Operations Manager - Gils

Proof of the Pudding has spent the past four decades providing innovative menus, services, design expertise and event experiences to clients throughout Atlanta and beyond. As a preferred caterer to over 50 venues in and around Atlanta, our Off-Premise team spearheads event innovations and culinary experiences to a range of events from weddings, holiday parties, corporate retreats, and social gatherings.   

We are seeking an Operations Manager to provide leadership to the Gil’s Elegant Catering team. The Operations Manager will be integral to the day-to-day operations of Gil’s Elegant Catering. Working directly with the General Manager, this positions will manage pre-event organization, interdepartmental communications, logistics/operations, and event day operations duties. The ideal candidate has a strong background in off-premise catering with knowledge of front and back of house event operations, and has passion for upscale event execution. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Attend weekly BEO meetings and have continuous open lines of communication with sales team, operations team, and culinary team in preparation for each event. 
  • There may be up to 25 events per week  
• Prepare organizational documents – pull sheets per event, equipment distribution plan, dry product needs, menu signage, and Event Binders. 
• Oversee event logisitics from start to end; loading the truck, event execution, pack up and redistribution. 
• Guide event staff and be in a managerial “boots on the ground” role during events; drivers, captains, servers, event chefs, and operation team members will be reporting to this role. 
• Be a point person for communication between Proof of the Pudding and the client. Responsible for nurturing this relationship. 
• Be the coach at events for the creation of buffet & beverage displays that adhere to the elevated standard of Proof of the Pudding and the vision of the client. 
• Oversee linen return – ensure all linen has been properly bagged and facilitate pick up. 
• Assist in the training programs for all hourly new hires. 
• Ensure staff morale and culture congruent with company values, mission, purpose. 

Performs other related duties, as required.    

Education and/or Experience:  

• 2+ years of offsite-catering experience and/or food & beverage operations is needed  
  • Positions in Food & Beverage/Banquets, Event Coordination, and Operations Management are strongly related fields  
• Knowledge of upscale/VIP service styles, food and beverage catering equipment, and back of house operations 
• Must live near or be willing to relocate to Dallas, TX 

Specialized Qualifications: 

• Excellent listening and communication skills 
• Renowned time management and organization skills 
• Strong Customer Service skills with the desire to go above and beyond a client’s needs 
• The ability to work alone and as a team 
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to learn and adapt quickly 

Work Environment   

The operations manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the off-premise division. They oversee the event staff and ensure that all events are running smoothly. They may also be responsible for training and development of staff, as well as budgeting and financial planning. The operations manager also strategizes process improvements to ensure everyone completes their tasks on time, so the events are on time. This position breakdown will be around 60% in office work, 40% event attendance. 

Physical Demands:  

• Prolonged periods of standing, moving through an event space, and traveling from venue to venue 
• Bending, lifting, scooping, and carrying miscellaneous equipment and food items  
• Ability to perform physical tasks; such as but not limited to, lifting approx. 40 lbs. 

CORE VALUE AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS 

• Business Acumen - Demonstrate comprehension of the job, including policies, practices, and relationships.  Possess the expertise and skill levels required of the job and perform with quality. 
• Dedication - Dependable, reliable and follows through on projects from inception to completion.  Willing to put in as much time as necessary to complete tasks.  Demonstrate a win-win attitude: “see it, own it, solve it.” 
• Ethics and Integrity - Acts with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the company’s culture, values and beliefs while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.   
• Safety & Security - Observe safety and security standards.  Use equipment and materials properly.  Comply with safety standards and personal protective equipment requirements.  Report potential unsafe conditions or practices to appropriate person immediately.  Promote restaurant safety, cleanliness and security compliance at all times. 
• Teamwork - Cooperate and be willing to work as a team player to achieve goals and tasks accurately, efficiently and timely. 
• Communication - Communicate clearly and effectively with mutual respect, understanding and trust to fellow associates, managers, supervisors and guests. Listen carefully to opinions and views of others; state understanding of what has been heard.   
• Initiative - Contribute new ideas and suggestions to enhance productivity and efficiency.  Be proactive in troubleshooting problems or issues and take action to mitigate potential problems. 
• Adaptability & Planning - Possess the ability to learn new tasks and adjusts well to new situations.  Perform well under tight time schedules and pressures to change direction quickly. 
• Service Orientation - Demonstrates a sense of urgency. Is welcoming, friendly and smiles when visible to guests.     

Position Salary & Benefits: 

• Salary Range of $50,000-$60,000 per year 
• Proof is pleased to provide all full-time eligible employees with Basic Life and AD&D as well as long term disability at no cost to employees. 
• Full-time eligible employees may choose to enroll in optional benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Voluntary Life and AD&D, Short Term Disability, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness, and Voluntary Hospitality Indemnity  

Proof of the Pudding and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.