Catering Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION Under the direction of the Associate Director of Conference Services you will partner closely with Conference Services staff and firm event planners across all offices to ensure that culinary operations successfully exceed client expectations. You will efficiently manage and coordinate services for the Firm’s conference meetings and events. You will work with meeting and event hosts to plan, coordinate and communicate the following logistics: food & beverage, multi-media, guest services, facility needs, and security. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Firmwide: Oversee firmwide food and beverage offerings, incorporating client products where appropriate; develop consistent beverage offerings throughout all firm offices; manage global suppliers and accounts; coach CS managers on food products and trends; develop open market vending concepts across offices; serve as a resource for equipment needs across all offices; oversee all Conference Services department food/beverage budgets; work with Administrative Services to process billing; serve as a member of the firm’s executive staff. Local/Atlanta: Advise Conference Services and all other departments in coordinating food and beverage for meetings and events; serve in a chef capacity as needed for special client meetings, creative food amenities, and special lunch offerings; design daily lunch menus and amenities program/pop ups with an emphasis on creativity, process food preparation and set up upon delivery; advise kitchen staff on food production methods and menu item selection to maintain quality and consistency; execute events and coordinate overtime with Conference Services Supervisor; develop relationships with caterers and prospect new caterers and other relevant suppliers; keep abreast of food and beverage trends and food sensitivities; ensure food safety practices are being followed in accordance with the Georgia Department of Public Health for all team members; ensure staff involved in catering services are ServSafe Certified by the National Restaurant Association; maintain safe working environment in kitchen and dining area; maintain all kitchen equipment in accordance with manufacturers daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenance specifications; serve as the point person to interface with OAC building management and security; responsible for entering all pertinent information into reservation platform; work in a Social Tables online room diagram environment; responsible for entering room diagram information into Microsoft online reservation environment; flexible to work in the evening and on weekends as needed; travel as needed; perform other related duties as assigned. SKILLS NEEDED TO BE SUCCESSFUL Organizational and Task Management – Ability to organize work in a manner that facilitates timely and efficient completion of assigned tasks; discern and reconcile competing priorities, manage multiple tasks or assignments, and complete assignments within established deadlines; learn rapidly and adapt quickly to changing situations with minimal planning/information; ServSafe certification in Food Safety and Alcohol in accordance with state law; proficiency with firm issued mobile device; resolve issues quickly and efficiently without disrupting client progress. Communication and Listening Skills – Strong command of the English language, both verbal and written; communicate firm, administrative support services, and conference center standards; effectively use verbal and written communication with colleagues, clients, and other individuals; convey information in a professional and respectful tone. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS Brand Image – Maintain a positive perspective about Alston & Bird, your work responsibilities, and the competencies of the Conference Services department in both good and challenging times. Space Standards – Maintain and follow all operational standards associated with but not limited to Conference Rooms, Breakrooms, Red Carpet Service, Touchdown Rooms, Telephone Rooms, Visiting Attorney Offices, Common Areas and Conference Center. Event Service Standards – Understand and execute Alston & Bird Event Service Standards for dinner service and receptions outlined on the ABNet Private Site. Sustainability Standards – Support established firm practices. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Required: Previous experience of 5 or more years in the hospitality industry; proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Suite, AI applications; excellent written and oral communication skills; positive interpersonal and customer service skills; basic experience with audio visual equipment; ServSafe certification in Food Safety; high school diploma or GED equivalent. Preferred: Previous experience with online reservations software; experience in a 4-diamond resort or higher; college degree specific to food and beverage. PHYSICAL EFFORT Substantial movements of the wrists, hands, fingers and legs; reaching above head, crouching and kneeling to gain access to food and bar supplies and equipment; ability to remain standing and walk around during normal work shift for about six or seven hours each day; ability to walk up and down stairs if necessary; ability to push catering carts loaded with chafing dishes filled with food, china, glassware, silverware, flowers, or bar supplies weighing about 50-60 lb; ability to lift chafing dishes filled with food weighing about 30 lb; or boxes of wine and alcoholic beverages and subsequently lift them 40\" high to set them on buffets or bars; ability to convey detailed spoken instructions to other workers accurately; hearing: ability to receive detailed information through oral communication. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Alston & Bird LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The firm does not discriminate on the bases of any status protected under federal, state, or local law. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (including genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law. Professional business references and a background screening will be required for all final applicants selected for a position. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability you may contact View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr USA Alston & Bird