Job Title: Catering and Events Coordinator
Company Overview
Market Fresh is Guelph’s premier independent gourmet grocer focused on local producers and products. We have been in operation for over 25 years and pride ourselves on offering exceptional customer service and quality food. Our full-service grocery store includes a scratch bakery, butcher shop, deli, commercial kitchen, Gourmet to Go Café, full kitchen, garden center and giftware area. Market Fresh is a celebration of fine food—making us a destination shopping experience for community members and visitors. Our MF in the Community program seeks to raise awareness and funding for local not-for-profit programs and charities aligned to our mission to buy local, be local, support local.
Position Summary
The Catering and Events Coordinator is responsible for leading the growth and day-to-day coordination of Market Fresh's catering business. This role serves as the primary point of contact for catering customers, ensuring an exceptional experience from initial inquiry through order fulfillment and post-event follow-up.
In addition to managing existing catering operations, this position is responsible for proactively developing new business opportunities by building relationships with local businesses, community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, event planners, and other potential clients. The coordinator will identify opportunities for Market Fresh to participate in community events, corporate functions, fundraisers, weddings, and private gatherings that showcase our exceptional food and customer service.
Working closely with the Culinary Director, culinary team and marketing this position coordinates logistics, schedules, customer communications, and event execution while helping to establish Market Fresh as Guelph's preferred catering provider.
Job Structure
This is a fulltime salaried position. Work schedule is primarily Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm with some evenings and weekends required based on business and peak seasons.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary and Commission Structure
$55,000 annually, plus a performance-based commission plan tied to catering sales growth and business development.
Health and dental benefits are available after six months of full-time employment.
Responsibilities
Catering Coordination
- Manage all catering inquiries from initial contact through order completion.
- Prepare quotes, proposals, and invoices.
- Coordinate catering orders with all necessary departments across the store to ensure accuracy, quality, and timely execution. Hands on assistance with packing may be required during peak seasons (e.g. Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter Fish Fry)
- Schedule customer pickups and deliveries.
- Maintain catering calendars, production schedules, and event timelines.
- Ensure exceptional customer service before, during, and after every catering order.
- Resolve customer concerns professionally and promptly.
- Collect customer feedback and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Business Development
- Develop and execute strategies to grow catering sales year-round.
- Identify and pursue new catering opportunities within the community.
- Build relationships with local businesses, offices, schools, healthcare organizations, sports groups, wedding venues, funeral homes, real estate offices, and community organizations.
- Conduct sales calls, networking visits, and presentations to prospective clients.
- Develop corporate catering accounts and recurring business opportunities.
- Represent Market Fresh at networking events, trade shows, and community functions.
- Create referral partnerships with local businesses and event professionals.
Event Coordination
- Coordinate Market Fresh participation in community events, festivals, fundraisers, and corporate functions.
- Work with internal departments to ensure successful execution of catered events.
- Organize internal staffing requirements, delivery logistics, rentals, and event timelines where applicable.
- Assist in developing customized catering solutions for clients.
- Ensure events reflect Market Fresh's high standards of quality and hospitality.
Marketing & Program Development
- Work with Marketing to promote catering services through social media, email campaigns, website updates, and in-store promotions.
- Monitor catering trends and recommend new products or service opportunities.
- Track sales performance and provide regular reports on catering growth and key performance indicators.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Create and manage follow-up reminders to reconnect with clients who have not placed orders recently, supporting client retention and repeat business.
- Prepare weekly and monthly sales reports.
- Monitor catering budgets and revenue targets.
- Maintain accurate documentation for orders, deliveries, contracts, and event details.
- Ensure compliance with food safety and company policies.
Qualifications
- Passion for food, hospitality, and creating memorable customer experiences.
- Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Strong relationship-building and networking abilities.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Professional, positive, and customer-focused approach.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Valid driver's licence and reliable transportation preferred.
Education and Training
- Post-secondary education in Hospitality, Business, Marketing, Event Management, or a related field is considered an asset.
- Food Handler Certification is an asset.
Skills and Experience
- 2–5 years of experience in catering, hospitality, event coordination, sales, business development, or customer relationship management.
- Demonstrated success growing customer accounts or generating new business.
- Experience coordinating multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills (Outlook, Word, Excel).
- Experience with POS systems, catering software, or CRM platforms is an asset.
- Knowledge of the local Guelph business community is considered an asset.
- Experience working with food service or catering operations is preferred but not required.
Accessibility Accommodation Statement
Market Fresh is committed to providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Accommodations are available upon request.
Pay: $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Store discount
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- What motivated you to apply for this position, and why do you believe you're a good fit for the role?
Work Location: In person
