Splish Splash Events and Catering Manager

Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with 49 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide.

While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.

As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect.

We Are Currently Looking For a

Splish Splash Events and Catering Manager

Summary

Roles & Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Revenue Director, the Events and Catering Manager, leads the planning and execution of catered food and beverage experiences for group events, including picnics, birthday parties, corporate outings, and special events. You will work with the Revenue Director and corporate partners to develop plans and direction of the Food Revenue Division. With a focus on creating “Memories Worth Repeating”, you will ensure that we are serving guests in a friendly and efficient manner. Strive for cost effectiveness, efficiency, and enhanced profitability while maintaining the highest degree of internal and external customer satisfaction through our Leading with Love program. You will work closely with the park leadership team and partners at the property support center.

This leader is hands-on, guest-focused, and passionate about developing teams, stewarding resources, and creating moments that make guests feel truly cared for.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

• As a member of leadership, coach, guide, lead by example, and create an environment where people work as a team and empower each other by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest and committed when interacting with one another, our vendors and partners, and our guests.
• Role model our culture with all stakeholders and have the highest standards for your team in demonstrating those same actions.
• Reflect the Splish Splash culture to guests, partners, direct reports, peers, and Property Support Center (PSC)
• Establish goals, objectives and procedures for the food and beverage business units, which include product knowledge, training, coaching, and developing a team that maximizes sales, customer service and guest experience.
• Profit and Loss (P&L) responsibility for the development, sales and operations of all food and beverage revenue & expenses.
• Create and reinforce a sales culture that ensures the highest standard of customer service and maximization of sales potential.
• Lead departmental planning and budgeting.
• Research, coordinate and take an active part in the design and planning of all food related facilities and revenue generating programs to achieve maximum revenue & profit potential.
• Greet customers, assist with questions, and ensure that financial transactions are being handled accurately and within compliance with PCI guidelines.
• Serve as the Food & Beverage lead for catered events, group picnics, birthday parties, and special events.
• Ensure every event is executed with excellence, hospitality, and attention to detail.
• Act as an on-site leader during events, providing support, service recovery, and real-time problem solving.
• Build trust and connection with group leaders, parents, and event hosts.
• Collaborate with Group Sales, Operations, Culinary, and Leadership teams to align on event expectations and execution.
• Review event details and ensure food, beverage, staffing, and setup needs are clearly communicated and delivered.
• Support attraction-wide events and seasonal offerings as needed.
• Oversee, manage, and execute sales of Alcohol, including bar areas, cabana service, while making sure we are compliant with NYS Liquor Licensing requirements and ensuring all Hosts are TIPS certified.
• Oversee and manage other Food & Beverage locations in coordination with Revenue Team.
• Accountable for delivering exceptional customer service consistent with our brand positioning; ensuring that service is prompt, all hosts have product knowledge, customer expectations are exceeded, and guest recovery activities are efficient and effective.
• Lead details of guest services programs to ensure all activities are integrated with marketing and sales.
• Work closely with the Director to manage/maintain the budgeted labor and food costs by being in tune to schedules, spending time in field and implementing best practices and periodically analyzing reports.
• Work closely with the Director and Supervisors to manage/monitor weekly cost of sales by paying close attention to purchasing, inventory management, production plans and waste controls.
• Review and approve weekly schedules to ensure efficient and proper staffing levels at all times.
• Ensure all units meet or exceed accepted levels of cleanliness and sanitation as measured by third party auditors and state and local authorities. Proficient scores on food inspections are expected.
• Communicate expectations and follow up on expectations to leaders within the department. Conduct regular evaluations to staff providing feedback and allowing them to use that feedback to improve their performance.
• Ensure that weekly inventories are completed and turned in as required.
• Oversee the development and use of effective standard operating procedure (SOP’s) manuals; oversee the implementation of and continually monitor programs to ensure that all policies and procedures are appropriately and effectively followed at all times.
• Responsible for hiring, retaining and developing an effective Food & Beverage management team by motivating, coaching, training and developing hosts towards optimum performance.
• Comply with and advocate for safety and security directives, policies and procedures. Ensure all safety critical standards are being met.
• Undertake special assignments or projects assigned by the Revenue Director.
  
  

Qualifications

• 5 years of progressive leadership experience in theme park, attraction, concession, tourism, hospitality or entertainment industry preferred.
• Relevant experience in operating a food & beverage, catering, events, or hospitality operation and team.
• ServSafe Food Certification and TIPS training, or the ability to obtain certification.
• Must already possess skills in Food and Beverage including strong general knowledge of food safety standards and practices, cleanliness standards, food procurement, presentation and execution, production standards and how to operate a Food Service Establishment.
• Must have the ability to represent the property in a professional manner.
• Must be able to help develop Training programs and Train people.
• Must have an eye for cost control and tightly managing expenses predominantly related to labor efficiency and food waste.
• Must demonstrate solid guest service, retail and sales skills including development and execution of service programs, management, budgeting, retailing and a commitment to quality service.
• Experience in managing, mentoring, and coaching service staff. Must have proven leadership skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to plan, organize, establish priorities and eliminate roadblocks to meet goals and achieve desired results.
• Ability to work days, evenings, weekdays, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to read and manage sales plans and financial statements.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to lead in a fast-paced, high-energy environment
• A heart for service and a passion for creating memorable guest experiences
  
  

Physical And Medical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors and in varied weather conditions.
• Successful completion of pre-employment background check.
• Ability to stand for long periods, bend, crouch, push and pull.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds regularly.
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Management Incentive Plan
• Comprehensive health and wellness package
• 401k Savings and Investment plan
• Free admission to Palace Parks in the continental US
• Generous vacation and sick time
  
  

Starting Salary: $65,000

Team Member Benefits

Do not miss the chance to spark your career now!