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Idlewild and SoakZone: Catering Manager
full-time•Ligonier
About this role
Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with 49 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide.
While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.
As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect.
The Catering Manager leads all aspects of operations for a variety of food outlets and catering activities in compliance with all applicable state, local, company, and industry standards for food preparation, service and safety while ensuring exceptional and unwavering guest satisfaction.This position will also heavily focus on cost control and employee leadership.
We are currently looking for a:
Idlewild and SoakZone: Catering Manager
Roles & Responsibilities:
Roles & Responsibilities:
Supervisory Duties:
· Manage all aspects of F&B and Catering and any other assigned departments
· Lead by example, attitude, and as a representation of Idlewild and SoakZone’s core values
· Act as an approachable mentor and coach to all assigned team members
· Manage and control all financial aspects of assigned departments while maximizing revenue and cost savings opportunities; maintain constant vigilance over departmental spending and budgets
· Act as a strategic visionary to implement measures that will favorably impact process, people, and/or profit
· Ensure compliance with company and industry best practices, policies, and procedures to create a safe and productive environment for colleagues and guests.
· Become knowledgeable of performing the essential duties of all catering and assigned F&B positions and backfill these positions when needed
· Participate in all aspects of supervision of assigned employees, including hiring, orientation, training, performance coaching, and discipline.
· Ensure that all required meal and other breaks are being given in accordance with Pennsylvania law
· Assist with team scheduling and timekeeping activities
Departmental Duties:
· Maintain compliance with company and industry best practices, policies, and procedures to create a safe environment for colleagues and guests.
· Develop and implement programs to increase sales and maximize profit.
· Ensure intense focus on food quality, customer service, standards, sanitation and safety, to ensure that all restaurant and kitchen environments remain at inspection readiness levels.
· Greet customers, assist with questions, and ensure that financial transactions are being handled accurately and within compliance with PCI guidelines.
· Address employee and guest complaints and resolve these problems in accordance with all company policies and applicable laws/regulations.
· Practice, teach and enforce proper food safety preparation and serving guidelines that adhere to company policy and state/local Health Department requirements
· Ensure the continued compliance for all site alcohol safety practices
· Monitor cleanliness of kitchen areas, dining areas and patios
· Oversee all aspects of kitchen management including cost of sales, inventory control, purchasing, receiving and pricing.
· Effectively manage waste/spoilage.
· Maintain all assigned facilities in compliance with local, state and federal codes and regulations, including OSHA, EPA and other pertinent and applicable regulatory bodies.
· Escalate any safety, quality, or operations concerns to the proper channels of leadership
· All other duties assigned by leadership.
Education and Experience:
· High School diploma or equivalent preferred; Equivalent work experience will also be considered
· Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business management, or related discipline preferred
· 3-5 years of previous work experience in a catering, food service, or restaurant role
· 2+ years of previous supervisory experience
· Must become Food Handler Safety Certified (ServSafe or similar) or become so within 90 days of hire, when required by state and local guidelines.
Language: Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.
Requirements:
· Must be at least 18 years of age to comply with Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws
· Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
· Must be able to work hours that extend beyond 9am to 5pm
· Ability to refrain from on-the-job consumption of alcohol
· Must possess safety-oriented mindset and understand the importance of complying with all state, and local food preparation, alcohol, and serving regulations
· Must possess exceptional customer service skills, with an ability to resolve questions, problems, issues, and concerns in a positive and professional manner
· Ability to handle high-pressure situations, meet the demands of constant deadlines and coordinate multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
· Must possess strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
· Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills
· Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and Power Point
· Ability to handle private and confidential information with highest discretion
Physical Requirements:
· Ability to remain sedentary for frequent periods of time, while using a computer
· Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for long periods of time
· Ability to occasionally stoop, twist, kneel, bend, squat, or reach above shoulders
· Ability to withstand heat and humidity from food prep and kitchen equipment
· Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing 30 pounds or more
Working Conditions:
· This role will predominantly be based in an office setting, with frequent interaction to other onsite and offsite event locations
· Subject to working late hours for some events
· Some exposure to the variable outside temperatures, including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, snow, ice, and other weather conditions
· Subject to frequent interruptions, constant repetitive motion, high noise levels, flashing lights, and heavily populated environments
Team member benefits:
Working at Idlewild and SoakZone is about making people happy! It’s about being independent and having fun, making new friends and earning extra money while doing so. As an Idlewild and SoakZone employee, you can be the smiling face that makes a great first impression for incoming guests, a cook that serves up tasty treats and culinary delights, a lifeguard who soaks up the sun while keeping guests safe, or a ride operator that keeps guests coming back for more thrills! There are many exciting seasonal job opportunities available to take your summer job to new heights!
Idlewild and SoakZone Perks & Benefits:
· Flexible schedule
· Ability to cross-train and learn unique skills across various departments
· Free admission to Idlewild and SoakZone, Kennywood, and Sandcastle on your days off, as well as free tickets for your family & friends!
· Exclusive employee events throughout the season
We’ve got great jobs for people just starting out in the workforce, looking for a second job, or staying active after retirement. If you want a fun, flexible job with an innovative company, look no further than Idlewild and SoakZone . Apply today!
Do not miss the chance to spark your career now!
What you'll do
- The Catering Manager leads all aspects of operations for food outlets and catering activities, ensuring compliance with food preparation, service, and safety standards. This role also focuses on cost control and employee leadership to maximize revenue and guest satisfaction.
About Herschend
In 1950, the Herschend family and a handful of dedicated employees (hosts) took a small cave tour operation in the Ozark Mountains and grew it into a thriving family business. Seventy-five years later, Herschend is the world’s largest family-owned themed attractions company, with 12,000 hosts serving 15 million annual guests across North America.
The heart of Herschend’s success has long been the world-renowned hospitality that’s rooted in our DNA. We call it Heartspitality. It’s a unique culture that blends our ethos of Leading with Love and our purpose of Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating® to create real impact and joy that spreads through our hosts to our guests and out into our communities.
Herschend’s portfolio of more than two dozen wholesome family entertainment brands includes iconic award-winning destinations such as Dollywood® Parks & Resorts, Silver Dollar City® Company, Adventure Aquarium®, Callaway Resort & Gardens®, Kentucky Kingdom®, Newport Aquarium®, The Vancouver Aquarium® and Wild Adventures®. In addition to its premier themed attractions, Herschend is proud to steward the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters® legacy and provide immersive content and experiences through our Herschend Entertainment Studios® and Pink Adventure Tours® brands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Idlewild and SoakZone: Catering Manager do at Herschend?
As a Idlewild and SoakZone: Catering Manager at Herschend, you will: the Catering Manager leads all aspects of operations for food outlets and catering activities, ensuring compliance with food preparation, service, and safety standards. This role also focuses on cost control and employee leadership to maximize revenue and guest satisfaction..
Is the Idlewild and SoakZone: Catering Manager position at Herschend remote?
The Idlewild and SoakZone: Catering Manager position at Herschend is based in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Idlewild and SoakZone: Catering Manager position at Herschend?
You can apply for the Idlewild and SoakZone: Catering Manager position at Herschenddirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.