Catering Lead

Job Relationships

• Responsible to: Community Engagement Coordinator and Employee Experience Executive 
• Responsible for: catering team members and delivery drivers 

Job Summary

The 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 Results

Top 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 goals

Our 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 connection

Working 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.

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