Director of Catering - theWit Chicago

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the hotel's annual catering sales and marketing plan, setting revenue goals across social catering, corporate catering, weddings, and group/convention banquet business
• Proactively solicit new catering business through outbound prospecting, networking, industry events, and cultivation of repeat/referral clients
• Negotiate contracts, deposits, and cancellation terms in line with hotel policy and profitability targets
• Maintain and grow relationships with key accounts, wedding planners, corporate meeting planners, and local community/social organizations
• Partner with the Director of Sales & Marketing on rate strategy, space utilization, and displacement analysis for catering bookings that compete with group room revenue
• Serve as the primary client contact from contract signing through post-event follow-up, ensuring a seamless and highly personalized experience
• Prepare detailed, accurate Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and communicate requirements clearly to Culinary, Banquets, Audio/Visual, and other operational departments
• Lead twice-weekly BEO meetings to align all departments on upcoming event requirements and identify potential service gaps before they occur
• Conduct site visits, menu tastings, and final walk-throughs with clients to confirm every detail ahead of the event
• Be present and visible during high-profile or high-risk events to ensure flawless execution and immediately resolve any on-site issues

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 5+ years of progressive catering and/or event sales experience in a full-service hotel, with at least 2 years in a leadership/management role
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding catering revenue goals
• Strong working knowledge of banquet operations, menu planning, and F&B cost controls
• Proficiency with sales/catering management software (Delphi FDC, Salesforce, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent negotiation, organizational, and client relationship management skills
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules