Job Description

The Lead Onsite Catering Event Producer (Lead OEP) is a part-time leadership role responsible for the on-site execution of Off the Grid's mobile food catering program. Working Fridays and Saturdays for a 10 week season (with the possibility of continuing in a private event capacity beyond that) with one dedicated administrative support day per week, the Lead OEP serves as the primary on-the-ground leader - overseeing a team of 3–6 temporary and onsite production staff, managing event logistics end-to-end, and representing Off the Grid's brand and hospitality standards with every client interaction.

This role is an elevation of the Onsite Event Producer position, combining field execution, staff leadership, equipment stewardship, and administrative oversight into a single point of accountability. The ideal candidate is a charismatic natural leader who thrives in dynamic, fast-moving environments, communicates with clarity and warmth, and brings both operational precision and a hospitality-first mindset to every event.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Production

• Attend Pre-Production Handoff Meetings with the Catering Event Producer to review event details including client and venue contacts, permitting, event layout and timelines, rentals, and staffing.
• Prepare and communicate run-of-show and role assignments to the onsite team prior to each event.
• Coordinate equipment and asset readiness, tracking deployment status and flagging any gaps to the Catering Production team.

Onsite Event Execution

• Lead all aspects of event day operations, including but not limited to:
• Vendor arrival, coordination, and parking logistics
• Rental setup and breakdown oversight
• Onsite service staff management and direction
• Guest engagement and hospitality standards
• Live communication with clients, venue managers, and inspectors
• Execute and uphold event timelines and production rituals, ensuring the team remains on schedule and client expectations are met or exceeded.
• Manage and motivate a team of 3–6 temp and onsite production staff; model professional, hospitality-forward behavior at all times.
• Proactively resolve issues and adapt to on-the-fly changes with composure and resourcefulness.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Serve as the onsite team lead, providing real-time direction, coaching, and feedback to temp staff throughout each event.
• Model Off the Grid's standards for communication, guest service, and operational excellence.
• Identify performance gaps and communicate observations to the Assistant Director of Operations.

Equipment & Asset Management

• Track and manage catering production equipment and rentals across events - including deployed, pending, and returned assets.
• Ensure proper setup, use, and return of all equipment; flag any damage, loss, or maintenance needs promptly.
• Maintain organized and accurate records of equipment status and usage.

Administrative Support (Weekly Admin Day)

• Complete post-event summaries and operational reports, communicating key updates, overages, and feedback to the Catering Production team.
• Manage internal communications with Catering Event Producers and Operations leadership as needed.
• Support preparation for upcoming events: confirm vendor details, review timelines, and flag any logistics concerns.
• Contribute to the ongoing refinement of production SOPs, checklists, and training materials.

Post-Event

• Participate in post-event debriefs with the Catering Event Producer and/or Catering Production Manager.
• Document event performance, vendor notes, and client feedback for future planning cycles.

Qualifications

Experience: 3+ years of event production and/or catering operations experience

Leadership: At least 1 year of experience supervising onsite event staff or temp labor teams

Communication: Exceptional verbal communicator; charismatic, composed, and client-facing with confidence

Logistics: Strong organizational and logistical aptitude; able to manage multiple moving parts simultaneously

Problem-Solving: Calm under pressure; skilled at real-time issue resolution and adaptive thinking

Tech: Proficiency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive); experience with event production tools a plus

Transportation: Reliable transportation to and from Bay Area event sites required (90% travel)

Education: Bachelor's Degree preferred but not required

Physical Demands

This is primarily a supervisory and leadership role. While the Lead OEP may assist with event setup and breakdown as needed, heavy physical labor is not a core expectation of the position. The employee must be able to stand, walk, and move throughout event sites for extended periods. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Schedule & Commitment

• 10-week seasonal commitment (program-specific dates provided at time of offer)
• Fridays and Saturdays: on-site event days
• One weekday admin day per week for production support
• Occasional flexibility for pre-production meetings or event needs outside standard schedule

Off the Grid is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values differences among our associates, customers, vendors, and the communities in which we live and conduct business. Off the Grid is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.