendors, and production teams.
• Can confidently lead a room full of staff and vendors during a live event.
• Stay calm, organized, and solution-focused when plans change.
• Have a genuine appreciation for food, service, and thoughtful hospitality.
• Take pride in producing seamless, well-executed events.

Please note: This position requires direct event production experience. Culinary, restaurant management, hotel sales, or catering sales experience alone does not meet the qualifications unless it includes substantial responsibility for planning and personally executing events.

Joel Catering & Special Events is a premier New Orleans catering and special events company specializing in weddings, galas, corporate events, and private celebrations.

Our team produces events throughout New Orleans and manages several distinguished event venues, including Il Mercato, the New Orleans Board of Trade, and venues within New Orleans City Park.

We're committed to delivering the Joel Experience through exceptional food, thoughtful service, teamwork, and attention to every detail.