Director of Catering

Job Summary: The Director of Catering is responsible for increasing hotel revenue by soliciting and managing catering business. This role ensures that the hotel meets or exceeds all contracted obligations and oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of all catered events, working closely with clients and hotel departments to deliver high-quality service and profitable results. 

Essential Functions and Duties: 

• Provide professional and courteous customer service at all times. 

• Make selective solicitation calls to potential clients to generate catering business. 

• Follow up on leads via phone calls, correspondence, and personal visits. 

• Develop and implement innovative sales and marketing techniques to increase catering revenue. 

• Plan, supervise, and coordinate all catered functions to meet hotel obligations and client needs. 

• Maintain communication with clients, group leaders, and meeting planners to foster repeat business. 

• Attend and oversee catering functions to ensure proper execution. 

• Maintain good relationships with local civic groups and associations to generate business opportunities. 

• Prepare and maintain reports such as Sales Call Reports and banquet food and beverage forecasts. 

• Work closely with the sales department to promote follow-up on bookings and reduce tentative holds on public space. 

• Detail all incoming events and ensure BEOs are distributed and updated for timely execution. 

• Work with the audio-visual department and other teams to ensure all equipment and services are in place for events. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. 

Required Experience, Education, and Skills: 

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in catering or event management, with a strong focus on sales and client relationship management. 

• Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and execute high-quality catered events. 

• Strong knowledge of catering sales and marketing principles. 

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for interacting with clients and internal teams. 

• Proficiency in using event management software and CRM systems to manage bookings and reports. 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in planning and executing events. 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple events simultaneously. 

Work Environment: 

• Primarily indoor office and event space work, with frequent walking and standing during event planning and execution. 

• Regular interaction with clients, vendors, and internal teams, requiring flexibility in communication and scheduling. 

• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event needs. 

• Occasional lifting of objects up to 20 lbs, such as event materials and supplies. 

Other Duties:  

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the team member for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.