Associate Director of Catering & Event Services

Job Description Summary

The Associate Director of Catering & Event Services supports the strategic leadership, sales performance, and operational execution of the hotel’s catering and events department. This role oversees the planning, coordination, and service delivery of all group events, social functions, and catering activities to ensure exceptional guest satisfaction and revenue growth. The Associate Director works closely with the Director of Catering & Event Services or Director of Sales & Marketing to drive department goals, develop team members, maintain brand standards, and foster strong relationships with clients and internal partners.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Assist in leading the Catering & Event Services team, including Catering Managers, Event Services Managers, Event Coordinators, and support staff.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to team members.
• Oversee staffing levels, workload distribution, and training programs to ensure operational efficiency.
• Promote a collaborative, service-driven culture aligned with hotel brand standards.

Sales & Revenue Management

• Support the department in achieving or exceeding catering revenue goals through proactive and reactive sales strategies.
• Participate in key account management, site inspections, client presentations, and contract negotiations.
• Monitor market trends and contribute to pricing strategies, packages, and menu development.
• Work closely with Sales, Revenue Management, Food & Beverage, and Culinary leadership to maximize revenue opportunities.

Event Planning & Execution

• Oversee the planning and servicing of group meetings, conferences, weddings, and social events.
• Ensure accuracy of Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), floor plans, and event logistics.
• Coordinate with Banquets, Culinary, AV, Rooms Division, and other departments for seamless event execution.
• Serve as the primary contact for high-profile or complex events when needed.

Client Relations & Guest Experience

• Maintain strong relationships with event planners, corporate clients, wedding professionals, and local partners.
• Resolve client concerns or escalated issues quickly and professionally.
• Ensure that service standards and guest expectations are consistently exceeded.

Operational & Administrative Duties

• Assist in budget preparation, forecasting, and financial reporting for the Catering & Event Services department.
• Review event billing and collection, profitability, labor utilization, and daily departmental metrics.
• Ensure Group and Catering Turnovers are accurate.
• Attend Pre- Convention meetings and Post-Convention meetings.
• Assign new groups to Convention/Event Services Managers.
• Oversee adherence to hotel policies, safety standards, and brand guidelines.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, service quality, and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 4-6+ years of catering, event management, or hotel sales experience; luxury or large convention hotel experience a plus.
• 2+ years supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of banquet operations, catering sales processes, and event logistics.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in CRM and event management systems (e.g., Delphi, Opera, Social Tables).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, based on business needs.

Key Competencies

• Leadership, Team Development & Service Excellence
• Client Relationship Management
• Strategic & Financial Acumen
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Time Management & Multi-Tasking
• Collaboration & Cross-Department Communication

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Additional Job Information/Anticipated

Pay Range

$90,000 to $95,000 / year. Base pay offered may vary depending on various factors including but not limited to job related knowledge, skills and job specific experience/overall experience.

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts
• Hospital Indemnity
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance

Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered.