Catering Team Leader

Catering Team Leader | Event Operations & Hospitality Leader

Old Carolina Barbecue Company (BBQ)

Full-Time or Part-Time Position

Pay: $17.50 per hour plus tips

Lead Memorable Events. Deliver Exceptional Hospitality.

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is looking for organized, dependable leaders who are passionate about hospitality and creating outstanding guest experiences.

As a Catering Team Leader, you’ll oversee the successful execution of weddings, corporate events, graduation parties, festivals, fundraisers, and other special events. You’ll lead event staff, coordinate event logistics, ensure food and equipment readiness, and serve as the on-site leader responsible for delivering the quality and hospitality that clients expect from Old Carolina Barbecue Company.

If you enjoy leading teams, solving problems, working in dynamic environments, and creating memorable experiences, we’d love to meet you.

About Old Carolina Barbecue Company

Old Carolina Barbecue Company was built on a passion for authentic barbecue and a commitment to great hospitality. Before opening our first restaurant in Massillon, Ohio, we started as a competitive BBQ team dedicated to perfecting the craft of slow-smoked barbecue.

While our home is in North Canton, Ohio, our recipes, traditions, and cooking techniques are inspired by the rich barbecue heritage of the Carolinas. Today, Old Carolina Barbecue Company proudly operates eight locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania, serving authentic BBQ made with quality ingredients, time-honored methods, and a genuine commitment to our guests.

Our catering team brings that same award-winning BBQ and hospitality experience directly to our clients at off-site events throughout the region.

Why Join Old Carolina Barbecue Company?

• Competitive hourly pay plus tips

• Flexible full-time and part-time opportunities

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible team members

• Paid vacation for eligible full-time team members

• Free meals during shifts

• Company-provided uniforms

• Paid training

• Leadership development opportunities

• Variety of work environments and event locations

• Supportive and team-oriented culture

The Opportunity

No two events are exactly alike.

As a Catering Team Leader, you’ll take ownership of event execution from preparation through cleanup. You’ll coordinate team members, communicate with clients, solve challenges in real time, and ensure every event reflects the standards and reputation of Old Carolina Barbecue Company.

This role provides valuable leadership experience and opportunities for future growth within the company.

Key Responsibilities

Event Leadership

• Lead catering support staff during events

• Assign responsibilities and utilize team members effectively

• Ensure all team members meet appearance, service, and professionalism standards

• Promote teamwork, accountability, and exceptional hospitality

Event Preparation & Logistics

• Coordinate event preparation with catering leadership

• Review event details, timelines, and special requests

• Organize and load catering vehicles with all required food, equipment, and supplies

• Verify event readiness before departure

• Assist with delivery, pickup, and off-site catering preparation when needed

Event Execution

• Oversee setup, service, and breakdown activities

• Ensure food presentation and service standards are maintained

• Monitor event flow and address issues proactively

• Accommodate special requests whenever possible

• Deliver exceptional guest and client experiences

Client Relations

• Serve as a primary on-site contact during events

• Communicate professionally with clients and guests

• Resolve concerns promptly and professionally

• Gather feedback and communicate event results to catering leadership

Team & Operational Support

• Assist with food preparation and event setup activities

• Support training and development of catering associates

• Help ensure all equipment, supplies, and catering materials are properly maintained and returned

• Complete miscellaneous tasks and projects as assigned

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous catering, restaurant, hospitality, banquet, event, or customer service leadership experience preferred

• Previous shift leader, supervisor, team lead, or event leadership experience preferred

• Strong communication, organization, and multitasking skills

• Ability to lead and motivate team members

• Ability to remain calm and professional in fast-paced environments

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities

• Professional appearance and demeanor

• Dependable attendance and punctuality

• High school diploma or GED preferred

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday

• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed

• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds

• Ability to load, unload, transport, and set up catering equipment and supplies

• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors as event conditions require

• Ability to communicate effectively with guests, clients, and team members

Work Schedule

This position may be offered as either full-time or part-time based on business needs and candidate availability.

Hours vary based on catering event schedules and client needs. Flexibility to work mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required. Many catering events occur during evenings and weekends.

Travel to off-site event locations is required.

This position is classified as non-exempt and is eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Over 20 years ago, high school buddies Brian Bailey and Tim Hug discovered a world of sights, aromas, and tastes on a road trip to “The Cradle of Q” — the Carolinas. They discovered a not-so-secret world where recipes and techniques have been passed down through the generations in smokehouses, pits, and shacks. They fell in love with the mystique and the method, so Brian and Tim decided to bring Carolina low and slow BBQ up north to their native Ohio.
Everyone’s welcome at Old Carolina, and when you walk through the door you’re greeted by a smiling crew member ready to take your order. And with our “love at first bite or we’ll make it right” guarantee, we’ll do what it takes to ensure your meal is extraordinary. And when you leave, you’ll hear a “See ya next time!” Because after the first visit, you’re part of our family and we know you’ll be back.