Job Title: Event Manager
Events Department

Job Summary:

Premier winery estate owned by NASCAR team owner and Hall of Fame member Richard Childress, located in Lexington, NC is seeking an Event Manager. The Event Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing events from start to finish. This includes coordinating with clients, overseeing event logistics, and ensuring that each event runs smoothly. The Event Manager will be hands-on during event execution, leading a team to ensure every detail is aligned with client expectations and organizational standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Event Planning & Coordination

• Lead the venue planning and execution of events, including weddings, corporate meetings, social gatherings, and other special occasions.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their event objectives, preferences, and requirements.
• Develop detailed event plans, including timelines, logistics, and staffing.
• Coordinate with internal teams (Catering, Tasting Room, Bistro, etc.) and to ensure all aspects of the event are covered.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive event timelines and venue checklists to ensure all tasks are completed on schedule.

Internal Events / Vendor & Supplier Management

• Oversee internal winery events.
• Source and negotiate contracts with vendors.
• Booking and scheduling musicians/bands/entertainment for Music in the Vineyards and other winery events. 
• Oversee internal event design and theme creation to ensure consistency with event vision.
• Coordinate with internal teams (Catering, Tasting Room, Bistro, etc.) and external vendors (suppliers, entertainers, transportation, food trucks, etc.) to ensure all aspects of the event are covered.
• Ensure all vendors are aligned with event requirements, expectations, and timelines.
• Oversee the performance of vendors on event day, troubleshooting any issues to ensure smooth delivery of services.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive event timelines, budgets, and checklists to ensure all tasks are completed on schedule.

Budget Management 

• Create and manage internal event budgets, ensuring that all costs are within the specified limits.
• Monitor and track event-related expenses, ensuring that all invoices and payments are handled efficiently.
• Logging all expenses made by the Events Department into Concur.
• Negotiate pricing with vendors and suppliers to optimize cost-effectiveness without compromising quality.
• Process event payments and handle invoicing with clients, ensuring all financial aspects of the event are tracked and managed.

Team Management & Leadership 

• Scheduling staff for events and event preparation.
• Lead event teams during pre-event preparation and on-site execution, ensuring tasks are completed on schedule.
• Assign roles and responsibilities to staff members as needed.
• Train and supervise event staff, ensuring they understand the event goals and their specific duties.
• Provide motivation and direction to ensure a high level of customer service throughout the event.

Logistical Management 

• Coordinate all event logistics.
• Ensure proper setup and teardown of event spaces, including the arrangement of furniture, decorations, and other physical elements.
• Coordinate with other departments in regards to event teardown and proper arrangements.

Client Relationship Management 

• Serve as the main point of contact for clients before, during, and after the event.
• Ensure that client expectations are met and address any concerns or issues that may arise.
• Maintain positive relationships with clients to encourage repeat business and referrals.

On-Site Event Management 

• Supervise the execution of events from the venue standpoint, ensuring all elements are running smoothly.
• Manage on-site staff to ensure timelines are adhered to.
• Solve problems as they arise, acting quickly and efficiently to minimize disruptions to the event.
• Ensure that event activities run on time, addressing any last-minute changes or problems that arise during the event.

Post-Event Evaluation & Reporting 

• Conduct post-event evaluations with clients to gather feedback and assess the success of the event.
• Analyze event performance and prepare post-event reports, including cost analysis, attendee feedback, while also documenting successes, areas for improvement and opportunities for future business.
• Analyze event performance, identifying opportunities for internal process improvements for future events.

Marketing & Promotion 

• Work with the marketing team to create event marketing strategies that align with company objectives.
• Help build brand recognition by ensuring events reflect the company’s image and standards.

Other Duties as Assigned 

• Including but not limited to scheduling winery security, overseeing high profile RCR and Childress Family Events, etc.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Communications, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 2 years in event planning or management, preferably in a similar industry (corporate events, weddings, conferences, etc.).
  • Proven experience in managing events of various scales and types, from small meetings to large conferences.
  • Strong understanding of event logistics
  • Familiarity with event management software (e.g., Tripleseat, All Seated etc.) is a plus.
• Skills:
  • Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace Suite.
  • Ability to work long hours, including evenings and weekends, when required.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Detail-oriented with a focus on delivering flawless events.
  • Client-focused with a strong customer service orientation.
  • Creative thinker with the ability to design and execute unique, memorable events.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Strong leadership abilities and team management skills.
  • Creative, with the ability to think outside the box and propose innovative ideas for event concepts.
  • Ability to maintain calm and professionalism in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.
  • Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable with last-minute changes and unexpected challenges.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Event Planning (e.g., Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP)).
• Experience in a high-end or luxury event setting.
• Experience with large-scale corporate events, conferences, or trade shows.
• Proficiency in additional software tools related to event planning (e.g.,  Tripleseat, All Seated etc.).

Working Conditions:

• Flexibility in working hours, including evening and weekend work as events often fall outside typical business hours.
• This position may require working holidays, depending on event schedules.
• Work may involve long hours, especially during the lead-up to an event and on event days.
• The role is often physically demanding, requiring long hours on feet during events, lifting and moving event materials, and managing multiple tasks at once.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 35+ pounds on a daily basis.
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend, and stoop.

Compensation:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Gratuities are tied to successful event execution.
• Opportunities for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, paid time off, etc.

A background check and drug screening will be required prior to employment.

The Bistro at Childress Vineyards is seeking a team member who’s eager to bring their sharpened skill set to the table. The Bistro, a fast-paced restaurant owned by NASCAR team owner, Richard Childress, is currently hiring a highly motivated individual with a team-oriented mindset and a readiness to learn and grow. The ideal fit for this position has high expectations for themselves and should be able to work under pressure in a high-stress environment. This position requires the ability to train, direct, and provide constructive guidance towards staff, follow direction from Chef de cuisine and/or Executive Chef and problem solve. Job-specific requirements includes at least 1 year management experience in commercial kitchens, catering establishments, or restaurants, and has been trained in sanitation standards (Serve Safe). Candidate must have open availability (daytime and occasional evening shifts), as well as reliable transportation.

• Supervise and lead a team of kitchen staff in the preparation of meals
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and sanitation regulations
• Develop and implement menus that meet the preferences of our guests
• Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as needed
• Train and mentor staff members on proper food handling techniques
• Collaborate with other departments
• Maintain accurate records of food production, waste, and inventory

• Previous experience in a kitchen setting
• Strong knowledge of culinary techniques and food service management
• Excellent leadership and supervisory skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Effective communication skills to interact with staff, guests, and other departments

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Night shift

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Tasting Room Associate – Part-Time