General Manager with Culinary Background

Upscale Catering and Event Venue |Pequea, PA |Salary up to 125k

Are you an experienced General Manager with a Culinary Background, ready to lead operations at a premier wedding and event venue in Pequea, PA? This is your opportunity to leverage your expertise in culinary leadership and event management while creating exceptional experiences at a high-end venue tailored for unforgettable weddings and special events.

Position Overview:

The General Manager with a Culinary Background will oversee all aspects of catering operations, including menu development, event planning, and team management, with a particular focus on delivering flawless weddings. This dual-role position requires a leader capable of balancing operational excellence with culinary innovation to ensure clients receive both personalized service and exquisite cuisine. Weekend, evening, and holiday availability is essential to meet the demands of a busy event schedule.

Key Responsibilities:

Promote Core Values:

• Build a client-first culture through exceptional service, creativity, and attention to detail.
• Foster an environment of teamwork and respect among employees, clients, and vendors.
• Create an elevated guest experience that aligns with venue standards.

Oversee Daily Operations:

• Ensure seamless day-to-day operations while meeting organizational and financial goals.
• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing team.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization to meet health and safety standards.
• Collaborate with the maintenance team to ensure all equipment is operational.

Weddings and Event Management:

• Develop and implement processes specific to weddings to ensure a consistent, top-tier client experience.
• Partner with clients to create unique and memorable weddings, including tailored menus and event design.
• Lead the team in executing weddings flawlessly, coordinating FOH and BOH responsibilities in tandem with event planners.
• Stay knowledgeable about wedding trends and incorporate them to enhance the venue’s offerings.

Culinary Leadership:

• Maintain consistency in recipes, training, and culinary presentations to reflect the venue’s high standards.
• Oversee kitchen operations to ensure quality, efficiency, and adherence to strict food safety standards.
• Collaborate with clients to craft innovative, seasonal menus tailored to weddings and events.
• Control food and labor costs to meet budget goals while delivering exceptional cuisine.

Marketing and Sales Management:

• Lead marketing initiatives, including social media strategies and client outreach, to grow the venue’s reputation for hosting exceptional weddings.
• Build long-lasting client relationships through proactive communication and reliability.
• Support sales efforts by managing inquiries, securing bookings, and ensuring a seamless transition from sales to event execution.

Event Staff Management:

• Hire, train, and oversee bartenders, servers, and kitchen staff, ensuring they are well-prepared to deliver top-tier service for weddings and other events.
• Work closely with event planners and team members to guarantee smooth, successful weddings and celebrations.

Preferred Qualifications:

General Manager Expertise:

• 5+ years of leadership experience in catering, hospitality, or wedding-focused industries.
• Proven ability to oversee large-scale weddings and events with exceptional attention to detail.
• Success in building and leading cohesive teams.

Wedding and Event Experience:

• Deep understanding of wedding planning, trends, and execution is a must.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with clients to create personalized and memorable wedding experiences.

Marketing and Sales Skills:

• At least 3 years of experience in marketing, sales, and client engagement within the events or hospitality industries.
• Strong expertise in using social media to enhance brand visibility and attract clients.

Culinary Expertise:

• At least 3 years of leading culinary operations as an Executive Chef or similar role.
• Extensive knowledge of food safety standards, including HACCP protocols.
• Expertise in menu creation for weddings and large-scale events.
• Culinary degree or certification is preferred but not required.

Administrative and Operational Skills:

• Strong organizational and decision-making abilities, capable of overseeing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Flexible schedule to accommodate evenings, weekends, and holidays, with a key focus on wedding seasons.

Working Conditions:

• Flexible hours, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Physical demands include standing for long periods and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Responsibilities may expand as the role evolves, particularly during peak wedding seasons.

Why This Role?

This is a rare opportunity to lead operations at an exclusive venue renowned for its unforgettable weddings and events in Pequea, PA. You will play a key role in creating remarkable experiences for clients, combining your passion for culinary excellence and event management with the joy of making wedding dreams a reality.

How to Apply:

If you’re a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of weddings and a passion for exceptional food and service, we’d love to hear from you! Submit your resume to Heather@geckohospitality.com for consideration and take the next step in your career.

Your expertise in weddings and leadership can create unforgettable moments. Apply now to join us as the General Manager with a Culinary Background in Pequea, PA, and make an everlasting impact!