Events Operations Manager

South Bend, IN, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $43,900.00 - $63,900.00

Work Schedule

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

Paid Time Off

401(k) with employer match

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life insurance

Supplemental Insurance

Employee Discounts

growth opportunities

Job Description

Journeyman Distillery is a renowned craft distillery known for its dedication to quality, authenticity, and creating memorable experiences through its products and events. With multiple locations in Michigan and Indiana, the distillery combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative approaches to deliver outstanding spirits and event services. At Journeyman, the culture is centered on core values such as grit, continuous improvement, customer prioritization, and being a proud ambassador of the brand. The company encourages hard work, dedication, and excellence, recognizing the importance of passion and perseverance in creating exceptional experiences for their clients. Journeyman Distillery offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where employees are valued, rewarded, and inspired to grow professionally. The Distillery believes in fostering strong relationships, both internally among employees and with clients, ensuring every customer feels like the very first, and consistently delivering a magical and authentic experience.

The Events Operations Manager at Journeyman Distillery plays a crucial role in translating clients' visions into detailed plans and leading a dedicated team to flawlessly execute each event. This position requires spending time at multiple Journeyman locations across Michigan and Indiana, making it essential for the candidate to be flexible and adaptable. The manager will take ownership from the initial booking through to the final teardown, ensuring every event is properly planned, staffed, and executed to the company’s high standards. This role demands a positive, can-do attitude, the ability to prioritize and juggle multiple tasks, and a strong commitment to client satisfaction—even when it requires dedication to late-night commitments.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, adept at building real relationships and articulating client needs clearly to various internal teams. They will be responsible for overseeing all event-related activities, including client relations, event day management, and staff leadership. Responsibilities also encompass finalizing menus, managing invoices and payments, hosting tastings, and designing timelines and floor plans that balance aesthetic appeal with operational efficiency. Leading and managing a team of event staff is a pivotal aspect, with duties including interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, and conducting performance reviews.

Furthermore, the Events Operations Manager is expected to maintain excellent collaboration with culinary teams, handle inventory and vendor relationships, and manage administrative tasks related to payroll, reporting, and point-of-sale procedures. Journeyman Distillery emphasizes a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, where employees embody the core values of grit, customer-first mentality, and positive workplace engagement. This role is ideal for someone passionate about hospitality and event management, ready to commit their time and energy to delivering exceptional client experiences and leading their team to success. Journeyman also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, 401(k) with employer match, medical, dental, vision, life and supplemental insurance options, employee discounts, and fun company events, making it an attractive opportunity for growth and professional development in the hospitality and events industry.

Job Requirements

high school diploma or equivalent
prior experience in event coordination or management
valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
ability to work at multiple locations in Michigan and Indiana
ability to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings
strong communication skills
ability to lead and manage a diverse team
commitment to excellent customer service
physical ability to stand for extended periods and perform event setup and teardown tasks

Job Qualifications

experience in event management or hospitality
strong leadership and team management skills
excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively
strong organizational and planning skills
knowledge of food and beverage operations and event logistics
proficiency with event management software and basic office software
customer service oriented
ability to work in a fast-paced environment
flexibility to work weekends and evenings as needed

Job Duties

work with event sales manager to understand each booked client and take over communication with them once contracted
meet and effectively communicate with clients to understand their specific expectations, budget, and food & beverage related needs, such as dietary restrictions throughout the entire planning process, from booking to event day as needed
help clients design a timeline for their event, as well as a floor plan that is attractive and conducive to efficient service within the event space
finalize menus, create invoices, and facilitate payments for clients, adhering strictly to all payment deadlines, working directly with accounting & finance
ensure all BEO details are finalized in accordance with established contractual timelines and obtain client sign-off to confirm accuracy and approval
host group tastings of food and beverage offerings, as well as some private tastings
work event leads, and other event staff for set up, breakdown and execution of each event as needed
clean and ready the facility for guests followed by oversight of a clean and organized facility post-event
lead pre-event meeting with event team members in specifics of event details and service timeline
be onsite for appropriate time (as needed per event) for proper execution of pre- and post-meal service
interview, hire, and schedule all event staff (servers, bartenders, utilities, leads etc.) for events at primary assigned location
lead the training of all event staff at primary assigned location
work with event leads for setup and breakdown details for each event as needed at all locations
manage event staff to meet the demand and timeline of each event, delegating duties as needed at all locations
compose and deliver performance reviews for all event staff at primary assigned location
consistently document all corrective action and disciplinary issues with the appropriate forms and guidelines provided through human resources at all locations
work with the culinary team for client menu requests and keep them informed of any updates or changes to upcoming events at all locations
maintain inventory of catering supplies, and cleaning and organization of spaces at primary assigned location
work with outside vendors as needed and assist with the onboarding of vendors/contractors using proper protocol and vendor guidelines
administrative tasks may include the facilitation of payroll, reports, point of sale procedures, and inventory for food and beverage functions at all locations
respond in a thorough and timely fashion to consistent flow of emails and phone calls from booked clients