General Manager - Catering Company           

Puff ‘n Stuff - Jacksonville, Florida

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for food, customer service, and operational excellence. Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where creativity and trust are at the heart of everything you do. If so, we want you to join our team as a General Manager at Puff ‘n Stuff, a premier catering company dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences.

At Puff ‘n Stuff, we don’t just cater events—we create memorable experiences. Our team is driven by four core values:                                                                                                                                                  

Passion: We love what we do and take pride in delivering exceptional food and service.    

Customer Focus: We go above and beyond to exceed client expectations.                                                       

Trust: We build lasting relationships with clients, partners, and team members through integrity and reliability.                                                                                                                                  

Creativity: We embrace innovation to craft unique culinary and event experiences.

Primary Job Functions:

• Responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations, ensuring exceptional service, maintaining profitability and driving business growth.
• Strong presence in the local community to showcase Puff ‘n Stuff at charity events, industry events and social events to drive the brand in the Jacksonville market.
• Develop and management budgets, monitor revenue and control costs.
• Analyze financial reports, identify trends, and implement cost-savings strategies.
• Set pricing strategies to maximize profitability while maintaining competitiveness.
• Track KPI’s and adjust business strategies as needed.
• Work with the sales team to generate new business and maintain client relationships.
• Assist in developing marketing strategies to attract new clients and retain existing ones.
• Negotiate contracts with clients and ensure accurate proposals and invoices.
• Oversee event planning, ensuring client expectations are met or exceeded.
• Works closely with culinary team, planners, warehouse, and service teams in the production meetings to ensure seamless execution of catering events while upholding quality and brands standards.
• Ensure that the business is operated to the highest standards in line with the mission statement and values
• Address service issues and develop standards in line with customer needs and brand values
• Adding consistent value to operating activities of the organization, including Inventory control methods, performance matrix development and coaching, interdepartmental communications, and support
• Ensure each department operates in compliance with all legal requirements
• Ensure HR procedures are followed in each department
• Ensure that all agreed control procedures are followed through in each department
• Conduct employee performance reviews for all direct reports on an annual basis
• Comply with statutory and legal requirements for Health and Safety, Fire, Licensing and Food Handling and ensure that yourself and all members of the team are aware of and working in accordance with these requirements
• Hands-on management
• Ability to manage scheduling utilizing Nowsta to meet business needs and budgets
• Work with the sales department to update Special Event Orders as needed to reflect adjustments to events
• Management of the large event schedule
• Booking, selecting, and costing menu items, contracts, temporary labor, and equipment
• Recruit for various positions needed, train and develop team.
• Management support at off-premises & on-premises events
• Maintain positive relationships with all clients and employees
• Ensure timely response to all inquiries and/or service needs
• Create and maintain process for action and communication of initiatives
• Complete focus on customer service and satisfaction, maintaining a positive and energetic attitude while juggling the requests of high profile and demanding clientele
• Must effectively plan and communicate to all departments both the expressed and implied needs of the customer for seamless execution of events
• Strive to make constant improvements in the event operation in presentation and cost
• Other duties as assigned
• Reports directly to the Vice President of Operations for Puff ‘n Stuff

Required Qualifications: 

• 5 years of experience in the catering off premises or food service management
• 3 years in high volume leadership role
• Strong leadership, problem solving, decision and motivational skills
• Has in-depth knowledge of how catering events, buffet service, high-end cocktail, plated table service operates
• Experience managing, preparing, and administering financial reports and budgets
• The ability to supervise and design food prep, service, logistics, and sanitation methodologies. Serv Safe Certified 
• Ability to multi-task and anticipate at a high level to bridge and evolve the entire operation
• Flexibility in schedule which will include evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Requires travel to event locations and on-site commissary management.
• Ability to lift and transport equipment as needed
• Must have a valid clean driving license

   Puff ‘n Stuff Events Catering is an Equal Opportunity Employer