Associate Director, Meetings & Social Catering

Loews Hotels & Co; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness Benefits

Retirement Benefits

Paid Time Off

Training & Development

Employee Meals

Free Parking

Job summary

Loews Chicago O’Hare is seeking a seasoned Associate Director of Meetings & Events to elevate guest experiences through flawless execution of meetings, conventions, and events. You will lead the social catering strategy, mentor leaders, and collaborate with Sales, Culinary, and Banquets to grow revenue and client relationships.

You’ll work with a cross-functional team to drive rebooking and long-term partnerships, while guiding the department in strategic planning and program delivery.

Qualifications

• Minimum six years progressive Meeting, Event, and/or Catering Sales Management experience in a full-service, large-volume hotel.
• Demonstrated Social Catering sales experience, including business development and lead conversion.
• Experience leading weddings, social celebrations, galas, and other complex social events.
• Proven ability to collaborate with Culinary and operational teams on menu development and pricing.
• Experience leading Catering Sales and/or Catering Service professionals.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or related field; certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage high-profile, complex programs and events with seamless execution and client satisfaction.
• Partner with Reservations, Billing, Revenue Management, Sales & Marketing, Culinary, and Banquets to deliver outcomes.
• Lead training initiatives for the Meetings & Events team to foster growth and consistency.
• Monitor performance and ensure timely Banquet Event Orders, diagrams, and event documentation.
• Drive the property's Social Catering strategy to generate new business and achieve revenue goals.
• Identify opportunities in the local social market to grow weddings and galas.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef on menu development and package design.
• Oversee Catering Service Managers to ensure accountability and smooth sales-to-execution transitions.
• Support corporate catering sales initiatives and advance Social Catering performance.

Skills

Meeting & Events Sales Leadership

Catering Sales

Team Mentoring

Client Relationship Mgmt

Strategic Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Certified Meeting Planner

Tools

Delphi

Cvent

Social Tables

Opera

Job description

Loews Chicago O’Hare is seeking a seasoned Associate Director of Meetings & Events to elevate guest experiences through flawless execution of meetings, conventions, and events. You will lead the social catering strategy, mentor leaders, and collaborate with Sales, Culinary, and Banquets to grow revenue and client relationships.

You’ll work with a cross-functional team to drive rebooking and long-term partnerships, while guiding the department in strategic planning and program delivery.