Director of Catering & Events (Sales Focused)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to generate new and repeat business, grow market share, and consistently meet or exceed catering revenue goals through prospecting, networking, outside sales calls, referrals, and other proactive sales initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships by conducting customer appointments, hotel site tours, sales presentations, and contract negotiations, converting qualified leads into booked business while delivering exceptional customer service.
• Prepare and analyze strategic sales plans, quarterly action plans, annual banquet budgets, weekly forecasts, and other reports as required.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, coach, mentor, and develop the Catering Sales and Convention Services team, fostering a collaborative, customer-focused, and results-driven culture.
• Establish clear performance expectations, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and hold team members accountable for achieving individual and departmental goals.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance evaluations, and professional development conversations to build a strong talent pipeline.
• Lead and inspire the team through active involvement in sales strategies, client interactions, problem-solving, and daily operations.
• Participate in catering sales presentations, client meetings, property tours, and contract negotiations.
• Lead BEO meetings, Resume meetings, Catering Sales meetings, and participate in hotel leadership and revenue strategy meetings.
• Partner with the Director of Sales on strategic initiatives, sales promotions, and special projects that drive hotel revenue.
• Collaborate with Banquets, Culinary, Front Office, and Operations teams to ensure seamless execution of events and an exceptional guest experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three to five years of progressive hotel catering sales experience required, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding catering and banquet revenue goals.
• Prominent ability to recruit, coach, develop, and lead high-performing teams.
• Prominent ability to prospect, negotiate, close business, and develop long-term client relationships.
• Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and team-building skills.
• Excellent presentation, organizational, and time-management abilities.
• Creative, enthusiastic, highly organized, self-motivated, and goal-oriented.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-driven environment while delivering exceptional customer service.

Benefits

• Incentive Plan
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Hotel Room Discounts
• Earned Wage Access (“on-demand pay”)
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Time Off Package