Festivals Manager at Blake's Orchard, Inc. – Armada, Michigan

Job Summary:

The Festival & Events Manager is responsible for the execution of Blake’s large events and festivals. The Festival & Events Manager will collaborate with the Director of Experience on all property-wide events to execute and communicate cross-functiontally with the entire Blake Farms organization and business units. This position is responsible for coordinating all logistics of events/festivals including all planning, preparation, research, execution, financials and other tasks as assigned for successful execution of each event/festival. This position is responsible for carrying out events to the highest level of company and customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate for this position will:

• Have a service-oriented can-do attitude
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skill with attention to detail
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment and handle pressure while managing multiple tasks
• Have proven people and task management skills
• Maintain Blake’s core values and mission statement through elevated guest experience.
• Uphold company policies per the Standard Operating Procedures, Employee Policy Manual and Code of Conduct

Responsibilities and Duties

Operation

• Organize facilities and manage all event’s details such as vendors, set-up, decor, food/beverage, entertainment, equipment, promotional materials, supplies etc.
• Work with department leaders within the company to coordinate staffing, offerings, execution and planning for each event/festival
• Proactively handle any arising issues and troubleshoot any emerging problems on the event day
• Ensure compliance with insurance, legal, health and safety obligations
• Collaborate with marketing to ensure proper promotion of each event/festival
• Conduct pre- and post – event evaluations and report on outcomes
• Establish and maintain relationships with all vendors and suppliers related to event needs
• Drive overall festival/event strategy proposing continuous improvements, strategic recommendations, planning and execution
• Supervise the day-to-day operations and performance of the festival/event to provide the highest level of customer service for the customer
• Ability to make decisions regarding event logistics, promotions, pricing, layouts and overall execution
• Monitors the competitive environment within the community and makes recommendations regarding adjustments necessary to maintain a competitive position and opportunities within the department and company
• Understands the overarching company strategy, as well as communicates and models the core values of the organization, to create a sense of teamwork and membership among employees
• Handles customer concerns and ensures an appropriate resolution
• Assists in the hiring of event personnel by reviewing resumes and employment applications, as well as interviewing candidates
• Prepares, manages, and revises weekly schedules to ensure appropriate staffing levels for each event/festival.
• Coordinates with other intercompany departments including shipping/receiving, supply chain, bakery, sweet cider, marketing, finance/accounting to ensure smooth operations.

Financial

• Maintain an individual budget and record of revenue and expenses per each event/festival
• Achieve financial objectives by preparing an annual budget, expenditures and analyzing variances and initiating corrective actions.
• Manage payroll, labor and overtime budgets in accordance with the budget

Management & Leadership

• Conduct event and festival meetings as needed
• Identifies training and development opportunities that will assist in achieving enhanced performance
• Complies with all established company policies and procedures while upholding the security and confidentiality of documents and data
• Ability to manage multiple festivals/events at a single time.
• Management of as few as 5 employees, up to as many as 20+ employees on festival days
• Provides a safe environment for employees, customers, and vendors by identifying and rectifying hazards, ensuring proper ergonomics, and maintaining store equipment in proper working order
• Ensure compliance with state regulations regarding meal times and breaks for minor workers in the department.
• Support cashiers and other retail associates as needed. Leadership by example. Willing to do any job asked no matter the size or request.
• Must be available to work weekends and Holidays
• Strength in coaching young leaders to be larger players in our company.

Requirements

Education, Skills & Knowledge:

• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in business studies, business administration, hospitality or a related discipline
• Minimum 1-2 year’s experience in Event Coordinating/Planning or related position
• Experience working with multiple departmental teams
• Excellent communication; verbal, written and interpersonal
• Strong organizational planning skills
• Great teamwork and problem-solving skills
• Proficient technical knowledge with the ability to use multiple platforms including Microsoft
• Must be legally allowed to work in the USA
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holiday periods to meet business needs

Working Conditions:

• The work for this position will be in a climate controlled, smoke free environment but the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Work will be performed for up to eight hours per day. Weekend and holiday work will be required from time to time.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.