Catering Lead (Full-Time) - Eataly Chicago

Eataly is the world’s largest artisanal Italian food and beverage marketplace! Eataly is not a chain; each Eataly is different, with its own character and own theme – but all with the same aim... for our guests to:

• EAT authentic Italian food at our restaurants, cafés and to-go counters
• SHOP a selection of high-quality Italian, local and homemade products
• LEARN through our classes and our team’s product knowledge

Job Description

The Catering Lead is responsible for managing Eataly Chicago’s third-party catering business, with a primary focus on platforms such as FoodStorm and EZCater. This role coordinates closely with Eataly’s kitchens and outlets to ensure catering orders are prepared accurately, packaged properly, and completed on time. The Catering Lead follows up with guests after delivery to ensure a high level of satisfaction. This role reports to the Private Dining Manager.

All leads and inquiries for private dining, in-house catering, or events should be directed to the Private Dining Manager. The Catering Lead should also identify and develop potential catering business opportunities that can be transitioned to the Private Dining Manager.

• Manage day-to-day third-party catering orders through platforms including FoodStorm and EZCater.
• Coordinate with the appropriate kitchens, departments, and outlets to ensure catering orders are prepared accurately, packaged correctly, and ready for pickup or delivery on time.
• Communicate order details, timing, special requests, dietary requirements, and other relevant information to the appropriate teams.
• Monitor catering orders from placement through completion and proactively address any issues that could impact quality, accuracy, or timing.
• Coordinate with delivery partners and ensure orders are properly prepared and handed off.
• Follow up with guests after catering orders are completed to ensure satisfaction and address any concerns or service issues.
• Handle and resolve guest complaints or service issues related to third-party catering, escalating issues to the appropriate manager when necessary.
• Track guest feedback and communicate recurring issues or opportunities for improvement to management.
• Maintain strong working relationships with the various Eataly kitchens and outlets supporting catering production.
• Identify opportunities to grow third-party catering business through outreach, local business relationships, and other lead-generation activities.
• Identify potential opportunities for private dining, in-house catering, or events and promptly refer those leads to the Private Dining Manager for follow-up.
• Support the Private Dining Manager by generating and passing along qualified catering and event leads.
• Ensure catering menus, collateral, and other relevant materials are current, available, and properly displayed.
• Assist with training team members on third-party catering procedures, order execution, and service standards.
• Communicate product, packaging, equipment, and operational needs related to catering.
• Monitor overall catering operations and help identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, guest satisfaction, and profitability.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in catering/sales management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to multitask in a fluid environment, working cross-functionally with different departments
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Job Requirements

• Availability to work a flexible scheduling including nights, weekends and holidays
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to exert well-paced mobility for up to 8 hours, including standing, walking, bending and squatting

Compensation

• Compensation for this role is $22.00-$24.00 hourly
• This position has been posted to fill a current vacancy

Additional Information

Benefits and Perks

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401K with match or RRSP
• Free family meal daily
• Discounts at Eataly
• Classes on products and Italian cuisine
• Referral bonus program
• and more!

Eataly is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is the Company’s policy to not unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic made unlawful to consider by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Eataly also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Eataly’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding consideration of unemployment status, salary history, credit/bankruptcy history and criminal background/conviction history in making hiring decisions. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.