Event Manager-Kansas City

Big Grove Brewery•Iowa City, IA

About The Position

The Events Manager is responsible for driving event revenue and community connection for their taproom location by selling, booking, planning, and executing private events and taproom activations. This role owns the private event room calendar—from lead generation and client consultation to proposals, contracting, and day-of execution—while partnering closely with the Taproom Marketing Manager, Event Chef, event team, and Store Director to ensure events are profitable, on-brand, and delivered with relentless hospitality.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED (or equivalent work experience).
2+ years of experience in events, hospitality, catering, or restaurant operations with direct responsibility for event planning and day-of execution.
Demonstrated experience in event sales and booking (managing inquiries, client communication, calendars, and converting leads to booked events).
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple events, deadlines, and details at once.
Comfortable working a schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event needs.
Must be legal drinking age.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Event Management, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
1+ years of experience owning event revenue goals (packages/pricing, upselling add-ons, or driving event profitability).
Experience coordinating with culinary/BOH teams on menus, timelines, staffing, and special requests.
Experience with event/CRM or booking tools (Tripleseat, Eventbrite, SevenRooms, Google Workspace, etc.) and basic financial tracking (invoices, deposits, contracts).
Knowledge of alcohol service requirements and local compliance considerations for events (or willingness to obtain required certifications).

Responsibilities

Own the event sales pipeline for the location: generate leads, respond quickly to inquiries, conduct tours/consultations, and convert leads to booked events.
Manage the private event room calendar to maximize revenue through strategic booking, pricing/package guidance, and activation planning.
Create proposals and secure commitments (deposits/contracts as applicable); generate invoices and track accounts receivable through event closeout.
Serve as the primary point of contact for event clients; learn their needs, preferences, and vision, and guide them to the best experience within Big Grove offerings.
Collaborate with clients to finalize layout, timeline, food and beverage selections, and service details; ensure all event requirements are documented and communicated.
Lead smooth, organized event execution from setup to teardown, including timeline management, vendor coordination, and on-site problem solving.
Coordinate staffing needs with the event team and taproom leadership; communicate event schedules and details to FOH/BOH so teams are prepared and supported.
Maintain clear event standards for presentation, hospitality, and guest flow; support service recovery when needed.
Plan and execute taproom activations and community events that grow traffic, build regulars, and strengthen local relationships (in partnership with the Taproom Marketing Manager).
Build and maintain relationships with community partners, nonprofits, and local businesses to expand event opportunities and sponsorship/collaboration potential.
Develop and manage event budgets to meet revenue and profitability goals while protecting the guest experience.
Oversee the event catering program in partnership with the Event Chef/BOH leadership to ensure quality, timing, and profitability.
Source, coordinate, and manage vendors; negotiate terms when applicable; ensure vendors meet standards and timelines.
Lead and manage the event team using Big Grove people tools; coach for performance and standards.
Keep the Store Director informed on event performance, upcoming priorities, risks, and wins; escalate issues early and propose solutions.