Job Description

Job Location: Food Fight - Monona, WI 53716
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $65,000.00 Salary/year
Job Shift: FirstThe Catering & Events Manager is a key sales-driven and client-service leader responsible for managing catering sales, private dining, and event detailing across an assigned group of Food Fight restaurants and catering operations. This is a hybrid role that combines proactive catering sales with detailed event planning, documentation accuracy, client communication, and strong administrative execution.
The Catering & Events Manager drives revenue growth, ensures seamless coordination between clients and operations teams, and maintains a high level of organization, professionalism, and hospitality. The position works closely with the Director of Catering & Events, DCC Director of Operations, restaurant General Managers, and Executive Chefs to deliver memorable events and best-in-class guest experiences.

Job Responsibilities:
Catering Sales, Client Relations & Business Development
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all catering, private dining, and event inquiries for assigned Food Fight restaurants and catering operations.
- Respond to all inquiries, contracts, and follow-up messages within 24 hours.
- Conduct proactive outreach to corporate clients, university partners, nonprofits, and community groups to generate new business.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships through consistent communication, hospitality, and follow-through.
- Attend networking events and community gatherings representing Food Fight Restaurant Group to grow the catering client base.
- Track sales activity, maintain an active pipeline, and provide regular updates to the Director of Catering & Events.
Event Planning, Detailing & Execution Support
- Lead menu detailing, event planning, and timeline development for all catering and private dining events within assigned restaurants and catering operations.
- Act as the liaison between clients and restaurant teams, clearly communicating all event details, updates, and changes.
- Coordinate menus, rentals, AV needs, room setups, and production requirements with FOH, BOH.
- Identify high-complexity or large-scale events that require onsite check-in and provide support as needed.
- Collaborate closely with Events Directors to ensure smooth execution of onsite and offsite events.
Event Administration, Systems & Documentation
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date event documentation in Total Party Planner (Food Fight) and Reserve (DCC), including proposals, contracts, BEOs, timelines, and event orders.
- Process deposits, payments, and invoicing; manage accounts receivable and follow up on outstanding balances in accordance with company policy.
- Record all client communication and maintain organized event files, histories, and documentation workflows.
- Ensure all event details are accurate, complete, and communicated to restaurant and operations teams within established timelines.
- Follow standardized SOPs for inquiries, billing, contracts, detailing, payment processing, and event communication.
- Support continuous improvement of event administration processes and system usage to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with General Managers and Executive Chefs at assigned restaurants to ensure operational readiness for private dining and catering.
- Work in close alignment with the Director of Catering & Events on sales strategy, process improvements, and client experience initiatives.
- Collaborate with the DCC Director of Operations, who oversees staffing and onsite execution at DCC; ensure smooth handoff from sales/detailing to operations.
- Attend weekly meetings at DCC, including the BEO meeting with the UW/Housing sales team and weekly manager meetings.
- Communicate regularly with Marketing to provide updated offerings, photos, and promotional details for catering campaigns.
Miscellaneous Responsibilities
- Maintain a professional, upbeat, hospitable presence with internal teams and clients.
- Keep management informed weekly on sales projections, event pacing, and operational needs.
- Participate in monthly Food Fight catering/event meetings and cross-departmental operations meetings as needed.
- Propose improvements to catering processes, event workflows, and client experience.
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Catering & Events.
Success Metrics:
- Catering revenue growth at assigned restaurants and DCC
- Inquiry response time and client satisfaction
- Accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of BEOs, proposals, contracts, and payment processing
- Strong collaboration with restaurant teams and DCC operations
- Repeat business and long-term client retention
- Execution quality and guest feedback for events

Qualifications & Competencies:
- 3–5+ years in catering sales, events management, or hospitality operations.
- Strong client-relations and hospitality mindset; warm, polished communication style.
- Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously with accuracy and composure.
- Experience with Total Party Planner, Reserve, or other CRM/BEO software preferred.
- Strong administrative and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
- Comfortable working evenings/weekends for event check-ins as needed.
- Ability to lift 25 lbs and navigate event spaces when onsite.

Work Environment & Travel Expectations:
- Hybrid role with in person and remote work based on business needs. Will have parking pass for UW campus.
- Additional onsite time required at assigned Food Fight restaurants.
- Occasional nights/weekends for event oversight.
Required Responsibilities:
- Attend weekly DCC BEO meetings and DCC manager meetings
- Participate in restaurant BEO and/or manager meetings as needed based on business levels
- Hold monthly 1:1 meetings with the Director of Catering & Events
- Provide regular reporting on sales activity, forecasting, and performance
- Oversee all catering BEOs, inquiries, contracts, and event documentation with accuracy and timelines
- Attend select events for quality oversight and client relationship building
- Complete assigned projects on schedule and with a high degree of accuracy