Brandwein’s Bagels
Here at Brandwein’s our way is a little different: We believe every bagel is an opportunity to make a difference in our community and touch people’s lives. We support and honor locally sourced ingredients with our freshly baked goods and delicious food! We celebrate creativity and reward hard work in an environment that is respectful, energetic and fun! We live by our Core Values: Be Caring, Be Humble, Be Hungry, Be Thoughtful, Be Positive. We begin each day with a “Good morning!” and end each shift with a “Thank you.” Brandwein’s Bagels invites you to join our Team as we aim to build lasting community by making people’s days a little bit better with good food done well!
Brandwein's is an equal opportunity employer. Our employees are the heart and soul of the business and we intend to do everything we can to make Brandwein’s a healthy and safe work environment for you. Everyone who enters our space has our promise to be treated with dignity and respect.
Voted one of Chapel Hill Magazine’s “Best Catering Companies” in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, Brandwein’s is excited to continue growing our Catering Team to better serve our community!
Catering Operations Lead (Catering Captain)
Leadership Through Execution | Fast-Paced | Hands On
We are looking for a Catering Operations Lead to be the on-the-ground leader of the catering operation — the “captain on the field.” This is not a desk role. This is a leadership-through-execution role in a fast-paced, early-morning catering environment. You will be responsible for ensuring that each catering day runs smoothly, efficiently, and at the highest level of quality and hospitality.
You thrive in execution, organization, and quick decision-making. You are constantly balancing the present moment with what’s coming next — anticipating needs, solving problems, and keeping the entire team motivated and moving forward.
This is an “expo-style” leadership role involving directing flow, maintaining clarity, and ensuring every order, delivery, and event is executed with precision according to Brandwein's standards.
If this sounds like the leader you are and work worth doing, come join the fun!
Core Responsibilities
We will count on our Catering Operations Lead (Catering Captain) to...
- Lead and oversee all day-of catering operations from start to finish
- Act as the central point of communication for the catering team
- Ensure all orders are accurate, complete, and on time
- Maintain full visibility on the day’s timeline: what’s happening now, what’s next, and what’s coming later
- Proactively identify and solve problems before they impact service
- Direct team priorities and ensure everyone is working on the right task at the right time
- Train, coach, and support team members to perform at a high level
- Delegate responsibilities clearly and effectively
- Foster a positive, focused, and team-oriented environment
- Serve as the go-to person for questions, guidance, and decision-making
- Build and manage catering operations schedules
- Coordinate and oversee delivery schedules and logistics
- Ensure all materials, equipment, and food are prepared and ready for service
- Anticipate needs for upcoming orders and events
- Step into any role as needed: delivery driver, event server, setup support
- Assist with opening and closing duties, including additional operational tasks
- Run errands or handle logistics (storage runs, equipment pickups) to ensure the team has everything needed
- Interact with clients professionally and warmly during deliveries and events
- Build strong relationships both externally (clients) and internally (kitchen and operations teams)
- Ensure seamless communication between the kitchen and catering teams
Metrics of Success
Success in this role is measured by both execution and leadership. In addition to base pay, there are opportunities for performance-based incentives tied to:
- On-Time Performance - Orders consistently delivered and executed on schedule
- Order Accuracy - Minimal errors in packing, delivery, and event setup
- Execution Quality - Catering days run smoothly with strong organization and minimal last-minute issues
- Team Alignment - Team members are clear, focused, working efficiently and together
- Client Experience - Positive feedback and repeat business
- Preparedness - Team operates proactively, not reactively
- Problem Resolution - Issues handled quickly, calmly, and effectively
Key Traits & Skills
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
- Strong sense of urgency and ability to prioritize in real time
- Natural leader who thrives in fast-paced environments
- Proactive problem-solver who takes ownership
- Excellent communicator and team motivator
- Comfortable balancing immediate execution with forward planning
- Reliable, dependable, and accountable
- Friendly, approachable, and team-oriented
- Curious and resourceful — willing to find answers when needed
Schedule & Hours
- Full-time role, typically 45–55 hours per week depending on catering volume
- This is primarily an early-morning operation; most days begin between 5:00-6:30am
- Schedule varies based on business needs
- Overtime is available and paid in accordance with applicable laws
- Additional hours may be required during peak catering periods
Compensation + Benefits
- $22–$28/hour or $48,000 to $60,0000 per year, based on experience
- Opportunities for performance-based incentives tied to execution and team success
- Competitive hourly pay with opportunities for overtime
- Paid time off (PTO) and / or sick time
- Flexible scheduling when possible
- Opportunities for growth and advancement within the company
- Employee discounts on food and catering
- Supportive, team-oriented work environment
- Ongoing training and development
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid holidays (1.5x)
Growth Path
This role is designed for long-term growth within the organization:
- Opportunity to grow into a Catering Director or Operations leadership role
- Increased responsibility in scheduling, systems development, and team leadership
- Involvement in hiring, training, and operational strategy
- Ownership of larger events and key client relationships over time
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 2–3 years experience in catering, food service operations, or a similar hands-on leadership role
- Proven experience leading a small team or coordinating multiple priorities simultaneously
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage logistics in real time
- Comfortable working early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays as needed
- Ability to lift and carry 40–50 lbs, move equipment, and be on your feet for extended periods
- Own a car and have a valid driver’s license (required for deliveries)
- Excellent communication skills, both with team members and clients
- Proactive problem-solver who can make decisions under pressure
- Must have a laptop to bring to work for schedules, orders, and communication
- Familiarity with using Google Calendar and other modern technology
- Friendly, reliable, and team-oriented
Our Approach
- We value efficiency and planning. Our goal is to run organized, well-prepared operations.
- This role is for someone who takes pride in being behind the scenes and making everything work. You are equally comfortable leading the team and stepping in wherever needed.
- If you’re the person everyone relies on to make things happen and you take pride in running a smooth, high-level operation, we’d love to meet you.
Note: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
