Event & Culinary Production Manager

About the Manager, Event & Culinary Production Position:Agency 21 (a21) is seeking an organized, highly motivated team player with a passion for food, hospitality, and live event execution to join our team. The ideal candidate is a versatile producer who can work across both event and culinary production, managing multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously while adapting to the needs of each event.Primary Responsibilities: Support and manage end-to-end planning and production for assigned events and workstreams from initial concept and ideation through onsite execution and post-event reconciliationServe as an Event Producer and/or Culinary Producer across assigned festivals and events based on project needsBuild and manage project tracking systems in Monday.com, including event timelines, vendor tracking, schedules, signage and creative, credentials, run of show, culinary outreach and confirmations, menus, equipment, COIs, travel, reimbursements, and other project-specific needsCoordinate pre-event production and logistics including: chef communication, vendor communication, rentals, equipment, disposables, signage, floorplans and layouts, talent, entertainment, and onsite operational needsResearch and compile food and beverage talent rosters, identifying chefs and culinary talent aligned with event concepts, themes, and audiencesManage culinary talent communication from initial outreach and confirmation through advancing, load-in, onsite execution, and load-outCreate and distribute culinary and event-facing materials including invitations, fact sheets, load-in documents, menus, schedules, run of shows, and event briefing documentsLead menu development and advancing conversations with culinary talent, coordinating dish concepts, dietary considerations, portion planning, equipment, disposables, staffing, and service needsSupport the planning and execution of seated meals, chef demonstrations, tasting events, chef stations, and other food-and-beverage activationsCoordinate spending, rentals, talent, culinary, and vendor costs in alignment with project budgets, maintaining an understanding of the overall financial picture and assigned scopesWork closely with internal departments, clients, sponsors, venues, talent, and vendors to communicate project needs and ensure alignment across teamsParticipate in and, as assigned, lead production and planning meetings, helping drive action items, deadlines, and follow-throughCollaborate cross-functionally with Partnership, Partnership Fulfillment, Accounting, Marketing, and other internal departmentsCultivate and maintain strong vendor, venue, talent, and client relationships, representing a21 with professionalism and careAssist with city, state, venue, health department, and other permitting and compliance requirements, including food safety and culinary-specific regulationsExecute onsite event operations including load-in and load-out, vendor and delivery coordination, rentals and equipment, signage, talent check-in, culinary station setup, registration, and real-time troubleshootingWork collaboratively across event and culinary teams onsite, stepping into operational needs as they arise to ensure successful event executionSupport post-event closeout including vendor reconciliation, invoices, reimbursements, expense tracking, recap materials, and other post-event deliverablesSkills + Qualifications Needed: ·    3+ years coordinating meetings, Festivals, experiential events, or other live events·     3+ years managing vendor, talent, client, or partner relationshipsExperience in the food and beverage industry, with exposure to culinary events or hospitality operations, strongly preferredDemonstrated understanding of live event production, including vendors, rentals, floorplans, timelines, load-in/load-out, and onsite operationsExperience working with chefs, culinary talent, menus, kitchen equipment, food service operations, or culinary event production strongly preferredStrong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, workstreams, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneouslySelf-starter with a strong sense of initiative, accountability, and follow-throughExcellent interpersonal and communication skills with a high level of professionalismAbility to adapt quickly and problem-solve in fast-paced, live event environmentsExperience with project management principles and tools; familiarity with Monday.com, Canva or similar platforms preferredProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) for tracking, reporting, and communication·       Office administration and operations experience·       Knowledge and passion for the independent food and beverage industry a plus·       Flexibility to travel throughout the year (up to 20% including some nights and weekends)·       Must be able to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs and remain on feet for extended periods during live event production·       Education: Associates Degree required, Bachelor’s degree is a plus.About the a21 Family:Based in Miami and New York City, a21 is a modern agency that specializes in Corporate Sponsorship Sales and Activation, Event Management, Strategic Marketing and Corporate Consulting. Our unique and creative approach with a results-driven framework makes us one of the top event marketing agencies in the U.S. As part of our team you will have access to benefits such as:·       Outstanding Health + Dental benefits·       Competitive PTO plan·       Hybrid remote/on-site work plan·       401k and More! a21 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran. a21 complies with all applicable laws.