Event Lead-Iowa City in Iowa City, Iowa at Big Grove Brewery

Summary/Objective

The Event Lead is responsible for leading the successful execution of private events, brewery events, weddings, corporate gatherings, community events, and special experiences hosted at the brewery. The Event Lead ensures that every event is organized, welcoming, efficient, and consistent with the brewery’s standards for hospitality, service, safety, and guest experience. This position requires a hands-on leader who is comfortable managing multiple priorities, solving problems in real time, and creating memorable guest experiences. Must be willing to work unique hours and bring in a positive attitude in a fast-paced work environment.

Core Values

Big Grove only hires and retains people who exhibit our core values. Our Core Values are:

1. Set the Tone

2. Thirst for Improvement

3. We Care

4. Practice Candor

5. Passion Driven

You will be given a culture deck explaining these core values. The goal of our culture deck is to show you who we are as a company, and then you can decide if you personally align with us and are excited to begin a career here.

Essential Functions

Event Execution & Operations

1. Lead the on-site execution of events from setup through breakdown.

2. Review event details, timelines, floor plans, menus, beverage packages, and special requests prior to each event.

3. Ensure event spaces are set up according to the approved event plan.

4. Coordinate guest arrival, seating, food service, beverage service, activities, and event flow.

5. Monitor event timelines and make adjustments as needed.

6. Conduct event walkthroughs and ensure spaces are clean, organized, and event-ready.

7. Oversee breakdown and restoration of event spaces following each event.

8. Ensure all event materials, equipment, décor, and supplies are properly handled and stored.

1. Welcome guests and create a warm, professional, and engaging atmosphere.

2. Anticipate guest needs and proactively address concerns.

3. Respond to questions, requests, and service issues quickly and professionally.

4. Ensure the brewery’s hospitality standards are consistently demonstrated throughout the event.

5. Handle guest concerns with professionalism while protecting the overall guest experience.

1. Clearly communicate event expectations, responsibilities, timelines, and service standards.

2. Provide coaching and real-time feedback when appropriate.

3. Maintain a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment

1. Communicate with event hosts and vendors during events as assigned.

2. Confirm vendor arrival times, setup requirements, and event responsibilities.

3. Ensure vendors follow brewery policies, safety requirements, and venue guidelines.

4. Escalate significant client or vendor issues to management when appropriate.

1. Coordinate food and beverage service according to event specifications.

2. Work closely with culinary and bar teams to ensure timing and service expectations are met.

3. Monitor beer, beverage, food, and supply levels throughout events.

4. Ensure responsible alcohol-service practices and brewery policies are followed.

5. Communicate dietary restrictions, allergies, and special food requests to the appropriate team members.

1. Maintain accurate event checklists and documentation.

2. Complete post-event notes and communicate opportunities or issues to management.

3. Provide feedback following events to help improve future event execution.

Competencies

1. Strong Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with clients, guests, employees, vendors and leadership

2. Multi-tasking: Successfully manages multiple responsibilities while maintaining service quality and professionalism.

3. Organized: Effectively manages timelines, event details, setup requirements, vendors, staffing, and guest requests.

4. Attention to Detail: Recognizes the small details that can significantly impact an event and guest experience.

5. Problem Solving: Remains calm under pressure and quickly develops practical solutions when unexpected issues arise.

6. Leadership: Confidently directs event teams, delegates responsibilities, and keeps employees focused during high-volume events.

7. Adaptable: Comfortably adjusts to changing timelines, guest counts, weather, vendor delays, staffing challenges, and other unexpected circumstances.

8. Teamwork: Builds strong working relationships across events, taproom, culinary, bar, brewery, and management teams.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Work Environment

This position operates in a hospitality/ brewery environment. This role routinely uses cleaning supplies and point of sale terminal systems. The Event Lead works in a fast-paced, customer-facing hospitality environment. The role requires flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and demands.

• Physical Setting: Work is primarily performed in a taproom/restaurant setting, with frequent movement between front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) areas. The environment includes exposure to noise, crowds, varying temperatures (kitchen, patio, cooler), and occasional outdoor elements during events.

• Pace & Demands: The position involves frequent interruptions, managing multiple priorities and tight deadlines and last minute changes. Stressful situations will arise, demanding strong problem solving skills.

• Collaboration: This environment for this role is highly social, involving constant interaction with guests, vendors and staff and community partners.

• Irregular Hours: Event leads are required to be present on-site during events, which often run through weekends and evenings

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.

• Physical Exertion: Frequent lifting, moving and carrying materials, equipment and supplies up to 50 pounds; occasionally up to 100 pounds with assistance

• Mobility: Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time.

• Reaching/Handling: Frequent use of hands and arms for reaching, handling, and operating equipment or POS systems.

• Setup and Execution: Frequent bending, crouching, kneeling, stretching, climbing stairs, and balancing and reaching to set up, manage and dismantle events.

• Sensory Requirements: Must be able to visually observe and communicate with guests and team members; ability to hear and respond to guest needs in a loud environment.

• Environmental Conditions: Exposure to loud noise, varying temperatures (kitchen heat, walk-in cooler cold, outdoor patios), cleaning supplies, and crowded spaces.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a part-time position and hours of work/days may vary from week to week. Schedules will be posted 2-4 weeks in advance to allow time for employees to be informed of work requirements. Floor shifts will be given to supplement hours. The business is open 7 days a week during many day parts. Weekday and daytime availability are preferred.

Travel

None

Preferred Education and Experience

1. High school diploma or equivalent

2. At least 1 year of experience working in the service industry

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.