Catering Events Lead

The Catering Events Lead performs and leads event setups, breakdowns and performs other tasks necessary for the successful execution of catering events. Provides leadership, assistance & guidance to other part time catering staff, both servers as well as utility workers. Responsible for general cleanliness & upkeep of all catering work areas and vehicles. Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise. Essential Functions: Assists in training and directing part-time staff for the support of catered events. Provides leadership to wait staff for execution of multi-course dinners when requested by management. Understands and interprets catering event sheets to successfully prepare, set, and execute catering events. Guides colleagues in desired setup requirements to ensure that all event details are understood & and proper preparation is made to execute events according to specifications Provides clients with excellent customer service, accommodating needs and desires when possible. Maintains effective working relationships with repeat catering clients. Performs and leads event cleanup in a timely manner following dining procedures. Ensures compliance with policies and/or laws within the department, university, and the VA Alcohol Beverage Control, in regards of the service of alcoholic beverages. Accurately records consumption of alcohol, food consumption, items used and any other event notes at the conclusion of events. Adheres to and leads staff in compliance with dress code and personal hygiene standards for catering. Responsible for cleanliness of catering vehicles and staff adherence to catering vehicle rules and regulations. Assists in the management of catering inventories and the organization of service ware, alcohol, paper products, and catering décor. Responsible for general upkeep & and cleaning of Catering items/equipment. Other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Hours vary based on events and needs of the business. Minimum Qualifications: High School degree required. with 1-2 years experience working in a hospitality industry environment, preferably in catering. Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays and adhere to a flexible schedule based on unit requirements. An Understanding of VA Dept. of Health sanitation and ABC requirements is preferred. Must have strong communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with co-workers, management, students, faculty, and staff. Must possess situational awareness and must be able to multitask. Professional appearance, positive attitude, and a team focus are necessary qualities within this role. Ability to read & understand catering documents & follow detailed instructions. Must be Serve Safe certified or be certified within six months of hire date. Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license and a good driving history. Must be able to pass an extensive background check. Must be committed to following departmental standards and guidelines to ensure the safety of self and others. Application Instructions: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. You will be asked to provide names and contact information for three professional references. Physical Requirements Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling. Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm. Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles. Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees. Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine. Standing: Remaining upright on the feet, particularly for sustained periods of time. Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another. Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward. Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion. Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles. Working Conditions: The worker is subject to both environmental conditions: Activities occur inside and outside. The worker is subject to hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals. The worker is subject to oils: There is air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids. Type of Work: Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Position Type: Non-Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible Minimum Pay: $18.67 - Pay Commensurate with Experience Washington and Lee is a top-ranked, private institution in Lexington, Virginia where we integrate the rigorous inquiry and critical thinking of a liberal arts curriculum with nationally accredited undergraduate programs in business and journalism, and a graduate School of Law. Our graduates, mentored by a faculty of teacher-scholars, are ready to make a meaningful impact wherever they go in the world. Washington and Lee affirms that diverse perspectives and backgrounds enhance our community. We are committed to the recruitment, enrichment, and retention of students, faculty, and staff who embody many experiences, cultures, points of view, interests, and identities. As engaged citizens in a global and diverse society, we seek to advance a positive learning and working environment for all through open and substantive dialogue. We offer an extensive range of health care and life insurance benefits, retirement options, educational assistance programs, wellness programs, and work/life initiatives to serve our staff and faculty. We are committed to providing a competitive benefit package to attract and retain exceptional employees. For an overview of offerings for full-time benefit eligible employees, see the current Benefits Guidebook and additional information about paid time off, educational grants, and our home loan program. Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As such, we are interested in candidates who are committed to high standards of scholarship, performance and professionalism and to the development of a campus climate that supports equality and diversity in our faculty, staff and student body. Job description requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Employment Information and Accommodations