Director of Events & Catering

Job Summary:

The Director of Events & Catering, reporting to the Director of Food & Beverage and senior leadership, is responsible for the overall leadership of conference services and catering sales operations, ensuring flawless execution of meetings, banquets, weddings, and special events. This role combines proactive sales leadership with operational oversight to deliver exceptional guest experiences, maximize revenues, and uphold luxury service standards.

Job Duties & Functions:

• Manage the planning stage of all groups and catering events, including coordination with food & beverage, room blocks and finance.
• Oversee all events operations, ensuring quality, consistency, and presentation of food and beverage products.
• Effectively manage assigned meeting planner satisfaction scores, catering revenue goals, and food and beverage sales targets.
• Coordinate with third party vendors for as needed. (Ex. Décor, AV, Transportation DMC etc.)
• Lead the sales effort by proactively soliciting new business through calls, tours, networking, and client entertainment.
• Develop strong client relationships, negotiate catering contracts, and demonstrate expertise in contract terms and event customization.
• Monitor, analyze, and evaluate market trends, adjusting strategies to maximize competitiveness and profitability.
• Ensure banquet event orders (BEOs) are delivered accurately and in a timely manner (10 days prior), with all changes communicated promptly to operational leaders.
• Partner with the culinary and banquet operations teams to ensure seamless execution of events and guest satisfaction.
• Lead Human Resources functions for the catering department, including hiring, onboarding, training, development, coaching, counseling, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Develop and administer operating and capital budgets for all events and catering.
• Maintain high visibility within the local community and industry organizations to promote the hotel and generate business opportunities.
• Collaborate with marketing teams and internal departments (e.g., digital and field marketing partners) to drive sales initiatives and promotions.
• Attend daily, weekly, and monthly meetings, and actively participate in sales blitzes, promotions, and other sales-related events.
• Approach all interactions with guests, clients, and employees in a friendly, attentive, and service-oriented manner.
• Perform additional duties as requested by management and senior leadership.

Education & Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of prior experience as Director of events or 4 years as Conference services manager/ similar at a luxury hotel.
• Demonstrated creativity and strong knowledge of food, beverage and event design.
• Advanced knowledge of professional selling skills, including prospecting, probing, closing, and supporting client needs.
• Strong analytical skills and strategic vision for sales deployment, pricing, and revenue growth.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills with the ability to negotiate, influence, and build trust with clients and colleagues.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other hotel sales/catering systems (Delphi, Envision, Social Tables or similar preferred).
• Exceptional organizational, presentation, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and thrive in high-pressure, deadline-driven situations while maintaining composure and professionalism.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to analyze data, manage budgets, and forecast performance.
• Flexible schedule with availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by business demands.