Director of Events

Welcome to The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG) , where hospitality is more than a job; it's a family, a lifestyle, and an exciting journey. We believe that by taking care of you, you'll best take care of our guests. It's working. In addition to generous benefits and job openings across 30+ locations, we have internal growth opportunities for everyone who wants it. But most of all, we have heart!

Founded in 2009 by Steve Palmer, IRHG sets itself apart in the industry by fostering an environment where our people come first. We want to meet you. Come join us in our mission to change the hospitality industry, forever.

The Director of Events owns Hermitage Farm's events and guest-experience programs: private events, tours, tastings and experiences, private dining, and internally produced events. The role has three parts, in priority order: hands-on event execution; hiring, training, and leading the banquets and events teams; and oversight of lead qualification and conversion. The Director is accountable for the guest experience, the team behind it, and the pipeline.

What we will ask of you:

• Planning, Vendors, And Day-Of Leadership

  • Manage booked events from signed agreement through event day, keeping the Tripleseat record complete, and lead client planning, timelines, and design decisions
  • Produce accurate, timely Banquet Event Orders and run-of-show documents, and share them with Barn 8 staff, Executive Chef, vendors, and Farm operations well before each event
  • Direct Inventory and Logistics to build pick lists from each BEO, stage and reset equipment and linens, and confirm event-space readiness
  • Manage preferred and outside vendors, including insurance, load-in and load-out, and Farm policies; coordinate with Barn 8 staff and Executive Chef on menus, bar service, and timing
  • Serve as the on-site lead for every event: ceremony and reception flow, vendors, guest communication, and real-time problem solving
  • Staff and schedule the banquets, Event Support, and Inventory and Logistics teams to match each event, and enforce Farm standards for safety, alcohol service, noise, and capacity, escalating to the Farm Manager as needed

  Guest Programs

  • Tours. Own the guided tour program, including retail tours (non-event sales) and group and tour-operator bookings
  • Tastings & Experiences and Private Dining. Own the offerings and guest experience, with Event Support Associates owning booking and operational planning, tour guides leading tastings and experiences, and Barn 8 staff and Executive Chef running food and beverage; ensure alcohol service follows Farm policy and Kentucky law
  • Internally produced events. Plan, budget, and execute the Farm's internally produced and Friends of the Farm events
  • Calendar, pricing, and agreements. Keep one calendar across all programs and private events so nothing conflicts, and recommend pricing, packaging, and standard agreements with the Farm Manager and ownership

  Financial Control and Close-Out

  • Build event budgets and job costing, reconcile actuals to the BEO, and oversee final invoicing, balance collection, and deposits with administration
  • Hold a post-event debrief on each significant event, capture client feedback, and set the guest-experience standard the team is trained to

Requirements for Success:

• Five or more years in event sales, event management, or venue operations, with at least two in a leadership role required
• Direct experience executing weddings and corporate events at a venue, estate, or hospitality property required
• Proven ability to recruit, hire, train, and develop a team across sales and operations, including direct management of a banquet or event service team required
• Working proficiency with an events CRM (preferably Tripleseat), BEOs, budgeting, and job costing, and experience overseeing a lead-to-booking pipeline with measurable conversion results required
• Sound judgment on pricing, concessions, and approvals within a defined decision-authority structure, and excellent communication with clients, vendors, and partners required
• Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays as event demand requires
• Farm, estate, or outdoor venue experience (tents, weather, rural logistics); leading events within a hospitality group while serving a property owner; guided tour, tasting, or private dining programs; large public or community events; Kentucky alcohol service and insurance requirements; CMP, CSEP, or equivalent preferred.
• Composed under pressure and visibly calm on event day; organized and process-minded; warm and consultative with clients, firm and fair with vendors; comfortable as the face of the Farm to guests, families, and the community.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation: Competitive base pay and PTO benefits after 90 days.
• Health & Wellness : Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and more.
• Financial Planning : Access to a 401K plan with a 50% match on your first 6% investment, along with Roth options.
• Home Loan Program : We offer a zero-interest housing loan program to help you achieve your dream of home ownership.
• Employee Discounts: Enjoy discounts at our 15 restaurant concepts and growing boutique hotels division.
• Family Time : Benefit from 4 weeks of PTO for maternity/paternity leave.

The above job description is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the position, nor should it be construed as a contract.

The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.