Catering - Lead

SSA Group • Norwalk, CT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey. Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities. The Catering Lead reports directly to the Catering Manager(s) and Catering Supervisors. This role is responsible for overseeing the quality, product levels, and inventory for catering events, ensuring efficient guest service, and leading the setup, execution, breakdown, and cleanup of food and beverage for events. The Catering Lead also supervises buffet attendants and food runners, interprets BEOs, and works with management to train staff, all while upholding company policies and health and safety practices.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, General Manager and HQ personnel.
• Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
• Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Operate all equipment necessary to perform job duties.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.
• All educational backgrounds are eligible.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of catering experience preferred.
• BEO knowledge and execution preferred.

Responsibilities

• Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client.
• Oversee quality, product levels and inventory of product.
• Fulfill guest’s needs quickly and efficiently as well as resolve complaints effectively.
• Oversee proper setup, execution, breakdown, and cleanup of the buffets, stations and any other food & beverage for each event.
• Lead communication between back-of-house and front-of-house to ensure food is correct and out at approved times.
• Supervise buffet attendants and food runners throughout the event.
• Successfully interpret and execute BEOs to the high standards of the organization.
• Possess expert-level knowledge of menus, food presentation, and food service techniques.
• Perform strenuous manual labor as required (equipment storage, event setup, tear down of tables and chairs).
• Work with the catering management team to supervise and train staff for all departments.
• Able to explain and elaborate on event successes or failures.
• Solve problems during events and implement creative solutions.
• Maintain a friendly and approachable attitude towards the client, guests, and staff.
• Communicate clearly and openly with all staff members for overall success.
• Display a sense of urgency at all times.
• Uphold a professional appearance and mannerism.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures.
• Follow health and safety practices at all times.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units
• Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels
• Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary
• Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back

Benefits

• Eligible for overtime pay.
• On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
• Meal Plan & Employee Discounts at applicable locations.
• Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).
• Tuition Discount through Partnership College.
• Up to 8 hours of Bereavement Leave
• Holiday pay of 1.5× the regular rate is provided for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
• Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees