The Assistant Event Manager supports the Event Manager in overseeing event operations at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, a premier event destination in Virginia. This role combines hands-on event leadership with administrative and operational duties, including managing staff, coordinating with various departments, and ensuring events are executed to the company's standards. The position involves leading events, troubleshooting challenges, and maintaining service and venue standards.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Event Manager to oversee the successful execution of weddings, private events, and other property events
Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), staffing plans, timelines, and event details to ensure the operations team is prepared for each event
Provide leadership and direction to Event Supervisors and event staff before, during, and after events
Lead events as needed and provide management support during complex or high-volume events
Coordinate with culinary, sales, bar, and other departments to ensure event details are communicated and executed consistently
Troubleshoot operational challenges and make real-time decisions while maintaining a professional and guest-focused environment
Assist with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training event staff
Support the continued training and development of Event Supervisors and event team members
Provide coaching and feedback to maintain service, professionalism, and performance standards
Assist with creating staff schedules based on event needs, guest counts, employee availability, and established labor targets
Review staffing levels and make adjustments based on changes in event requirements
Help foster a collaborative, accountable, and professional team environment
Serve as a management-level point of contact for clients, guests, and vendors during events
Support Event Supervisors with escalated guest, client, or vendor concerns
Build strong working relationships with vendors and internal departments
Ensure specialty service requirements, dietary accommodations, and other important guest details are communicated and executed appropriately
Maintain Pippin Hill’s standards for event spaces, bridal and groom suites, service stations, bars, and other guest-facing areas
Ensure proper setup, organization, cleanliness, and breakdown standards are consistently followed
Monitor event supplies, equipment, and inventory and coordinate replenishment or maintenance as needed
Oversee bar setup and liquor and beverage inventory procedures
Assist with periodic inventory counts and maintenance of appropriate par levels
Monitor event labor hours and staffing costs to support established labor targets
Assist with reconciling event labor and operational costs for financial reporting
Review event recaps, incident reports, and operational feedback and follow up on issues as necessary
Identify opportunities to improve event procedures, service standards, training, and operational efficiency
Maintain accurate event operations records and assist with other administrative responsibilities of the department

Requirements

2+ years of event, hospitality, restaurant, or related operational leadership experience preferred
Previous experience supervising and developing employees
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
Strong attention to detail and working knowledge of event service and operations
Professional, calm, and solutions-oriented when handling guest or operational concerns
Comfortable working collaboratively across multiple departments
Able to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods of 8–12 hours
Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays according to the event schedule