Director, Catering & Event Design
Buffalo, NY, US, 14213
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.
To learn more, visit www.richentertainmentgroup.com.
Purpose Statement
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.
Key Accountabilities and Outcomes
1. Leadership & Management:
- 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.
2. Sales & Business Development:
- 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 largest venue in portfolio.
3. Event Planning & Design:
- 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.
- Oversee event design, including décor, layout, and thematic elements.
- Create, design, & build new and innovative event designs including custom décor.
- Continuously research and identify emerging trends to integrate into client events, enhancing the experience and maximizing profitability.
4. Catering Operations:
- Oversee catering operations, ensuring high standards of service and quality.
- Develop and refine catering menus in collaboration with executive chef & culinary teams.
- Monitor and manage catering budgets and expenses.
5. Venue & Property Management:
- 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.
6. Event Execution:
- 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.
7. 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, 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 team.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proficiency in event management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules.
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COMPENSATION
In accordance with state law, the rate or range provided is Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Rich’s”), reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may be higher or lower, based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, shift differential, and location.
Annual Range/Hourly Rate
$75,600.00 - $113,400.00

Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Rich’s”), are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity, standing up for fairness and maintaining a culture of belonging, to provide an exceptional experience for all. We will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity, and maintain employment statistics on applicants.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Rich’s. Please contact Rich’s Associate Experience Network at hrhelp@rich.com if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.
Nearest Major Market: Buffalo
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Manager, Business Development, Management, Sales