Catering Manager – Weddings, Events & Barrel Cuisine

Wild Earth Wines Limited – The Stoaker Room Catering
Primarily based in Wānaka, with regular travel to event venues throughout Central Otago, Queenstown Lakes and occasionally further afield

• One permanent, full-time position
• Minimum guaranteed 30 hours per week
• $33.00–$35.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
• Weekly hours will vary according to the event schedule
• Monday–Sunday roster, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays

About Us

The Stoaker Room Catering delivers weddings, corporate functions, private events and trade shows throughout Central Otago and beyond.

Our food is grilled, baked, steamed and smoked in custom-built French oak Pinot Noir barrel cookers known as Stoakers. Our mobile outdoor kitchens allow us to bring our unique “Food Made for Sharing” experience directly to event venues.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and highly organised Catering Manager to manage and control our catering operation, from the initial customer enquiry through to event planning, delivery and follow-up.

This is a hands-on management role combining catering operations, administration, client coordination and onsite event leadership. The Catering Manager will also assist with commercial kitchen preparation when operationally required.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage catering enquiries, client meetings, quotations, agreements, deposits and final event details.
• Plan and organise weddings, corporate functions, private events and trade shows.
• Prepare event plans, timelines, run sheets, equipment lists and staffing requirements.
• Plan menus in consultation with the Head Chef, including dietary and allergen requirements.
• Recruit, roster, train and supervise kitchen and service staff.
• Coordinate venues, suppliers, transport, equipment and mobile Stoaker kitchens.
• Lead event setup, food service, presentation and pack-down.
• Ensure catering and dining areas are clean, functional, compliant and suitable for each event.
• Assist with commercial kitchen preparation, portioning, labelling, packing and safe transportation of food when required.
• Maintain safe food temperatures and prevent allergen cross-contamination.
• Ensure compliance with the company’s Food Control Plan and health and safety procedures.
• Manage purchasing, pricing, stock levels, event costs and operational records.
• Monitor event budgets, financial performance and profitability.
• Confer with clients during and after events to assess their satisfaction with the food and service provided.
• Maintain positive relationships with clients, wedding planners, venues and suppliers.
• Represent the business at wedding fairs, trade shows and promotional events.
• Drive company vehicles carrying staff, food and catering equipment to event venues.
• Provide first-aid support during events when required.

Minimum Experience and Skills

Applicants must have:

• At least three years’ relevant experience managing a catering, restaurant or hospitality operation.
• Experience managing or supervising a substantial catering operation.
• Hands-on commercial kitchen and food-preparation experience.
• Experience planning and delivering weddings, functions or off-site events.
• Experience recruiting, rostering, training and supervising kitchen and service staff.
• Experience with purchasing, pricing, stock control, budgeting and record-keeping.
• A current New Zealand Manager’s Certificate, or the ability to obtain one before commencing employment.
• Strong administration, organisation and customer-service skills.
• Knowledge of food handling, hygiene, temperature control, allergens and cross-contamination prevention.
• A current first-aid certificate, or the ability to obtain one before starting.
• Confidence using email, spreadsheets and booking systems.
• Availability for varying hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• A full driver’s licence valid for driving in New Zealand and confidence driving company vehicles.
• The ability to travel regularly to catering events.

A relevant hospitality, catering, cookery, business or event-management qualification would be advantageous.

Please apply with your CV and a cover letter outlining your catering-management, commercial-kitchen and event experience, along with your current location, availability, driver’s licence and New Zealand work status.