Start the new year with an exciting role in the event industry - an event planner for a boutique caterer!
We’re looking for a motivated team player to help us make 2026 the best year yet. Think this could be you? Read more!
ABOUT US
Since 1991, Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions has served the catering needs of Kansas City’s most prominent citizens and corporations. Catering is more than picking a menu. Every event is an experience. Our tenured and talented Event Planners and chefs bring to life the individual themes and dreams of each client. Inspired Occasions is comprised of a team of 15 in-house employees and nearly 50 on-site staff that execute events ranging from intimate dinners for 2 to major events for 5,000 or more guests.
JOB TITLE: Wedding & Event Planner
PAY: $50,000 - $60,000 based on experience
SCOPE: The Wedding & Event Planner should possess an understanding of the event and/or catering industry. An individual should strive to quickly adopt the standards, systems, policies, and procedures of Inspired Occasions while also leveraging prior experience and individual personality.
Must be able to:
- Guide Clients Throughout the Event Planning Process: Manage relationships with prospects and clients from initial inquiry through to event completion, ensuring a seamless planning experience. This includes understanding and aligning with the client’s financial budget and event vision.
- Communicate Professionally: Engage with clients in a service and sales-oriented manner via phone, virtual meetings, and in-person interactions including on-site venue meetings.
- Coordinate Event Logistics: Create equipment rental schedules, identify and fulfill contractor needs, and coordinate with third-party vendors, including venues, florists, ice sculptors, and musicians.
- Collaborate with Event Captains: Communicate effectively with event captains to ensure the event vision is clearly understood and executed.
- Expense Management: Track event expenses in an organized manner to ensure adherence to the financial requirements set by Inspired Occasions.
- Multitask: Handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, while always maintaining a high level of professionalism.
- Understand Menus: Maintain knowledge of our classic and signature menu items, and work with the Executive Chef to develop menu options that align with event themes.
- Curate Event Décor: Design and set up décor for buffets and stations that matches the event theme or the style of the venue/residence. **Preferred but not mandatory**
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in catering or event planning.
- Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines effectively.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.
- Excellent communication skills, with a professional yet personable approach to client interactions.
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
- Capable of collaborating with and delegating tasks to a team of Production Specialists, Event Employees, and Event Contract Labor.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES Essential duties and responsibilities of this position:
1. Build and Maintain Client Relationships: Develop and nurture strong relationships with our core customer base, including both corporate and private clients, to ensure a deep understanding of their needs and preferences.
2. Understand Company Systems and Practices: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the company’s systems, forms, workflows, and business practices. This includes familiarity with event proposal formats, rental schedules, style sheets, cost recaps, tracking forms, and other relevant documentation. Experience with catering-specific applications, such as Caterease or Total Party Planner, is a great advantage.
3. Collaborate on Staffing Needs: Work closely with the Staffing Director to determine and coordinate the necessary staff positions required for each event, ensuring that all roles are filled appropriately to meet event requirements.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.
DIRECTLY REPORTS TO: Vice President & Director of Events
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 40 – 50 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Catering or Event Planning: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
