Beverage Associate - Main Event Caterers

Warehouse Associate (FT)

Job Summary:
The Beverage Associate supports Main Event Caterers (MEC) Warehouse Department in preparing, packing, and fulfilling beverage orders for catered events. Working under the direction of the Beverage Manager, the Associate prepares beverage components, pulls and packs orders accurately, processes returns, supports accurate inventory, and keeps beverage storage and work areas clean and organized. This is a hands-on, physically active role for someone dependable, detail-oriented, and willing to learn. Training on MEC's procedures is provided; prior bartending experience is not required.
 
 
Duties/Responsibilities:
Beverage Preparation
• Prepare beverage components according to MEC's standard recipes and procedures, such as batched cocktails, juices, syrups, garnishes, infused waters, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Measure accurately, and label, date, and store prepared items following food-safety and rotation standards.

Order Fulfillment & Packing
• Pull, pack, and stage beverage orders (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), ice, bar equipment, and supplies according to event pull sheets.
• Check each order against its pull sheet before release. Report shortages or problems to the Beverage Manager before the order leaves the building.
• Load and unload beverage inventory, ice, equipment, and supplies to and from vehicles.

Returns, Inventory & Storage
• Process returned event items: count, check condition, clean or send to dish, and return to proper storage. Record and report missing, damaged, or broken items.
• Assist with receiving deliveries, checking them against the order, and putting product away correctly.
• Stock and rotate inventory (first in, first out).
• Complete inventory counts as assigned and record them accurately on count sheets or in the system, as directed.
• Keep coolers, storage, and work areas clean, labeled, and organized.

Sanitation, Equipment & Safety
• Clean, sanitize, and properly store beverage equipment (dispensers, coolers, containers, bar tools), and keep prep surfaces sanitized; report damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
• Follow food-safety, sanitation, and safe-lifting practices, and all applicable ABC regulations for handling alcohol.

Teamwork & Communication
• Follow MEC's SOPs, checklists, and instructions from the Beverage Manager.
• Communicate directly and professionally with Warehouse, Event Managers, drivers, and kitchen staff to keep orders accurate and on time; raise issues early.
• Perform other Beverage or warehouse support duties as assigned.

Performance Expectations:
• Arrive on time, ready to work, and work scheduled shifts reliably.
• Complete orders accurately and on time, and double-check your own work.
• Follow established procedures consistently; ask when unsure.
• Report errors, shortages, and problems promptly and honestly.
• Leave work areas clean and organized at the end of every shift.
• Work safely and treat coworkers with respect.

Qualifications:
Required
• Must be 21 years of age or older (role involves handling and preparing alcoholic beverages).
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Able to read and follow written instructions, recipes, pull sheets, and labels; basic math for measuring and counting.
• Strong attention to detail and organized work habits.
• Willing to learn, take direction, and follow established procedures.
• Works well as part of a team.
• Able to meet the physical requirements below.

Preferred
• Experience in catering, food or beverage preparation, barback, kitchen, or warehouse work.
• Food handler and/or alcohol-awareness certification (e.g., TIPS).
• Basic computer or tablet skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Schedule & Work Environment:
• Schedule follows the event calendar and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly during peak seasons.
• Work takes place mainly in beverage prep, warehouse, and cold-storage areas; work at event venues is rare.
• Exposure to cold storage, ice, warm warehouse conditions, wet floors, and cleaning chemicals used according to safety guidelines.

Physical Requirements:
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs repeatedly; heavier items are moved with a team lift or equipment.
• Stand and walk for extended periods; bend, reach, and push or pull carts and dollies.
• Repetitive hand motions such as cutting, pouring, and stacking.
• Work in varying temperatures, including cold storage.