Director of Catering-DoubleTree by Hilton Lafayette, Louisiana

Sales & Revenue Management

• Develop, negotiate, and close catering contracts to achieve and exceed revenue goals.
• Actively solicit and secure new catering business through networking, prospecting, and relationship-building.
• Work closely with the sales and revenue teams to maximize catering and banquet space utilization.
• Maintain an understanding of market trends and competitor offerings to adjust sales strategies.

Event Planning & Execution

• Partner with clients to understand event requirements and create customized proposals.
• Ensure all details of catering contracts are communicated clearly to the banquet, culinary, and operations teams.
• Oversee banquet event orders (BEOs) and conduct pre- and post-event meetings with clients and staff.
• Ensure events are executed with excellence, meeting Hilton brand standards.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, train, and motivate the catering team to deliver outstanding service and meet revenue goals.
• Collaborate with the Banquet and Culinary departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Provide coaching and performance feedback to team members.

Guest Experience & Brand Standards

• Maintain strong client relationships by providing exceptional service before, during, and after events.
• Handle guest concerns and resolve issues promptly and professionally.
• Ensure all catering operations adhere to Hilton brand guidelines and health & safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in catering sales, conference services, or banquet management (Hilton brand or full-service hotel experience strongly preferred).
• Proven track record of achieving catering revenue goals.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Proficiency in hotel sales systems (Delphi, CI/TY, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.