Executive Assistant

Description

Job Title: Executive Assistant Department: CEO

FLSA: Non-Exempt   Status: Full-Time

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

At Blue Plate Catering, we create memorable food and service experiences while living our “Care More” value every day. As one of Chicago’s premier hospitality and catering companies, we are known for exceptional service, thoughtful experiences, operational excellence, and a collaborative culture rooted in care, authenticity, and innovation.

We are seeking a highly organized, proactive, polished, and trustworthy Executive Assistant to support our CEO in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Position Summary

The Executive Assistant provides administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer and reports directly to the CEO. This role is responsible for managing the CEO’s calendar, priorities, communications, travel, and daily workflow.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, discreet, adaptable, and confident managing priorities with professionalism and sound judgment.

Essential Functions:

Executive Support & Calendar Management

• Helps manage the CEO’s daily flow, scheduling priorities, and overall organization to support efficiency and productivity.
• Schedules meetings, appointments, conferences, and related logistics on behalf of the CEO.
• Coordinates internal and external meetings, appointments, and scheduling logistics while maintaining flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• Prepares daily schedules, agendas, and supporting documents to ensure the CEO is prepared for meetings and events.
• Anticipates scheduling conflicts and proactively resolves issues while adapting to changing priorities and business needs.
• Screens calls, visitors, meeting requests, and scheduling inquiries while serving as the gatekeeper for the CEO.
• Professionally represents the CEO by welcoming visitors, directing or responding to correspondence, coordinating meetings and corporate functions, answering questions and other requests directed at the CEO.

Administrative Support:

• Assists with presentations, reports, confidential documents, and other executive-level administrative materials.
• Assists with special projects, administrative requests, and operational support assignments as needed.
• Provides occasional transportation support and executive-related personal assistance, including support for appointments, meetings, and related scheduling needs as appropriate.

Requirements

Education and Experience: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• 5+ years of administrative support.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record required.
• Ability to travel locally to meetings and events as needed.
• Advanced proficiency in Google products and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Essential Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Blue Plate is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• Ability to demonstrate strong affinity for Blue Plate’s mission: Our mission is to “care more” for others through food and service experiences that turn our partner’s vision into reality.
• Strong service orientation with the ability to anticipate needs and deliver accordingly.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and maintain composure under pressure.

Language Skills

Ability to read, write and speak English proficiently.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Blue Plate is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. 
• Possess the ability to fulfill any and all office activities normally expected in an office setting, to include, but not limited to: remaining seated for periods of time to perform computer entry, participating in filing activity, lifting and carrying office supplies (paper reams, mail, etc.), Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to feel; reach with hand and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch. 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20-25 pounds. 
• Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• May require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position. 
• Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding).

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Blue Plate is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• Internal office space. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Schedule & Availability:

• This is a full-time, salaried position generally scheduled Monday through Friday for 40+ hours per week based on business and executive needs.
• Availability outside of standard business hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, may be required.
• Ability to travel locally for meetings, appointments, and events as needed.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary Wage Range: $70,000 – $90,000

Compensation will be based on experience, qualification, and overall fit for the role. 

Benefits Overview

At Blue Plate Catering, we live our core value: We Care More by offering a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to supporting our team’s well-being and growth. Benefits may include medical, dental, and vision insurance for full time employees and all employees are eligible for 401(k)-retirement plan, Chicago Sick leave and Chicago Paid Leave. Additional perks such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and resources to help you thrive in work and life.

Blue Plate Catering complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment, including protections related to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.