Director of Catering
$90,000–$110,000 year
On-siteChicago, Illinois, United States
Job Summary
Develop and execute the hotel's annual catering sales and marketing plan, setting revenue goals across social, corporate, wedding, and group segments. Proactively solicit new business through outbound prospecting, networking, and industry events while negotiating contracts in line with profitability targets. Serve as the primary client contact from contract signing through post-event follow-up, preparing detailed Banquet Event Orders and leading twice-weekly meetings to align Culinary, Banquets, and Audio/Visual departments. Conduct site visits, menu tastings, and final walk-throughs to confirm event details, ensuring flawless on-site execution and immediate resolution of any issues. Own the department's revenue forecast and budget, managing labor schedules and tracking key performance metrics to report regularly to hotel leadership. Recruit, train, and coach the catering sales team to meet individual and team revenue goals while fostering collaboration between sales and operations.
Required 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
- Must be able to stand/walk for extended periods during events and lift up to 25 lbs (event materials, signage, etc.)
- Schedule varies based on event calendar; evening and weekend work is a regular part of this role, not an exception
- E-Verify eligibility
Desired Qualifications
- Experience within Hilton or another major branded full-service hotel environment
- Established relationships with local wedding planners, corporate meeting planners, and social event contacts in the market
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or equivalent industry certification
- Bilingual capability a plus, depending on market
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