Catering Lead

Job Relationships* Responsible to: Community Engagement Coordinator and Employee Experience Executive* Responsible for: catering team members and delivery driversJob SummaryThe Catering Lead models Chick-fil-A Jackson's mission and vision, delivering remarkable guest experiences every time. The Catering Lead is dedicated to serving perfect food for every catering order, safeguarding Chick-fil-A Jackson's good reputation in the community. They understand their role in achieving the restaurant's commitment to the Winning Hearts Every Day principles and building community relationships, leading with a servant's heart and showing genuine CARES to those around them.At Chick-fil-A Jackson, the Catering Lead takes high ownership of catering operations by prioritizing guests' satisfaction through order accuracy, on-time deliveries, and exceptional service. Strong verbal and written communication, critical thinking, time management, and organizational skills are essential to demonstrating high-level leadership abilities. This position requires a minimum of 90% of operational focus.Essential Functions* Orchestrates and leads all aspects of the Chick-fil-A Jackson catering division to ensure smooth and efficient fulfilment of all catering orders.* Creates catering advertising materials, ensuring menu information is accurate and pricing is current.* Solicits catering business through networking and building relationships with local businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals.* Monitors catering sales goals and maintains inventory of catering supplies.* Serves as the primary contact for all catering guests, managing inquiries, feedback, and follow-up calls to build guests' loyalty.* Arranges on-time deliveries and setups for guests requesting such services.* Fosters a positive and motivating atmosphere for training catering team members and delivery drivers.* Maintains a clean and safe environment, ensuring all health and safety standards are met and catering equipment is clean and properly maintained.Leading Teams* Develops and coaches catering team members to perform at their best, ensuring alignment with Chick-fil-A Jackson's mission and vision.* Instructs catering team members on proper packing of TMS bags, boxed lunches, sauces, and paper products.* Fosters a positive work environment by treating all team members with honor, dignity, and respect.* Contributes to the culture of CFAJAX by leading with a servant's heart, while modeling genuine hospitality.Leading the Operations* Creates and upholds the vision and standards for Chick-fil-A Jackson's catering division.* Stays informed on Corporate changes to brand standards.* Efficiently communicates and leads execution of all catering orders by creating checklists, managing throughput, ensuring quality food, and maintaining a clean, safe, and organized environment for every order.* Coordinates with FOH and BOH shift leaders on staffing needs for catering order fulfillments.* Enters catering orders into the system and collects all payments.* Oversees food preparation and execution, following time and temperature requirements for all products.* Educates guests and catering team members about proper holding times.* Maintains and reinforces food safety principles as outlined by Ecosure and the Jackson County Health Department, coaching and correcting violations in the moment.* Monitors and manages cleanliness standards, ensuring all catering equipment is clean and accounted for.* Ensures catering inventory is up-to-date and organized.* Manages expenses by maintaining awareness of labor and waste while respecting and properly maintaining kitchen equipment.* Understands and shares key metrics and performance indicators such as Customer Experience Monitor (CEM) scores, sales, speed of service, labor, food cost, positive food cost gap, and retention rate.* Purposefully plans catering blitzes in the community.* Sets and tracks goals for outside sales.* Builds systems to track customer trends.* Partners with the RMD for promotions and fundraisers.* Spearheads future ADP's and Beyond the Restaurant initiatives.* Nurtures meaningful relationships with community businesses and guests.* Writes thank you cards for catering guests.Leading Self and Other Duties as Assigned* Models Chick-fil-A Jackson's mission and vision through a commitment to delivering remarkable guest experiences and contributing to Winning Hearts Every Day.* Takes ownership of personal growth and development as a leader.* Demonstrates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a solution-oriented mindset.* Maintains professionalism and accountability, setting an example for others in all aspects of the role.* Attends mandatory training, including in-house workshops and external activities, to support leadership and professional development.Scoreboard/Individual ResultsTop 20% in the Chain* CEM scores* Order Accuracy score* Fast Service score* Cleanliness score* Taste score* Portion Size score* OSAT score* Recorded weekly waste* Positive Food Cost: less than .65%* Outside sales >5% of total sales* Sales goalsOur Benefits Include:* A positive, team-oriented work environment where you can make a meaningful impact* Flexible scheduling, with Sundays always closed* Direct learning and mentorship from an experienced Owner-Operator and restaurant leadership team* Intentional growth and development designed to support your professional goals* Access to scholarship opportunities* Competitive pay* Complimentary shift meals* Team engagement, celebrations, and outings that build real connectionWorking at a Chick-fil-A restaurant is more than a job - it's an opportunity for teamwork and leadership development in a positive, people-focused environment. Most Chick-fil-A restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent, franchised Operators who invest in the future of their Team Members and give back to their communities.