Banquet and Catering Events Lead

Corewell Health•Grand Rapids, MI

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Job Summary We're looking for an exceptional communicator and operational problem-solver to serve as the vital connection between our events coordination and catering operations teams. If you thrive on preventing problems before they happen, translating between different teams' languages, and ensuring flawless execution under pressure, this role is for you. As our Banquet & Catering Events Lead, you'll be the person who makes sure nothing falls through the cracks. You'll turn event requests into crystal-clear kitchen production plans, catch potential issues days in advance, and coordinate seamless delivery of high-stakes corporate events—primarily serving hospital system leadership meetings where excellence isn't optional. You'll spend your day moving between the kitchen, coordination offices, and event sites. You'll build relationships with chefs, event planners, and delivery teams. You'll be the calm, solution-focused voice when things get hectic. And you'll go home each day knowing your attention to detail made dozens of people's events run flawlessly. Essential Functions Keep Everyone on the Same Page Translate event coordinator requests into detailed kitchen production sheets with precise quantities, timing, dietary restrictions, and setup specifications Conduct pre-event briefings with kitchen teams 48-72 hours before each event Create day-of timeline documents showing exactly when things need to happen Serve as point of contact during events for real-time coordination Catch Problems Before They Become Crises Review upcoming events constantly, identifying potential issues early Ensure Quality Every Single Time Perform quality checks on food presentation, temperature, and accuracy before delivery Coordinate last-minute changes (guest count adjustments, dietary accommodations) Troubleshoot equipment failures, timing issues, and unexpected challenges Document lessons learned and drive continuous improvement Build Systems That Prevent Future Issues Track patterns in service challenges and recommend process improvements Update standard operating procedures based on real event outcomes Help newer team members understand the coordination process Verify ingredient availability and equipment needs well in advance Monitor kitchen production progress and flag delays immediately Develop backup plans for high-risk events Teaches and maintains correct sanitation and personal hygiene procedures throughout assigned areas, e.g., following proper dress code. Completes assigned quality assurance monitors. Applies reasonable judgment to the interpretation departmental policies and procedures. Ensures proper preparation and services meals. Ensures proper storage of food items as required, labeling and dating items per standard. Responsible for the training of new staff. May lead new hire department orientation or perform other technical tasks within the designated area of responsibility. Picks up and delivers various materials, supplies and other items and ensures vehicle is ready for the following route by filling up the gas tank and returning keys and equipment to designated area. Keep vehicles clean, organized and prepared for the next drive to utilize. Advise supervisor of any repairs needed. Ensures timely, safe and accurate deliver and must be able to operate vehicles in all weather and driving conditions and abides by all traffic laws while representing Corewell Health in a professional manner.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
1 year of relevant experience food service, preferably in health care setting or related field
Must be 21 years of age
Must have excellent driving record
LIC-Driver's License - STATE_MI State of Michigan Upon Hire
CRT-Accredited Food Protection Manager, CFP - ANSI National Accreditation Board ANSI National Accreditation Board 90 Days

Nice To Haves

Associate's Degree Hospitality or Nutrition
1 year of relevant experience Leadership

Responsibilities

Translate event coordinator requests into detailed kitchen production sheets with precise quantities, timing, dietary restrictions, and setup specifications
Conduct pre-event briefings with kitchen teams 48-72 hours before each event
Create day-of timeline documents showing exactly when things need to happen
Serve as point of contact during events for real-time coordination
Review upcoming events constantly, identifying potential issues early
Perform quality checks on food presentation, temperature, and accuracy before delivery
Coordinate last-minute changes (guest count adjustments, dietary accommodations)
Troubleshoot equipment failures, timing issues, and unexpected challenges
Document lessons learned and drive continuous improvement
Track patterns in service challenges and recommend process improvements
Update standard operating procedures based on real event outcomes
Help newer team members understand the coordination process
Verify ingredient availability and equipment needs well in advance
Monitor kitchen production progress and flag delays immediately
Develop backup plans for high-risk events
Teaches and maintains correct sanitation and personal hygiene procedures throughout assigned areas, e.g., following proper dress code.
Completes assigned quality assurance monitors.
Applies reasonable judgment to the interpretation departmental policies and procedures.
Ensures proper preparation and services meals.
Ensures proper storage of food items as required, labeling and dating items per standard.
Responsible for the training of new staff.
May lead new hire department orientation or perform other technical tasks within the designated area of responsibility.
Picks up and delivers various materials, supplies and other items and ensures vehicle is ready for the following route by filling up the gas tank and returning keys and equipment to designated area.
Keep vehicles clean, organized and prepared for the next drive to utilize.
Advise supervisor of any repairs needed.
Ensures timely, safe and accurate deliver and must be able to operate vehicles in all weather and driving conditions and abides by all traffic laws while representing Corewell Health in a professional manner.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package to meet your financial, health, and work/life balance goals.
Learn more here .
On-demand pay program powered by Payactiv
Discounts directory with deals on the things that matter to you, like restaurants, phone plans, spas, and more!
Optional identity theft protection, home and auto insurance, pet insurance
Traditional and Roth retirement options with service contribution and match savings
Eligibility for benefits is determined by employment type and status

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