Catering & Events Captain Job at Wooden Paddle, Lemont, IL

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  • Wooden Paddle
  • Lemont, IL

Job Description

IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?
  • Do you love working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment? 
  • Are you the kind of person who can’t stand sitting still when there’s work to be done?
  • Do you thrive on figuring out a way to make things happen, no matter what? 
  • Are you the type of person who holds yourself to high standards, because you believe how you do one thing is how you do everything
  • Do you believe that working hard and having fun can (and should!) go hand-in-hand? 

Yes?! Then YOU should join our team! 

WHY WORK HERE?:

Here are some of the perks!

  • PPO medical, dental, & vision insurance with 50% company contribution
  • 401K retirement savings plan w/ 3% company match
  • Flexible days off, typically back-to-back
  • A free family meal at every event you work
  • A 20% employee discount on food & drinks at Wooden Paddle restaurants, anytime you're not working, for you & your whole table
  • Attendance at fun, \State of the Company\ company events twice a year
  • Paid transportation; we drive you to events and pay you while you're riding there
  • Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, & your birthday off, automatically
  • The opportunity to grow quickly with a forward-thinking company that regularly reinvests in itself and its people

*Selected benefits are available exclusively to full-time team members

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?:

RESPONSIBILITIES

As our Event Captain, you'll be at the helm of catering culinary operations. These are the results you'll be hired to accomplish:

» ① Lead & Manage a Cohesive, High-Performing Event Team

You’ll be the on-site ringleader, turning a crew of cooks, servers, and bartenders into a tight, well-oiled, hospitality machine. You’ll delegate like a boss, coach in real time, and keep everyone locked in from load-out to load-up. If something needs doing, you make sure it gets done—without chaos or confusion.

» ② Uphold Brand Standards in the Field

Off-site doesn’t mean off-brand. You’ll make sure every event looks, feels, and tastes like Wooden Paddle—whether we’re in a ballroom, a barn, or somebody’s backyard. From clean plating and styled tables to staff appearance and behavior, you’re the final filter for “does this feel like us?”

» ③ Flawless Event Execution, from Start to Finish

You’ll keep the event humming from the first box loaded to the last trash bag tied. Timeline? You’re on it. Curveball? You catch it. Setup, service, and breakdown are your zone—and your team follows your lead to pull it off without skipping a beat (or a course).

» ④ Exceptionally Cared-For Client & Vendors

You’re the point person for the people paying the bill—and the ones who can send more our way. That means making our clients feel seen, heard, and taken care of. It also means making sure vendors actually like working with us! You’ll communicate clearly, follow the flow, and build real, professional relationships - so we earn the kind of reputation that keeps the referrals coming. 

» ⑤ Actionable Post-Event Feedback & Debriefs

After the last table is packed, your job’s not done. You’ll report back with the wins, the whoas, and the what-the-hell-happened moments. No fluff. Just the kind of clear, honest, useful feedback that helps the rest of the team improve and keeps leadership in the loop—without having to chase you for it.

*AS A DISCLAIMER*: This is a dynamic position, in a rapidly-growing company, in an always-changing industry. That means that this position and its responsibilities will continue to evolve. So, if you're change-adverse, this job ain't it .

That being said - if you're good with change, and are willing to try new things - you'll love this job, and it'll love you right back.

PAY

We pay a base wage of $24-$32 / hr, plus occasional gratuities. Base wage depends on relevant experience. Gratuities are optional for our clients, but when they’re paid, they’re shared amongst the staff at that event. 

WORK SCHEDULE

This position can be part-time or full-time, with a flexible schedule designed around the demands of our catered events. All-day, 10-12 hour weekend shifts are most common. Weekday shifts are also available, but typically reserved for full-time employees. 

WILL YOU FIT IN HERE? 

Our team has been built - brick by brick - on shared core values. And no, they’re not just bullsh*t words slapped on a wall - they’re who we are at our core - and they’re non-negotiables for working here. You’ll feel super *comfy* and right at home if these words describe you:

» You Come With Batteries Included

You’re a high-energy self-starter who jumps into action, and doesn’t need hand-holding to get things done.

» You’re Scrappy

You’re a resourceful problem-solver who makes things happen; if there’s no door, you get in through a window.

» You Take Your Work Seriously

You take pride in your work, big and small, and you have a natural reflex to do things the *right* way.

» But, You Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

You’re a positive team player who owns up to your mistakes, is open to feedback, and is humble about your wins.

And if these words *don’t* describe you? You’ll be decidedly *uncomfy* here. So, fair warning - If you’re a cranky a** problem-bringer who’s cool being super-mid at your job and needs constant hand holding… may we suggest… working literally anywhere else?

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Here are some of our must-haves & would-like-to-haves:

  • At least 1 year of professional kitchen experience, preferably in a high-volume, fast paced catering environment
  • Must have a current ServSafe Food Handler Certification
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Physically able to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and work in extreme temperatures
  • For part-time positions, must have consistent availability during peak shifts - including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • For full-time positions, must have open availability
  • Must be able to (or be willing to learn to!) drive large vehicles - including box trucks and extended vans
  • Must have reliable transportation for getting to and from work
  • Interest in food, cocktails, and hospitality trends - a major plus

Wooden Paddle is 11-years-young restaurant & catering company, started in 2013. (That's a whole middle-schooler ago!)
Our purpose, and the reason we exist, is to be 'The Place You Want to Be'.
Our niche, and the thing we work really freaking hard to do better than anyone else, is creating ✨ Super Fun Dining Experiences✨.
Our focus is shareable, wood-fired comfort foods , artsy cocktails , & good-time energy ‍♀️.
As a team, we're scrappy go-getters who don't take ourselves too seriously - but we take our food, drinks, and hospitality *extremely* seriously.
And we're all on a mission to hit 10 Million Good-Time Guest Experiences by 2033! Come for the pizza, stay for the party bb!

Job Tags

Full time, Part time, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, Weekday work,

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