Director of Catering & Events

The Ocean House Collection includes three luxury properties on the Rhode Island shoreline: the Forbes Five-Star flagship Ocean House (49 guest rooms, 20 suites, 13 private villas, 12,000-square-foot spa, 10,000+ square feet of meeting space, and up to 8 dining venues), the relaxed-luxury Weekapaug Inn (29 guest rooms, 4 suites, seasonal dining), and the historic Watch Hill Inn (21 suite-style accommodations). Guests at all properties enjoy access to shared amenities, dining, and experiences.

About the role

The Director of Catering & Events oversees all Catering and Events operations, including team leadership, business strategy, client contracts, and exceptional event service. In partnership with the Sales team, this role ensures profitable, high-quality operations; coordinates conferences, meetings, and weddings; maximizes hotel revenue through upselling, function space, and room block management; and ensures both the Company and clients fulfill group contract commitments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, schedule, and develop the Catering and Events team, including hiring, training, performance management, and corrective action.
• Oversee assigned groups, weddings, meetings, and events from pre-planning through departure, including event detailing, BEOs, resumes, day-of execution, and post-event follow-up.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, operating procedures, and service standards that support company objectives.
• Communicate sales and event information clearly to hotel departments and promote teamwork through regular meetings and daily coordination.
• Represent the Company professionally with internal and external stakeholders and support a positive, service-focused culture.
• Address guest and client concerns related to in-house events and communicate resolutions to leadership as necessary.
• Assist with developing policies and procedures related to in-house event planning and execution.
• Negotiate meeting room rental, function space, hotel services, and event terms within approved booking guidelines.
• Prepare, review, and manage sales contracts, rate agreements, banquet/catering event orders, and event resumes accurately and on time.
• Respond to inquiries and prepare client proposals in accordance with departmental standards.
• Prepare monthly sales-related reports and forecasts for assigned areas of responsibility.
• Lead BEO meetings for in-house events and ensure event details are communicated to all relevant departments.
• Support resort programming, special cultural events, entertainment bookings, and activity calendars as assigned.
• Coordinate with Marketing and the Group Director of Sales & Marketing to promote special events.
• Practice, model, and promote the Company’s Statement of Purpose, Service Excellence Pillars, and Declarations in daily operations.
• Follow company policies, procedures, sustainability guidelines, and service standards.
• Perform other duties consistent with the scope and purpose of this role.

Requirements

• Strong leadership, coaching, organizational, and team-development skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, complex events, deadlines, and client needs in a fast-paced luxury hospitality environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to work effectively with guests, clients, vendors, team members, and leadership.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, follow-through, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of catering, conference services, banquet operations, event planning, menu planning, room setup, and luxury service standards.
• Ability to negotiate, prepare proposals, review contracts, and support revenue goals through upselling and relationship management.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and solutions-focused under pressure, including during guest or client concerns.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of guest, employee, client, and company information.
• Proficiency with office systems and event management tools; experience with hotel sales or catering systems preferred.
• College degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Marketing, or a related field preferred; equivalent work experience may be considered.
• Prior catering, conference services, event management, or luxury hotel operations experience required; leadership experience preferred.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Reports directly to the Group Director of Sales & Marketing and leads the Catering and Events Managers.
• External: Works regularly with suppliers, vendors, social and group clients, prospective clients, guests, members, and residence owners. Maintains strong relationships with other partners to support the company’s image and goals.