About Culinary Canvas
Culinary Canvas is a St. Louis-based catering, events, and venue management company dedicated to bringing people together through exceptional food, thoughtful service, and memorable experiences. We proudly manage a collection of exclusive venues, including The Noble, Smith & Company, The Barnett on Washington, Third Degree Glass Factory, and The Post Building, and serve as a preferred caterer at many of the region's most beautiful venues and outdoor spaces.
From elegant weddings and social celebrations to corporate gatherings and nonprofit galas, we specialize in crafting events that feel personal, seamless, and inspired. Our team takes pride in combining creativity with operational excellence -- offering curated menus, attentive client service, and flawless execution across every event we produce. Whether in one of our managed venues or off-premise at a partner location, we are passionate about making each event meaningful and memorable from start to finish.
The Role: Assistant Venue Manager
As an Assistant Venue Manager at Culinary Canvas, you are the coordination and execution backbone of your venue. You own the details -- managing event logistics, overseeing setup and breakdown, directing event staff on the floor, and ensuring every client's event runs exactly as planned. Working in close partnership with the Venue Manager, you are the operational engine that turns booked events into exceptional experiences.
This role is the right fit for someone with strong hospitality instincts who thrives in the details, leads confidently on event day, and takes pride in the quality of every experience delivered at the venue.
What You'll Do
Event Coordination & Client Communication
- Coordinate all event logistics from post-booking through execution, including timelines, room configurations, staffing plans, and vendor needs.
- Build and present event proposals using Culinary Canvas pricing standards established by the Managing Director.
- Serve as the client's primary coordination contact, responding to all inquiries within 24 hours, Monday through Saturday.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date event records in Tripleseat in accordance with corporate data management standards.
Event Execution & Staff Management
- Serve as on-site operational lead during events, directing event staff through setup, service, and breakdown.
- Ensure room configurations, cleaning, and turnover meet Culinary Canvas standards for every booking.
- Act as Manager on Duty in the absence of the Venue Manager, making on-the-ground decisions to ensure the client and guest receive exceptional service aligned with our standards.
Venue Operations & Standards
- Maintain the venue in event-ready condition between bookings, ensuring cleanliness, presentation, and equipment are consistently up to standard.
- Communicate facility issues and maintenance needs to the Venue Manager for escalation to corporate.
- Support the Venue Manager in day-to-day operational oversight of the venue.
Team & Staff Management
- Oversee and manage event staff during events; provide clear direction, real-time coaching, and post-event feedback.
- Provide performance input and recommendations to the Venue Manager regarding event staff.
Who You Are
- 1-3 years of experience in hospitality, venue operations, event coordination, or a related field.
- Confident leading a team in a fast-paced, client-facing environment -- you own your shift from start to finish.
- Detail-oriented and organized, with strong follow-through on logistics and communication.
- A clear, professional communicator who responds promptly and builds trust with clients.
- Calm and solutions-focused when things don't go as planned.
- Familiarity with event management software; experience with Tripleseat is a plus.
- Available for evening and weekend events consistent with the venue event calendar.
Additional Information
The Assistant Venue Manager reports directly to the Venue Manager. This is a primarily on-site role requiring evening and weekend availability consistent with the event calendar. After-hours facility emergencies are handled in coordination with the Venue Manager and corporate on a case-by-case basis.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position directly supervises event staff during events.
Work Environment
This job operates in a public hospitality environment working with the general public. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers, as well as kitchen and bar equipment.
Physical Demands
This position requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs and to bend and stand for extended periods of time.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time, exempt position. Days and hours of work vary and include evenings and weekends.
Travel
Moderate local travel is expected.
Culinary Canvas is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.
Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
