Catering & Events Coordinator

We are excited to be opening a new restaurant in the American Tobacco Campus area, called East of Texas. Our original concept location has been open for a few years in Winston-Salem, NC. We have a catering department within our company, so we want to be able to build that business in the Durham area as well.

Position Overview:

The Catering & Events Coordinator is responsible for managing catering inquiries, coordinating events, building relationships with key clients and community partners, and executing catering services from start to finish. This role combines event coordination, customer service, catering sales, and event execution to help grow catering revenue while maintaining exceptional guest experiences. This is an hourly position with flexible scheduling that includes administrative work, customer meetings, event execution, deliveries, and community outreach.

Key Responsibilities:

Customer Communication & Event Coordination Monitor and respond to all catering inquiries through Toast, email, phone calls, and in-person requests. Serve as the primary point of contact for customers throughout the planning process. Follow up on all leads in a timely and professional manner. Meet with customers regarding event details, menu planning, tastings, and venue visits as needed. Prepare and send proposals, contracts, invoices, and event details. Conduct post-event follow-up with customers to gather feedback and encourage repeat business. Maintain organized customer records and event notes. Catering Sales & Community Outreach Build relationships with local businesses, schools, nonprofits, event planners, wedding venues, hotels, and community organizations. Develop recurring corporate catering accounts and large-event opportunities. Attend community networking events and represent the restaurant within the local market. Work with restaurant leadership and marketing teams on catering promotions, seasonal campaigns, and community partnerships. Assist with maintaining catering menus, website information, and promotional materials. Identify opportunities to increase catering sales and brand awareness. Event Execution Lead catering pickups, deliveries, and full-service events. Organize supplies and equipment needed for all events. Set up and break down buffets, beverage stations, and event spaces. Ensure events reflect the restaurant's hospitality standards and brand identity. Communicate staffing needs with restaurant management for larger events. Serve as the event lead for assigned catering functions. Operations & Administration Create and maintain kitchen sheets and event documentation. Communicate all order changes to kitchen and operations teams. Maintain inventory of catering supplies and communicate ordering needs. Coordinate beverage and specialty supply needs with restaurant leadership. Assist with event scheduling and staffing coordination. Ensure invoices are accurate and submitted on time. Attend department and leadership meetings as requested.

Requirements:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational and time-management abilities. Customer service and sales experience preferred. Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Available during busy catering seasons, including May and December. Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Reliable transportation and willingness to travel locally for meetings, deliveries, and events. Willing to use personal devices (phone, computer, vehicle) when necessary for job responsibilities.

Schedule:

Expected average of 30-40 hours per week based on business volume. Administrative hours are generally scheduled during weekday business hours. Event and delivery hours may occur any day of the week, including evenings and weekends. Some administrative work may be completed remotely with prior approval.

Compensation:

Administrative, Sales & Coordination Hours

• $25/hour Event Execution
• Onsite Event Lead $7.25/hour plus event tips (18% gratuity pooled when applicable) Offsite Event Lead $30/hour plus event tips (18% gratuity pooled when applicable) Deliveries $25/hour plus delivery tips (10% gratuity pooled when applicable) Sales Incentive
• To encourage business development and relationship building: 3% commission on all new catering accounts personally developed and booked by the coordinator.

5% commission on events over $5,000 that originate from the coordinator's sales efforts. Commissions are paid after the event has been successfully executed and payment has been received.

Pay:

$25.00

• $30.

00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Vision insurance Application Question(s): Are you available to work events on nights & weekends, when applicable? Have you ever been convicted of a crime?

Experience:

catering coordinator: 1 year (Required)

Work Location:

In person