Marketing & Catering Events Manager

The Marketing & Catering Events Manager will play a vital role in overall organization of the catering department and driving catering sales.

As the Marketing & Catering Events Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the marketing and advertising of content and social media platforms for The Taco Project, soliciting and promoting catering business for the restaurants and be responsible for planning and management of the catered events (beginning to end).

You are to generate catering business using proactive sales activities in accordance with established Taco Project standards.

You will be responsible for overseeing staff, communicating details to assist in the successful execution of catering events and delivering cost-effective services.

You will report directly to the Director of Operations.

Responsibilities

• Administer catering operations to include, but not limited to, customer service needs, soliciting accounts, negotiating contracts, merchandising, planning, systems management, managing catering stock and inventory, and forecasting.
• Participate in preparation of, delivery to, and setup / breakdown of catering events.
• Prospect for new business through solicitation, networking and cold-calling to drive catering sales.
• Hire, train and supervise catering staff, as well as schedule employee shifts.
• Improve restaurant visibility by conducting outside sales calls / blitzes, attending trade shows and market segment related events, and attending Chamber of Commerce and other events.
• Track and update catering KPI’s weekly.
• Track and manage catering expenses and maintain accurate budget records.
• Manage and track performance of third party platforms such as Uber, Doordash, Grubhub, EZcater, etc.
• Prep materials for trade shows, events etc.
• Meet or exceed established monthly, quarterly, and annual targeted sales goals and profit margins.
• Maintain an active list of accounts to ensure continuous relationship development.
• Communicate event details and requirements with and provide input to team members to execute catering events effectively.
• Research food and beverage trends and keep up with innovations in the events and catering industry.
• Participate in preparation of, delivery to, and setup / breakdown of catering events.
• Evaluate customer needs and industry competitive set to provide input for operational changes necessary to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Monitor client satisfaction scores, in staff helpfulness, food quality and overall event to focus on continuous improvement of Taco Project Catering.
• Oversee all marketing efforts as related to catering (Blog, marketing email blasts, newsletters, online ads, marketing calendar) to ensure the maintenance of brand consistency and grow brand recognition across all platforms.
• Post and manage our Blog, marketing email blasts and newsletters weekly.
• Curate the Annual Marketing Calendar.
• Maintain brand consistency across all platforms, manage online reputation and engage online by managing comments and interacting with key accounts.
• Adhere to food and health industry regulations and standards.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Required

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to plan ahead and be proactive.
• Working knowledge of Hospitality / Restaurant Industry
• Ability to accept constructive feedback and to work collaboratively with upper management and other stakeholders to identify and facilitate needed promotions.
• Resourceful, ability to self-start, take initiative, and follow through on tasks.
• Personable, flexible, and adaptable with a can-do attitude.
• Collaborative and team oriented.

Competencies

• Proactive, goal-oriented go getter.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Graphic Design Experience.
• Google Ad posting experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work with all levels within the organization.
• Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Google Workspace, CRM).
• Excellent planning and organization skills with attention to detail.
• Must be a dynamic individual with the ability to effect change.
• Requires commitment to excellence; confident yet humble.

Working Conditions

• In person with varying shifts depending on the needs of the company (day, evening, weekend and / or holidays).
• Will require traveling and working at all locations and local events. Regular travel to Yonkers, NY, Pleasantville, NY, Tarrytown, NY, Bronxville, NY and Stamford, CT is required.
• Typically exposed to restaurant noises and interruptions such as loud kitchen noises, phones, and clients.
• Working as a team that allows everyone’s talents to flourish.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Extensive phone and email usage.
• Prolonged periods on your feet.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at a time.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ Years’ experience in the Hospitality / Restaurant Marketing and Advertising industry.
• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

For more information about our company and the services we offer, please visit thetacoproject.com