Hospitality Manager

Wichita, KS, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $42,400.00 - $68,100.00

Work Schedule

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

competitive salary

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Professional development opportunities

Employee Discounts

flexible schedule

Job Description

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, is a premier botanical garden located in Wichita, Kansas, known for its vibrant and diverse horticultural displays, seasonal festivals, and cultural programming. Serving as not only a tranquil sanctuary for garden enthusiasts but also a dynamic venue for community gatherings, Botanica integrates natural beauty with enriching experiences throughout the year. The Gardens attract visitors of all ages who seek to explore themed gardens, enjoy outdoor concerts, and participate in various events that celebrate nature, art, and culture. The organization's mission centers on enhancing the visitor experience by providing educational and recreational opportunities that foster an appreciation for the natural world.

The Hospitality Manager role at Botanica is a vital leadership position focused on managing and elevating all aspects of food, beverage, and guest hospitality services within the Gardens. This full-time position plays a crucial role in shaping the culinary and social atmosphere, delivering unique and memorable hospitality experiences that complement Botanica's lush environments and signature events. The Hospitality Manager oversees a wide range of revenue-generating programs including concessions, bars, pop-up food stations, and bespoke culinary experiences tied to Botanica's festivals and daily visitation.

Working closely with the Events, Guest Services, and Marketing teams, the Hospitality Manager is responsible for the strategic development and operational management of all food and beverage services. This includes maintaining compliance with local health codes and Kansas Liquor Control Act requirements, managing budgets, purchasing, inventory, and cost control to meet financial goals, and guiding a team of food and beverage staff and seasonal hospitality workers. The manager must be adept at creating partnerships with local vendors such as breweries, wineries, distilleries, chefs, and food providers to enhance Botanica’s culinary offerings and increase guest spending.

The role demands creativity in conceptualizing specialty food and drink events, themed tastings, and seasonal pop-ups that align with popular events like Summer Happy Hours in the Garden, Garden Jazz, Tulipfest, Symphony in the Gardens, Twilight Tunes, Bootanica, and Illuminations. In addition, the Hospitality Manager will formulate scalable, profitable food and beverage packages for weddings, corporate events, and private rentals, overseeing bar operations at large-scale public gatherings, and maintaining strict standards of cleanliness and food safety across all preparation and service areas.

Successful candidates will bring substantial experience in hospitality management or event operations, possess strong financial acumen, leadership skills, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of Wichita’s most beloved cultural institutions by enhancing its hospitality programs and helping Botanica continue to thrive as a top destination for visitors seeking idyllic garden experiences coupled with exceptional culinary and beverage offerings. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience, with work schedules including evenings, weekends, and event coverage.

Job Requirements

3-5 years of experience in hospitality management, food and beverage operations, or event management
experience managing high-volume events, concessions, or hospitality venues
strong financial management and operational planning skills
ability to manage multiple events and service operations simultaneously
excellent leadership, communication, and customer service skills
bachelor’s degree in hospitality preferred
experience working in botanical gardens, cultural attractions, museums, zoos, or event venues preferred
knowledge of beverage program management and alcohol service compliance preferred
experience developing vendor partnerships and hospitality programming preferred

Job Qualifications

3-5 years of experience in hospitality management, food and beverage operations, or event management
experience managing high-volume events, concessions, or hospitality venues
strong financial management and operational planning skills
ability to manage multiple events and service operations simultaneously
excellent leadership, communication, and customer service skills
bachelor’s degree in hospitality preferred
experience working in botanical gardens, cultural attractions, museums, zoos, or event venues preferred
knowledge of beverage program management and alcohol service compliance preferred
experience developing vendor partnerships and hospitality programming preferred

Job Duties

manage all food and beverage service throughout Botanica including concessions, bars, pop-up stations, and event service areas
develop unique food and beverage experiences aligned with Botanica’s signature events including Summer Happy Hours, Pop-up experiences, Garden Jazz, Tulipfest, Symphony in the Gardens, Twilight Tunes, Bootanica, and Illuminations
ensure full compliance with all applicable Kansas Liquor Control Act requirements and local health codes by maintaining rigorous bar cleanliness, sanitation standards, and proper handling, storage, and service of alcoholic beverages
ensure all kitchen and food preparation areas comply with Kansas Food Code by maintaining strict sanitation, proper food handling, safe storage practices, and adherence to temperature control and cleanliness standards
identify and implement new revenue opportunities through specialty food events, themed tastings, beverage gardens, and seasonal pop-up concepts
develop partnerships with local breweries, wineries, distilleries, chefs, and food vendors
create unique culinary experiences that enhance Botanica’s brand and increase per-guest spending
meet annual financial goals and KPIs
establish preferred vendor list for all rental related services
collaborate with Rentals and Events teams to coordinate food and beverage services for weddings, corporate events, and private rentals
design scalable food and beverage packages that improve profitability and guest experience
oversee bar operations and beverage programs for large-scale public events
recruit and manage food vendors and culinary partners for festivals and seasonal programming
negotiate vendor agreements and revenue-sharing arrangements
ensure vendor operations align with Botanica’s service and presentation standards
manage food and beverage budgets, purchasing, inventory, and cost control
track revenue performance across concessions, bars, and event services
develop strategies to increase food and beverage revenue while maintaining guest satisfaction
recruit, train, and supervise food and beverage staff and seasonal hospitality teams
foster a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and professionalism
ensure proper staffing and training during major events and peak visitation periods
ensure compliance with health department regulations, alcohol licensing, and food safety standards
maintain required certifications and operational policies