Catering Director - Kansas City, MO

 

 

 

 

 

Position Title: CATERING DIRECTOR - KAUFFMAN PERFORMING ARTS 

Reports To:  GENERAL MANAGER

Salary:            $75,000 - $85,000 a / year 

Schedule:   Based on client needs

 

Growth. Opportunity. Excellence.

Canteen brings break time to everyone. We combine food, service, and experience backed by industry-leading technology to help companies create a better workplace and connect their employees. Canteen’s solutions include markets, office coffee and snacks, unattended retail, and culinary.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their dedication, collaboration, and passion fuel our growth. Interested in joining our team? You bring the enthusiasm, customer service, and commitment; we’ll supply the opportunity and innovation.  Together, we’ll continue to transform our industry.

Come grow with us. We are Canteen.

 

This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email then you can check the status under Careers in PeopleHub by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com. Click here to view the step-by-step instructions to refer a friend to this position.

Job Summary:

The Catering Director is responsible for overseeing all food and beverage operations at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts ensuring a high-quality dining and hospitality experience for patrons, artists, and special event guests. This role involves catering sales, menu planning, vendor management, staff supervision, and financial oversight to maximize revenue and maintain service excellence in alignment with the theatre’s artistic and operational goals.

Key Responsibilities:
Event Planning & Execution:
•    Consult with clients on event scope, expectations, venue setup, menu selection, and entertainment options     to align with their budget and vision.
•    Collaborate with the Executive Chef to design and plan customized menus.
•    Oversee and negotiate contracts with individual vendors to secure necessary event services.
•    Delegate responsibilities to the Event Manager and ensure seamless event execution within established     parameters.
•    Coordinate between the Kauffman Special Event team, staffing, suppliers, vendors, and rental companies to     ensure smooth event operations.
•    Assess contract requirements and ensure high levels of client satisfaction.
•    Conduct post-event evaluations to measure success, identify improvement areas, and uphold performance and     quality standards.
Staff & Vendor Management:
•    Recruit, interview, hire, and train permanent and casual catering staff.
•    Organize, lead, and motivate the catering team to deliver exceptional service.
•    Plan staff schedules and oversee event staffing needs to ensure efficiency.
Financial & Administrative Oversight:
•    Develop and maintain accurate financial and administrative records.
•    Oversee event budgeting, sales forecasting, and financial reporting.
•    Ensure timely customer payment and resolve any outstanding issues.
    Customer Relations & Service Excellence:
•    Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring clear and effective communication.
•    Resolve customer concerns professionally and in a timely manner.
•    Uphold high standards of client service to enhance the guest experience.

Preferred Qualifications

•    Experienced industry professional with demonstrated leadership in event management, hospitality, and     customer service.
•    Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple events and priorities.
•    Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client interactions and internal coordination.
•    Ability to adapt to changing demands and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
•    Proven experience in budgeting, P&