Ridgewells Catering, Washington DC’s go-to caterer for stunning events and culinary innovation, is seeking a Sales Associate to support an Event Designer. This entry level position is an exciting opportunity to grow and train along a specific track towards becoming an Event Designer, in a dynamic and creative environment. Sales Associates require strong planning and organizational skills, an eye for creative event design, and a passion for all things culinary. Responsibilities will include:

• Assisting in the planning, designing, and execution of corporate and social events to deliver exceptional and unconventional guest experiences.
• Helping the Event Designer by curating proposals, mood boards, and other supporting presentation materials that “Wow!” in response to each client’s vision and budget.
• Supporting the Event Designer in managing assigned and solicited accounts.
• Collaborating with our culinary team to develop fresh and inspired customized menus to match each client’s unique event.
• Responding to client inquiries in a timely manner with superior customer service, via both phone and email.
• Entering sales and event information into event software, and reconciling Event Analysis reports.
• Assisting the Event Designer with all administrative functions.
• Attending meetings, site visits, tastings, and events.
• Acting as a liaison between the client and internal departments to ensure that event contracts are fulfilled.
• Assisting the Event Designer to help achieve a monthly sales budget.

A successful candidate will be polished and professional both in person and over the phone, have the ability to think and work proactively and creatively, and will be responsive and timely in order to meet firm deadlines. Job requirements include but are not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business Administration, Event Management, or a related field.
• 1+ Years of professional or internship experience in event production, catering, sales and/or customer service.
• Knowledge and interest in food and beverage is a must.
• Impeccable organization and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Publisher and PowerPoint.
• English fluency is required. Second language is appreciated.
• Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal), and the ability to take direction.
• Team player with an outgoing, helpful personality, and positive “can-do” attitude, and a willingness to be a part of a welcoming and exciting company culture!
• Ability to work events in and around the DC area that may take place on nights, weekends, holidays, and early mornings.

Ridgewells Catering is seeking a Pastry Cook to join our bakery team. This candidate will be responsible for preparing and baking cakes, cookies, pies, breads, pastries and other desserts according to recipes. This candidate should have the ability to decorate cakes and pastries at a high level. Should be able to prepare ice creams, confections, chocolates and plated desserts. Have the ability to assist in creating and testing new recipes. Should be able to safely use all baking equipment and utilize proper food handling techniques following the health and safety standards. This candidate should maintain a clean and organized work area. Requirements for this position is a minimum of 2 years of experience as a pastry and dessert cook, and a minimum of 1 year of experience as a baker, in a hotel, resort or a restaurant setting, good self-discipline with an ability to complete tasks independently. Strong artistic and decorative talents with great attention to detail. Candidate must complete a 1-2 day stage in order to be considered for this position.

Ridgewells is seeking to hire an Executive Chef to join our culinary production team. This candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day food production of our high volume operation. Candidate must maintain the highest quality food standard and ensure that food is prepared in an organized, efficient and timely manner. Responsibilities include: utilization of high sanitation standards and monitoring the overall cleanliness of the department; establishing food preparation deadlines through effective management of staff within the department and assisting in menu planning, preparation of budgets, management of payroll, food cost control and other records. Must have a proven record in managing high volume kitchen operation and working well in high-pressure situations. Ideal candidate should have the following qualities: leadership abilities, working as a team player, problem solving, prioritizing and delegating. A culinary degree and a minimum of 5 years culinary management experience are required.

Ridgewells the premier catering company in the Washington, DC area is seeking a Prep Cook to join our food production team. Candidates must have experience with all cold food production including; salads, vinaigrettes, cold sauces, soups, charcuterie, hors d’oeuvres, fruits, etc. Must have the ability to read and execute recipes written in English, understands and practices proper time and temperature controls as defined under county, state and federal guidelines, and must have good knife skills. Candidate must have at least 3 years’ of catering/hotel experience with all cold food production. Must have the ability to work as a team member in a high volume environment and practice good communication skills. Servsafe certification is preferred. Candidate must complete a 1-2 day stage in order to be considered for this position.

Ridgewells Catering, Washington DC’s go-to caterer for stunning events and culinary innovation, is seeking an Event Designer to join its Sales Team. This position requires strong planning and organizational skills, along with a creative eye for fresh trends in event design and culinary activations, and prior experience reaching sales goals and objectives. Event Designers are the backbone of our Sales Team, and are dedicated team players and brand ambassadors. Responsibilities will include:

• Planning, designing, and executing innovative corporate and social events to deliver exceptional and unconventional guest experiences.
• Presenting proposals that “Wow!” in response to each client’s vision and budget.
• Collaborating with our culinary team to develop fresh and inspired customized menus to match each client’s unique event.
• Responding to client inquiries in a timely manner with knowledgeable customer service and creative expertise, and completing timely post-event follow-up.
• Managing assigned and solicited accounts to achieve a monthly sales budget.
• Seeking new business through attending networking events and conducting prospecting activities, and working proactively to develop and convert prospects into repeat clients.
• Entering sales and event information into event software.
• Scheduling and attending site-visits.
• Coordinating third-party vendors and contracts to enhance event experiences.
• Working closely with Accounting to ensure accurate final billing for all services.
• Acting as a liaison between the client and internal departments to ensure that event contracts are fulfilled for flawless results.

A successful candidate will be results-oriented and entrepreneurial minded, maintain adaptability and flexibility in high volume and fast-paced environments, have the ability to think intuitively and work proactively, and the ability to identify and resolve problems through effective decision-making. Job requirements include but are not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business Administration, Event Management, or a related field.
• 5+ Years of progressive experience in hospitality, event production, catering, sales and/or customer service.
• A proven track record of strong sales experience and successfully achieving sales goals.
• Knowledge and interest in food and beverage is a must. Specific experience in catering and/or event production for off-site events preferred.
• Impeccable organization and attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal).
• Fluency in MS Office Suite, including Publisher and PowerPoint.
• English fluency is required. Second language is appreciated.
• Team player with an outgoing, helpful personality, and positive “can-do” attitude, and a willingness to be a part of a welcoming and exciting company culture!
• Ability to work events in and around the DC area that may take place on nights, weekends, holidays, and early mornings.