Catering Service Specialist – Fine Dining & EventsAt Tailwind Hospitality, we believe the journey should be just as memorable as the destination. Headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, and operating more than 160 locations across 60+ airports and transit stations nationwide, we are a passionate hospitality organization dedicated to creating exceptional guest experiences. From elevated dining experiences to thoughtfully executed catering events, our teams bring warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail to every guest interaction. We are committed to delivering service that feels personal, polished, and genuinely hospitable. The Catering Service Specialist – Fine Dining & Events plays an integral role in the planning and execution of sophisticated catering experiences. This position is responsible for coordinating events from initial client consultation through final service, ensuring every detail reflects the quality, elegance, and hospitality standards expected of a fine dining experience. The Catering Service Specialist works closely with clients, culinary leadership, event partners, vendors, and service teams to develop personalized menus, coordinate event logistics, and deliver polished on-site service. The ideal candidate understands that exceptional catering extends beyond the food—it encompasses presentation, timing, service, ambiance, and the overall guest experience. This role requires a highly organized hospitality professional who can anticipate client needs, manage complex event details, and remain composed and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced environment. The Catering Service Specialist serves as a key ambassador for Tailwind Hospitality and is responsible for ensuring each event is executed with precision, professionalism, and genuine care.
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Proven experience in fine dining, upscale catering, luxury hospitality, event services, or a related hospitality environment.
Demonstrated ability to deliver polished, guest-focused service in a high-touch environment.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended event hours.
Valid driver's license and reliable
to lift, carry, and transport catering equipment and supplies as required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Associate or Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Event Management, or a related field. Experience with fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels, private clubs, destination events, or high-end coordinating weddings, corporate events, private dinners, VIP functions, or other elevated hospitality experiences. Experience with event planning, catering, POS, CRM, or inventory management systems. Food safety certification such as ServSafe. Strong knowledge of fine dining service standards, menu presentation, wine and beverage service, and guest etiquette. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple events or complex functions simultaneously. Bilingual or multilingual communication skills.
Responsibilities:
Consult with clients to understand event objectives, preferences, guest demographics, menu selections, dietary requirements, service expectations, and overall vision.
Develop personalized catering experiences in partnership with culinary and hospitality leadership.
Coordinate menus, service styles, timelines, staffing requirements, rentals, equipment, décor, and other event details.
Collaborate closely with chefs, culinary teams, servers, bartenders, event partners, vendors, and transportation teams to ensure flawless execution.
Coordinate the delivery, setup, presentation, service, and breakdown of catered events.
Lead or support on-site event operations, ensuring food and beverage service meets established fine dining standards.
Ensure proper presentation, timing, portioning, and service of food and beverages throughout the event.
Maintain a visible and professional presence during events and serve as the primary point of contact for clients and key stakeholders.
Anticipate guest and client needs and proactively address service concerns or unexpected challenges.
Resolve operational issues calmly and professionally while protecting the overall guest experience.
Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, responsible alcohol service, and company standards.
Coordinate event transportation and logistics to ensure all food, equipment, rentals, and supplies arrive accurately and on schedule.
Conduct event briefings and communicate critical event details to culinary and service teams.
Maintain accurate event documentation, client communications, timelines, orders, and inventory records.
Assist with post-event follow-up, including client feedback, reconciliation, inventory review, and identification of opportunities to improve future events.
Represent Tailwind Hospitality with professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to exceptional hospitality at every event.
Skills & Competencies
Exceptional Hospitality:
Demonstrates a genuine passion for hospitality and understands the importance of creating memorable, personalized experiences for every guest.
Fine Dining Service:
Understands elevated service standards, including proper table service, food and beverage presentation, service timing, guest etiquette, and attention to detail.
Client Relationship Management:- Builds strong relationships with clients and confidently translates their vision and preferences into a professionally executed event.
- Organization & Attention to Detail
- Effectively manages multiple event components, deadlines, vendors, staffing needs, menus, and logistics while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
Communication:
Communicates clearly and professionally with clients, culinary teams, service staff, vendors, and leadership before, during, and after events.
