Event Planner Job at Relish Catering + Hospitality in New York

The Event Producer (EP) at Relish Catering + Hospitality is responsible for all aspects of the sales and event planning processes related to the prospecting, generation, and closing of business for all Off-Premise Catered Events. The EP reports to the Director of Sales. This position works closely with the operations + culinary teams.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

SALES + EVENT PLANNING

· Handling of inbound leads, custom proposal generation, menu + event design, and finances.

· Work with new and existing Relish clients to create and execute flawless events.

· Work with and guide clients through all aspects of event creation, from concept to execution. Coordinate and collaborate with team members and outside vendors as needed to ensure each event is executed to meet the client’s expectations and in accordance with the contract specifications.

· Attend various walk-thru and site tours of event venues.

· Leverage existing personal and professional clients and contacts’ “book of business” to advance Relish sales and create new sales opportunities for Relish.

· Seek new venue opportunities for preferred or exclusive relationships.

· Seek and create new catering and hospitality partnerships to grow sales.

· Involve yourself in business networking groups for the purposes of advancing Relish.

OPERATIONS

· Manage from an “owners” perspective continuously looking for ways to improve the department's fiscal performance as well as enhance guests' experience.

· Train our onsite staff on adopting the same “owners” perspective.

· Ensure F&B service is visually appealing and functions well daily.

· Ensure all catering menus are well-designed and effectively address client needs.

· Create menu designs and event designs that are visually attractive and relate to the event vision.

· Create accurate and clear EOs for staff to follow.

· Ensure all BEO changes are properly created, developed, and implemented in a timely fashion.

· Work with Kitchen, Captains, and Event Managers to ensure all EOs are thoroughly reviewed, all necessary orders are placed, and all staff is appropriately prepped and trained for the event.

· Coordinate all rental orders and any additional third-party vendors necessary to execute the event as designed and contracted.

· Secure timely receipt of deposits and payments.

· Managing from an “owners” perspective.

· Continually focus on building staff morale and team pride.

· Work with the VP of Ops, when requested, to initiate and implement sales training systems and standard operating procedures.

· Work with the VP of Ops, when requested, to initiate and implement event planning training systems.

· Attend weekly meetings with the relevant Relish team members to review, weekly BEO’s, Sales Management, Sales Funnel tracking and progress, company news, and any other pertinent information.

TRAINING + COACHING

· Working with the VP of Ops, create standard operating procedures for the successful operation of daily meal services, kitchen maintenance, on-site kitchen procedures, set-up, breakdown, opening and closing procedures, and other SOP’s required to ensure consistent, flawless service.

· Meet regularly with the onsite team and kitchen team to ensure expectations are being met through clear, constructive communication.

· Hire and train any new staff working at the account.

· Mentor and continuously train existing staff for ongoing improvement.

TECHNOLOGY

· Client tracking, selling, and remarketing, easily tracked through existing software or similar.

· Utilize technology to track sales leads, outreach, follow-up, and close leads.

· Utilize technology for lead generation and acquisition.

-- Experience with these, or similar software brands required (examples of current software);

· Caterease, HubSpot, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Campaign Monitor

· Microsoft 365 Business, including MS Teams

PHILOSOPHY + CULTURE

· Uphold the “Caring for the DETAILS” culture of Relish (delicious food, emotional engagement, thoughtfulness, accountability, innovation, local community, and service excellence).

· Develop tools and practices that lead to the advancement of the company culture, vision, and mission among all heart-of-house staff.

EDUCATION + EXPERIENCE

· Bachelor of Science degree preferred.

· A minimum of three years of experience in event planning, catering, and/or hospitality.

· Demonstrated ability to use catering software systems + databases.

· Demonstrated experience working in a highly detailed food and beverage operation.

BASIC SKILLS REQUIRED

· Excellent working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and similar programs.

· Solid reading, writing, and typing skills.

· Excellent phone + email etiquette.

· Outgoing personality, able to clearly communicate with clients on a daily basis.

· Subject to wet floors, temperature extremes, and excessive noise.

· Ability to work long days on your feet.

· Requires occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds in weight, 10 pounds frequently.

· Subject to background checks, depending on the various accounts.

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled