Catering and Event Sales & Operations Manager

The Smoke Shop BBQ is looking for an experienced and energetic Catering and Events Sales & Operations Manager to join our team and help lead the next phase of our catering division’s growth. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes pride in creating exceptional event experiences, and loves building strong client relationships. Following our 2025 expansion—adding three suburban locations to our existing metro restaurants—2026 is focused on expanding the catering division. Key responsibilities include driving catering sales, coordinating with clients and our catering staff from inquiry to execution, and working closely with our culinary team to ensure seamless events both on-site and off-site. This role involves sales, client liaison, managing event logistics, and ensuring that every guest experience is memorable, prioritizing hospitality and exceptional BBQ. This role demands excellent communication and multitasking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. FLSA Status: Exempt Reports to: Director of Operations Job Responsibilities Operations Respond to all catering and event inquiries in a timely and professional manner, striving to complete the sale and then detail the event according to established processes. Manage Catering Coordinator. Responsible for execution of both on-site and off-site catering events of varied sizes and scope to the Smoke Shop BBQ standards. Working with General Managers & KMs to coordinate all catering and event operations; manage menu execution & event operations; schedule and manage kitchen and service staff; coordinate food/equipment delivery (catering van); track all incoming leads (noting source where applicable) and generate weekly reports on sales close rate and catering order progress/status. Represent company brand through events. Greet event hosts, and manage events as needed, for key buyouts and/or large-scale events. Meet the established Cost of Goods and Labor Goals across all categories related to Catering & Events and adhere to established budget for Smoke Shop BBQ catering and events. Lead the Catering & Events team through effective teaching, coaching, leading by example, and policy implementation across all staff. Work with Marketing to create any collateral needed including menus, signage or special products. Oversee the maintenance and care of all catering and event equipment. Order any necessary supplies, equipment or goods needed for catering or special events. Complete post-event analysis that solicits client feedback, measures success, drives improvements and leverages repeat/referral business. Strategic & Sales Develop and execute a 2–5-year catering sales growth plan to drive sales growth across catering and events. Review and understand current catering and event sales and produce a plan to increase sales year over year. Collaborate with key Executive Team members to define market positioning, establish competitive differentiation, target new client segments and implement strategic partnerships to drive increased catering and event revenue. Develop and standardize menu offerings, event themes, presentation standards and service protocols to support growth while maintaining brand integrity. Continually evaluate all catering and events to ensure that guest experience, food presentation and overall operations are consistent with The Smoke Shop BBQ brand. Work with the Pitmaster/Owner to develop branded menu items, specialty BBQ event packages, themed experiences that differentiate us from competitors. Contribute to the creation of unique Smoke Shop BBQ events, classes and experience. Design and implement operational systems, processes and technology (e.g., event management software, CRM, client pipeline, inventory/tracking) to scale the catering and event business. Identify and implement new catering trends, event formats and menu innovations to keep all offerings dynamic and relevant. Collaborate with the Marketing Team to drive catering and event sales through promotions, digital media and partnerships. Other duties as assigned. Schedule: Full-Time, varying schedule including nights, weekends and holidays (depending on event schedule) Overall, we expect you to be a team leader, Smoke Shop brand champion and tactician who is nimble, communicative and in support of business growth. Knowledge, Skills, and Experience 2+ years of prior catering and events experience, 2+ in management role, excellent sales, hospitality and customer service skills. Proven experience in catering and event management, ideally within a multi-location environment. Result-driven, with a proven ability to be a self-starter. Excellent organizational & communication skills. Creative problem-solving and logistics planning capabilities. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities. Experience scaling a catering operation in hospitality preferred. Bachelor’s degree in hospitality/business/Related preferred; MBA a plus. Strong financial acumen to include P&L ownership and budget development/forecasting. Familiar with catering/event management software, such as Tripleseat. Physical Demands Stand for the entirety of an 8+ hour shift. Lift and transport items more than 50 lbs. Frequently kneel, bend over, lift items above head, work in small or cramped spaces. Work in areas of high or low temperatures. Work quickly and safely in stressful circumstances. Have access to your own transportation. Loading/unloading and driving the catering van (regular class D license) when needed. The above job description may be amended at any time by management. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The Smoke Shop considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Smoke Shop