Catering & Events Manager
5 days ago
Buffalo
Job Description Ember Kitchen & Café 257 Position Summary The Catering & Events Manager is responsible for overseeing all catering and event operations for Ember Kitchen & Café 257, both within the building and offsite. This role serves as the primary point of contact for clients, building management, and internal teams, ensuring every event is executed seamlessly, professionally, and to the highest standards. This position requires strong organizational skills, exceptional hospitality instincts, and a commitment to quality and consistency. The Catering & Events Manager plays a key role in protecting and elevating the Ember brand through thoughtful planning, clear communication, and flawless execution. Key Responsibilities Client & Event Coordination • Serve as the primary contact for all catering and event inquiries, proposals, and bookings, • Consult with clients to understand event goals, budgets, timelines, and expectations, • Coordinate all aspects of events including menus, staffing, rentals, timelines, and logistics, • Maintain strong relationships with building tenants, management, and offsite clients Internal Coordination • Work closely with culinary leadership to plan menus and ensure quality execution, • Communicate event details clearly to kitchen, café, and service teams, • Create and distribute event orders, timelines, and prep sheets, • Ensure staffing levels align with event needs On-Site & Offsite Event Oversight • Oversee event setup, service, and breakdown when required, • Act as the on-site problem solver, ensuring a smooth guest experience, • Maintain Ember standards for professionalism, hospitality, and presentation at all events Sales & Administration • Prepare proposals, contracts, and invoices, • Track bookings, revenue, and event performance, • Manage event calendars and confirm details leading up to each event, • Assist in developing catering menus, packages, and pricing strategies Quality & Brand Standards • Ensure all events reflect Ember’s commitment to uncompromising quality, • Uphold cleanliness, organization, and safety standards, • Represent Ember Kitchen & Café 257 with professionalism, integrity, and confidence Qualifications & Experience • 3–5 years of experience in catering, events, hospitality, or restaurant management, • Strong organizational and time-management skills, • Excellent communication and client-facing abilities, • Ability to manage multiple events and deadlines simultaneously, • Experience with both on-site and offsite catering preferred, • Comfortable working flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, • Passion for quality food and hospitality What Success Looks Like in This Role • Clients feel confident, supported, and excited throughout the planning process, • Events run smoothly, on time, and without last-minute issues, • Culinary and service teams receive clear, accurate event information, • Guests leave talking about the food, service, and overall experience, • Ember’s reputation is strengthened with every event Why Work With Us • Be part of a chef-driven, quality-focused hospitality group, • Play a key role in shaping and growing our catering and events business, • Work in a professional, respectful environment that values balance and accountability, • Competitive compensation based on experience