Events Manager

Job Summary Z Specialty Food, a family owned and operated specialty food company, seeks a creative, driven and detail-oriented leader to manage The HIVE Tasting Room & Kitchen's events and rentals. A passion for event planning, farm-to-fork dining, varietal honey or mead is a must. This position starts at 20-30 hours per week; moving to full-time (40 hours per week) for the right candidate (with full time benefits such as paid time off, healthcare, matching retirement). In addition to an hourly salary, the Events Manager will receive commission from catering and beverage sales during private events. This position includes weekend and evening hours and reports to the Director of Brand Strategy. The Events Manager is responsible for planning and managing all HIVE events as well as generating and managing private event business for the venue, including corporate dinners, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, baby showers, celebrations of life, weddings, rehearsal dinners, conferences and other special events. This position serves as the primary contact for private event clients from initial inquiry through event completion, ensuring a seamless and memorable guest experience. HIVE hosted events support The HIVE's mission to celebrate community and feature educational offerings around varietal honey, bees, pollinators, plants and mead. Annual HIVE events include, but not limited to, the Live at The HIVE concert series, Anniversary Party, National Mead Day Celebration, Valentine's Day Dinner, Mother's Day Brunch, Build a Bouquet, Honey and Cheese Pairing Workshop, and Apple and Honey Tasting. Z Specialty Food, founded in 1979, is home to Island of the Moon and Moon Shine Trading Company. The HIVE, a 20,000 square foot net zero energy facility, is Z Specialty Food's newest addition that showcases more than 30 varietal honeys, craft meads and a farm to fork menu. Position Responsibilities HIVE Events Manage all HIVE events and educational offerings (includes all stages of planning such as liaising with guest artists/presenters, vendor coordination/payment, development/management of planning timelines, staff schedules, coordination with kitchen, setup, breakdown etc.) Work with HIVE leadership to conceptualize and develop strategy and content for HIVE event programming (workshops, concerts, tastings, dinners etc.) Participate in continuing education to ensure a robust understanding of the varietal honey and mead industries Private Events Respond to private event inquiries within 1-2 business days; arrange phone calls or Google Meets to discuss private events and conduct venue tours with prospective clients Monitor and update all private event forms to ensure an efficient and seamless process (intake forms, proposals, contracts, tracking documents) Serve as the primary point of contact for clients before and during events Prepare contracts, proposals, and rental orders; liaise with office staff to send invoices; ensure all contracts are executed and invoices are paid on time Work with executive chef to complete menu proposals With direction from the Director of Brand Strategy, book private events to meet revenue goals Coordinate all private event details, including timelines, floorplans, setup, breakdown, staff scheduling, rental and beverage orders Stay updated with California food service and alcohol laws and regulations; maintain food handlers and RBS certifications Marketing & Communications Represent The HIVE at industry and community events, promote HIVE events as well as The HIVE as a private event venue Build relationships with local businesses, wedding professionals, and community organizations to generate new private event business Oversee daily updating of newsletter CMS Manage distribution of printed materials for HIVE events, rentals and tasting room promotion Manage event listings on website, Facebook events and online community calendar postings for HIVE events Meet regularly with Director of Brand Strategy to outline marketing plans related to HIVE and private events Collaboration with Tasting Room & Kitchen Teams Work closely with tasting room and kitchen teams to ensure private event client needs are met and successful event execution In collaboration with tasting room manager, coordinate necessary trainings for front of house staff Work with Tasting Room Manager & Executive Chef to coordinating staffing for all events For private events, work with Tasting Room Manager to incorporate tours, tasting and other educational offerings as requested Attend weekly Tasting Room & Kitchen meetings Ensure all HIVE and private events are added to The HIVE google events calendar Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Proven experience in event planning and management, hospitality, or catering Experience working in the food and beverage or hospitality industry Strong leadership and team management skills Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities Ability to manage multiple events and deadlines while prioritizing effectively Food Handler Certified & Responsible Beverage Server license Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Gmail and Google programs Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree Passion for honey, mead or honeybees Working Conditions & Physical Requirements Part-time position to grow into full-time exempt Combination of office work and on-site event management Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required for events Able to lift up to 50 lbs About Z Specialty Food & The HIVE With the highest standards, a deep love for the earth and tasting palate refined by over 40 years of practice, the Z Specialty Food family has created a varietal honey packing company that provides premium honey, nut butters, fruit spreads and beehive products to a wide array of clients. Partnering with beekeepers who share their values of integrity, quality and careful stewardship, Z Specialty Food offers some of the most unique flavor profiles and purest products. With over 30 varieties of honey and a collection of nut butters, fruit spreads and beehive products, Z Specialty Food has become a regional and national authority on honey education, flavor and the precious pollinators and environment needed to create every delicious jar. For more information visit zspecialtyfood.com.

Pay:

$22.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Application Question(s): What interests you in this position and how has your professional experience prepared you for it?

Work Location:

In person