Event Porter

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Department: Guest Services

Reports to: Director of Guest Services and/or Event Supervisor

Position Summary: At Blue Plate, a staple in Chicago's catering industry, we believe in creating extraordinary experiences that resonate with our guests long after the event. As an Event Porter, you will play a key role in making these moments come to life, ensuring every guest leaves with a smile and a story to share. Essential Functions of your Role: Arrive Ready: Show up at Blue Plate, or designated venue, on time, dressed according to our professional uniform standards, and prepared to handle equipment and logistics. Get Your Assignment: Check in with your supervisor to receive setup and breakdown tasks, ensuring you understand your role in making the event run smoothly. Set the Stage: Upon arrival at the venue, unload trucks and distribute catering equipment, bar supplies, and ice to designated areas, following Blue Plate’s high standards for setup. Keep It Flowing: Assist in setting up food and beverage stations, ensuring everything is properly stocked, organized, and ready for service. Maintain Cleanliness: Keep catering areas tidy throughout the event, disposing of waste, replenishing supplies, and adhering to sanitation and safety guidelines. Support the Team: Provide assistance to catering staff, help with food and beverage transport, restocking stations, and any last-minute needs during service. Be a Star: Assist guests with professionalism when needed, by responding promptly and respectfully to their needs. Wrap It Up: Assist with the bar station(s) and event breakdown by properly packing equipment, cleaning work areas, and ensuring all items are reloaded onto trucks. Secure the Leftovers: Follow supervisor instructions regarding the proper handling and storage of leftover food and beverage items. Be a Team Player: Work independently and collaboratively to ensure seamless event execution and client satisfaction. Be Safe: Follow all safety protocols when handling heavy equipment, ice, and food to ensure a secure working environment. Stay Connected: Regularly check Blue Plate’s scheduling system to confirm or deny shifts and stay updated on any changes before your shift begins. Perform other relevant tasks assigned by management.

Education and Experience: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Any combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Essential Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to follow instructions accurately and work with a sense of urgency. Knowledge of workplace safety procedures. Reliable and punctual attendance. Strong communication skills, including the ability to listen and understand instructions effectively.

Language Skills: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is required. Bilingual skills are a plus.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch. Prolonged standing throughout the shift is required. Regularly required to lift and/or move up to 90 lbs. Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • May work in extreme heat (non-weather and weather).May work in wet conditions (non-weather and weather).Noise level is low to moderate. Will work near moving or mechanical parts.

Compensation and Benefits: Hourly Wage Range: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits Overview: At Blue Plate Catering, we live our core values: Happy, Joyful & Fun; We Care More; Humbly Confident; Genuine & Authentic; Goes Beyond. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to supporting our team’s well-being and growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, and paid time off (PTO) with sick leave. Additional perks such as commuter benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), free meals, and pet insurance options ensure our team feels valued. We also offer wellness rewards, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and resources to help you thrive in work and life. DEIA at Blue Plate: At Blue Plate, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Our core value, "We Care More," guides us in creating an environment where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive. We believe in intentional recruitment practices, partnering with community organizations, diverse job boards, and attending job fairs at schools that reflect a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Our hiring and selection processes are designed to be equitable, focusing on skills, potential, and minimizing bias, ensuring opportunities are accessible to everyone. From onboarding to ongoing development, we provide tailored resources, mentorship, and training programs to support our team members and cultivate an inclusive culture. We actively measure and analyze diversity metrics, using these insights to continuously improve and hold ourselves accountable in our DEIA efforts. Blue Plate’s mantra, "Happy People Making People Happy," extends to our employees, clients, and partners. By honoring differences and listening thoughtfully, we build meaningful relationships and ensure everyone feels welcome and valued. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and walks of life to join our team in shaping memorable food and service experiences. Together, we are dedicated to going beyond to make a difference. Blue Plate Catering complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non discrimination in employment, including protections related to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.