Associate Director of Catering

Horizon Hospitality Associates, Inc; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 175,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

401(k) with company match

PTO

Dining discounts

Relocation assistance

Job summary

A premier destination resort in Upstate New York is seeking an experienced Associate Director of Catering to lead catering sales and event execution. The ideal candidate will direct all catering efforts, manage a talented team, and develop sales strategies to achieve over $25M in annual goals. This senior role requires strong leadership and client relationship skills, aiming for exceptional event experiences. Competitive compensation package includes base salary plus commission, health benefits, and relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of catering, conference services, or group sales leadership experience in hospitality.
• Strong upselling and revenue optimization skills.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale events exceeding 600 annually.

Responsibilities

• Direct catering and conference services, ensuring flawless execution of events.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team.
• Partner with various departments to maximize revenues.

Skills

Catering leadership

Sales optimization

Event management

Client relationship management

Job description

Overview

A premier destination resort in Upstate New York is seeking an accomplished Associate Director of Catering to join its expanding hospitality team. This senior-level leader will play a key role in driving catering sales and event execution across one of the region’s most dynamic resort properties, which includes multiple hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

The Associate Director of Catering will lead a talented team, oversee complex events, and drive strategic initiatives that enhance guest satisfaction and overall profitability.

Compensation: $175,000 - $215,000 (base salary of up to $125k plus uncapped quarterly commission) + Comprehensive health benefits, 401(k) with company match, PTO, dining discounts, relocation assistance, and more.

Relocation assistance will be provided!

Key Responsibilities

• Direct all catering and conference services efforts, ensuring flawless execution of corporate, convention, and social events.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a high-performing team.
• Partner closely with the Director of Sales, Culinary, and Banquet Operations to maximize F&B revenues and guest satisfaction.
• Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve a $25M+ annual goal, including growth in high-end galas and weddings.
• Oversee all BEOs, group resumes, and event diagrams, maintaining exceptional attention to detail across departments.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (Revenue Management, F&B, Events, and Operations) to drive total event revenue and profitability.
• Maintain strong client relationships from initial contact through post-event follow-up, ensuring repeat and referral business.
• Analyze market trends and team performance to inform tactical planning, goal setting, and budget development.

Must-Haves

• 7+ years of catering, conference services, or group sales leadership in a high-volume, full-service hospitality environment.
• Proven sales background with strong upselling and revenue optimization skills across F&B, ancillary services, and event enhancements.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale event operations exceeding 600 events annually across 50,000+ sq. ft. of meeting and function space.
• Strong leadership experience overseeing multi-level teams.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Financial acumen, including forecasting, labor management, and P&L accountability.

If you are interested in learning more about this exciting, brand-new opportunity, please apply today!