Event Manager - On Call, On Site for Taste Catering & Event Planning

EVENT MANAGER

Taste Catering & Event Planning | San Francisco + Bay Area

Lead the room. Lead the team. Own the experience.

At Taste Catering & Event Planning, no two events are exactly alike, and that is precisely what makes this job interesting.

We're looking for an experienced Event Manager who knows how to lead from the front, stay calm when the timeline changes, communicate with confidence, and create an exceptional experience for clients, guests, and staff.

This is a hands-on leadership position. You won't be watching an event from the sidelines. You'll be the person making sure the details come together, the team knows what they're doing, the kitchen and service are in sync, and the client feels confident that their event is in good hands. From intimate dinners and corporate events to weddings, receptions, and large-scale celebrations, our Event Managers are trusted to take ownership of the event from set up through strike.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Own the Event

Take responsibility for the successful onsite execution of assigned events from load-in and setup through service, breakdown, and departure.
Read and understand the event proposal, timeline, floor plan, event notes, staffing information, and pack-out requirements—and turn those plans into reality.
Keep the event moving on time while remaining flexible when circumstances change.
Oversee event setup, equipment, rentals, product, décor, service areas, bars, stations, and other FOH elements.
Anticipate problems before they become problems and make thoughtful decisions when something doesn't go according to plan.
Stay visible and engaged throughout the event so your team, client, and partners know where to turn.

Lead the Team

Our Event Managers lead by example. You'll be responsible for directing and supporting the Front of House team, including servers, bartenders, captains, and other guest-facing staff, as you:

Lead pre-event staff meetings and clearly communicate assignments, expectations, timing, service style, and event-specific details.
Delegate setup, service, and breakdown responsibilities—and follow up to make sure things get done.
Set the tone for professionalism, urgency, teamwork, and hospitality.
Coach staff in real time and help less-experienced team members grow.
Monitor performance, appearance, attitude, conduct, and service standards.
Address issues directly and professionally when expectations aren't being met.
Provide meaningful feedback to the Staffing Department about staff performance.
Monitor staff hours and breaks throughout the event.

We want managers who know how to lead people, not just tell people what to do.

Partner With the Client & Taste Team

The Event Manager is one of the most visible representatives of Taste onsite.

You'll work closely with:

Account Executives, who develop the client relationship and overall event vision.
Production Managers, who prepare the operational details and event notes.
Kitchen Managers, who lead the culinary team and food production.
Clients and event contacts, who rely on you to confidently manage the onsite experience.
Venue personnel, vendors, and other event partners, who you'll interact with professionally throughout the event.

You'll translate the client's vision and Taste's event plan into an experience that feels organized, polished, and effortless to the guest.

Keep FOH & Kitchen in Sync

Great catering requires great communication between the front and back of house.

You'll work closely with the Kitchen Manager to coordinate:

Guest counts and changes
Food and beverage timing
Service movements
Passed hors d'oeuvres
Buffets and stations
Sit-down and fine-dining service
Bussing and clearing
Bar operations
Event transitions and changes in flow

You don't need to be a chef—but you do need to understand how FOH and BOH work together and communicate effectively with both sides.

Protect the Experience

Things happen at events. A timeline changes. A guest request comes in. A vendor is late. A piece of equipment isn't where it should be. The client needs something different than expected. That's part of the job. We're looking for someone who has already planned for that scenario. Someone who can think clearly, communicate quickly, and solve problems without creating new ones. You'll be expected to:

Respond professionally to client and guest concerns.
Adapt to changes while keeping the larger event plan in focus.
Maintain Taste's standards even when the pace gets intense.
Protect client and venue property.
Identify and correct unsafe working practices.
Document injuries, accidents, and employee incidents appropriately.
Know when to make a decision independently and when to escalate an issue.

Finish Strong

The event isn't over when the guests leave. You'll oversee the transition from service to breakdown and make sure the event is properly closed out. This includes:

Coordinating breakdown and strike.
Confirming equipment, rentals, product, linens, and other event materials are accounted for.
Completing required event reports and documentation.
Reviewing staff time sheets for accuracy.
Communicating important follow-up information to the Staffing Department and management.
Ensuring event binders, keys, receipts, client property, and other materials are returned appropriately.
Helping ensure trucks and equipment leave the event organized and ready for their next assignment.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT TASTE EVENT MANAGER?

You don't have to be perfect. You do need to be capable and innovative, while making it appear effortless.

We're looking for someone who is:

A Leader - You can take charge of a room without needing to dominate it. Your team trusts your direction because you communicate clearly and lead by example.

A Problem Solver - You can make decisions when the plan changes and stay composed when the pressure is on.

A People Person - You genuinely enjoy hospitality and know how to work with different personalities, experience levels, clients, vendors, and venues.

Detail-Oriented - You notice the things other people miss and understand that small details can have a big impact on an event.

A Strong Communicator - You know when to speak up, when to listen, and how to deliver direction clearly and respectfully.

Calm Under Pressure - A successful event can involve a hundred moving pieces. You're able to prioritize, delegate, adjust, and keep going.

Hands-On - You're not afraid to jump in. If your team needs help, you're willing to get your hands dirty and lead from the front.

WHAT YOU BRING

Experience in catering, hospitality, events, restaurants, hotels, or a related service environment.
Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
Strong verbal communication and the confidence to lead groups of staff.
Excellent organization and attention to detail.
The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, physically active environment.
Professional presence and excellent guest-service instincts.
The ability to manage multiple priorities without losing sight of the overall event.
A team-oriented mindset and willingness to collaborate with both FOH and BOH.
Completion of required workplace harassment training.
A valid California driver's license and clean driving record. (strongly recommended)
Ability and willingness to drive commercial-size event trucks when qualified and assigned.
RBS certification.
CPR/basic first aid training is recommended.

THE REALITY OF THE JOB

This is event work, and event work is physical. Event Managers should be prepared to:

Stand and walk for extended periods.
Work long and variable shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of venues and weather conditions.
Regularly lift up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
Move and work around catering equipment, trucks, tables, service ware, and other event materials.
Stay actively engaged from setup through strike.

WHY TASTE?

Taste has been creating memorable catered experiences in the Bay Area since 1978. Our events range from intimate dinners to large corporate gatherings, weddings, and high-profile celebrations.

Our Event Managers have an important role in that experience.

We give our managers the responsibility to lead, communicate, make decisions, and own the outcome. You'll work alongside experienced culinary, production, staffing, and logistics teams, while having a direct impact on what the client and their guests experience.

If you enjoy hospitality, thrive on variety, take pride in doing things well, and want a position where your leadership matters, we'd like to meet you.

Come, lead with Taste.

Job Types: Part-time, Full-time

Pay: $30.00 - $38.00 per hour

Experience:

Event management: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

CA Driver's License (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

San Francisco, CA 94112 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person