Culinary & Events Director
Organization Overview
Food + Farm Exploration Center (F+FEC), in partnership with Farming for the Future Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating current and future generations about agricultural innovation and sustainability. Located in Plover, Wisconsin, F+FEC aims to deepen the understanding of modern agriculture, promote agricultural literacy, and foster connections between farmers and consumers. By creating a space for learning and engagement, F+FEC provides an opportunity for people to explore the world of agriculture and better understand the origins of their food.
Position Overview
Under the direction of the Executive Director, Food + Farm Exploration Center is seeking a strategic seasoned Culinary & Events Director to oversee all aspects of the culinary operations for meetings, events and space rentals booked at our facility as well as oversee the Colorful Plate Cafe operations. This position will play a vital role in leading and developing the food, beverage and events department in a steadily growing non-profit event venue with significant growth potential. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in designing menus, preparing food for customized meetings and events of varying sizes, culinary management experience and a passion for culinary excellence. The candidate requires a collaborative spirit with the ability to bring multiple teams together to reach common goals. This executive leadership position ensure all culinary and related event duties and responsibilities align with F+FEC educational and immersive agricultural mission.
Essential Responsibilities
Team Leadership: Recruit, train and manage a diverse team of culinary and service staff, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
Budget Management: Prepare and manage the food and beverage budget, optimizing and generating revenue and controlling costs while maintaining high standards
Operational Management: Oversee daily food and beverage operations ensuring quality, efficiency and exceptional service.
Inventory Control: Oversee inventory management, ensuring proper stock levels and adherence to food safety regulations and monthly audits
Thorough understanding of the operations profits and loss (P&L) statement to determine weakness and strengths
Complete monthly/weekly forecast for performance of operations for budget against plan and proactively monitoring and controlling food and labor costs.
Strategize operational plans and develop methods to improve the operations image, product and profitability
Establish safeguards for all food-preparation employees by implementing training to increase their knowledge about safety, sanitation, and accident-prevention principles
Develop catering menus as well as custom menus for special occasions and events implementing creative, seasonal menu options that highlight local ingredients and culinary trends
Cultivate standard recipes and techniques for food preparation and presentation that help to assure consistent, high quality food options and minimize food costs; exercises portion control for all items served and assist in establishing menu selling prices
Develop strategies to enhance guest engagement and satisfaction, including special events, tastings, and culinary demonstrations
Manage the catered events in collaboration with events manager to oversee the proper set up, tear down, staffing, management, and client follow-up
Effective communication skills to liaise with team members and other department directors ensuring all products meet our high standards of taste and presentation
Implement and enforce health and safety standards, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and promoting a safe working environment
Qualifications & Experience
Five years of demonstrated experience in a food and beverage management role preferably in a high-volume restaurant/catering environment
College Degree or hospitality certifications, preferred
Must possess the following strengths: high energy, entrepreneurial spirit, strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team, proven track record in high volume concept, effective communicator, effective in providing exceptional customer service and ability to improve the bottom line
Exceptional client relationship building with conflict resolution experience
Alcohol and ServSafe Certification or equivalent food safety certification is required
Foster a positive and collaborative working environment, encouraging open communication and teamwork among all staff members
Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Exceptional computer skills with hospitality platform knowledge with effective communication skills both verbal and written
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
Physical Demands
Able to stand and sit for long periods of time.
Physical requirements include but are not limited to stooping, kneeling, bending, standing, squatting/crouching, crawling/kneeling, pushing/pulling, climbing (ladders), reaching above the shoulders, lifting of up to 50 lbs.
Ability to work irregular hours, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Instructions for Applicants
Interested applicants please assemble and email the following pieces of information, combined into one document, to hello@fftf.us by 01/17/2024:
A cover letter describing your qualifications, including your interest in the Food + Farm Exploration Center.
A current resume.
Three professional references with names and relationship (references will not be contacted until candidate has been notified).
Food + Farm Exploration Center Commitments
The annual salary range for this position starts at $75,000 and is dependent upon experience and expertise.
Paid time off (PTO).
Eight paid holidays.
Competitive medical and supplemental benefits are available after 60 days of employment.
A 401K plan is offered following one year of employment.
Complimentary employee membership and discounts.
Offers of employment are contingent upon results of thorough background check, drug screen, and reference checks.
All inquiries about and interactions with candidates are kept in strict confidence.
Food + Farm Exploration Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military.
Food + Farm Exploration Center is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the organization and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives. This commitment is embodied in company policy and the way we do business at the Food + Farm Exploration Center and is an important principle of sound business management.
