Director, Catering & Event Design

Director, Catering & Event Design

Location:

Buffalo, NY, US, 14213

Segment:
Restaurants & Hospitality

Rich Entertainment Group (REG) operates a vast and dynamic collection of entertainment businesses dedicated to bringing friends and families together through unique and memorable experiences.

Our love of food is reflected in our many dining and hospitality operations, including WNY’s preferred caterer, Rich’s Catering & Special Events; your source for incredible wedding cakes and desserts for all occasions; and our collection of restaurants in Islamorada, FA, Kaiyo Grill & Sushi and Green Turtle Inn. We operate three minor league baseball teams, including the Buffalo Bisons, where we combine our passion for sports, entertainment and delicious food to create an affordable family experience at the ballpark.

Celebrating WNY’s picturesque waterfront, we manage Canalside and Outer Harbor, which host a variety of arts, cultural, entertainment and fitness activities. The Travel Team, our esteemed full‑service travel provider, delivers exceptional travel experiences to corporate, group and leisure customers around the world.

The many entities of REG are owned by Rich’s, a family‑owned food company working in 100 locations globally with annual sales exceeding $4 billion.

The Director of Catering and Event Design is a dynamic and multifaceted role that combines strategic leadership with hands‑on event execution. This position is responsible for overseeing the catering and event design departments, managing venue and property operations, and driving sales and business development. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of creativity, leadership, and operational expertise, ensuring seamless execution of events while leading a team of sales managers, event coordinators, and porters.

• Oversee and mentor a team of 3 Sales Managers, 3 Event Coordinators, and the Porter Team.
• Foster a collaborative and high‑performance work environment.
• Conduct regular team meetings and performance reviews.

• Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve revenue goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, vendors, and partners.
• Lead the sales team in generating new business and securing event contracts.
• Lead all sales at the largest venue in the portfolio.

• Manage the end‑to‑end planning and design of events, from initial concept through execution.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their vision and provide creative solutions.
• Continuously research and identify emerging trends to integrate into client events, enhancing the experience and maximizing profitability.

• Oversee catering operations, ensuring high standards of service and quality.
• Develop and refine catering menus in collaboration with executive chef and culinary teams.
• Monitor and manage catering budgets and expenses.

• Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the venue, ensuring it meets all safety and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate with maintenance and housekeeping teams to ensure the venue is in optimal condition.
• Manage venue bookings, scheduling, and logistical arrangements.

• Take a hands‑on approach to managing and executing events, ensuring flawless delivery.
  • Address and resolve any issues that arise during events promptly and professionally.
  • Supervise event setup and teardown, ensuring all details align with client expectations.
  Reporting & Analysis
  • Prepare regular reports on sales performance, event outcomes, and team metrics.
  • Analyze data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
  • Implement best practices and process improvements based on feedback and analysis.
  Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, event planning, business administration, or a related field OR equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 7‑10 years of experience in event planning, catering, venue management, and sales, with at least 3‑5 years in a leadership role.
  • Proven track record of successful event execution and client satisfaction.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse…