Catering Coordinator

Wind Creek Chicago Southland; East Hazel Crest (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the hospitality industry is seeking a Catering Coordinator to maximize catering revenues and ensure guest satisfaction. This role involves managing banquet events, coordinating with various departments, and providing excellent customer service. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, relevant experience, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year hotel catering/banquet experience required.
• Proficiency in Delphi and MS Office preferred.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Detail and execute all Banquet Event Orders for events.
• Coordinate activities across departments to service accounts.
• Handle internal and external customer interactions.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Customer Service

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Delphi

MS Office

Job description

Description

Job Overview

The primary responsibility of the Catering Coordinator is to maximize catering revenues, including banquet food, beverage, facility rental, and audio/visual rental. The role involves executing banquet food and beverage events according to banquet event order specifications, making necessary adjustments, and performing follow-up to ensure guest satisfaction. This position reports to the Director of Sales – Corporate.

Purpose

Our genuine engagement and positive energy provide guests an escape from their routine into our exciting fantasy world of fun, chance, and possibility, where everyone feels a sense of belonging and importance.

Value System

Our enthusiastic commitment to our purpose inspires and empowers us to do everything right, have fun, and be the best. We are recognized fairly, elevate our levels of personal accountability, and focus on our customers. The wealth created through our efforts grows opportunities for all.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Detail and execute all Banquet Event Orders (BEO) for events.
• Responsible for the sales of all GEMS catering-only events.
• Assist the Sales Team with bookings and preparations for large conventions as needed.
• Coordinate activities across departments to service accounts.
• Upsell and detail catering social functions, including space requirements, event timings, outside vendors, and client menu selections.
• Handle internal and external customer interactions with patience, tact, and diplomacy, resolving conflicts and collecting accurate information. Communicate effectively with hotel sales, reservations, and front office to coordinate client needs. Monitor in-house group activities and assist as needed.
• Support hotel sales staff in building rapport with meeting planners and promoting hotel facilities and services.
• Conduct walk-throughs of the property with clients to showcase facilities.
• Ensure function rooms are set up to meet customer satisfaction through timely and accurate communication with relevant departments.
• Review functions with clients, adjust specifications, and follow up to confirm all details are correct.
• Ensure timely updates and distribution of all changes to banquet orders.
• Manage bookings, confirmations, billings, and proposals in Delphi.
• Maintain and communicate the event calendar.
• Protect client confidentiality regarding personal information.
• Stay informed about procedures within the Catering and Food & Beverage Departments.
• Handle office administration tasks, including answering and returning calls within 24 hours.
• Book and coordinate in-house meetings for departments.
• Manage most event bookings.
• Understand and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and rules of conduct.
• Plan timelines for tasks and projects, meeting deadlines effectively.
• Participate in projects or services to support departmental objectives.
• Analyze information to make informed decisions impacting the department.
• Focus on achieving departmental goals and objectives.
• Evaluate schedules and timelines to ensure quality service and products.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required; current enrollment in a GED program with completion within 6 months is acceptable.
• Must be at least 18 years old and authorized to work in the U.S.
• Minimum of 1 year hotel catering/banquet or relevant experience required.
• Proficiency in Delphi, Delphi Diagrams, and MS Office preferred.
• Strong organizational skills to work under time constraints, with attention to detail, speed, and accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure, exercise judgment, work independently, prioritize, and organize tasks.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Maintain a professional appearance consistent with Wind Creek Values.
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule.
• Experience in guest service or customer service in a hotel/casino environment preferred.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Physical ability to access all property areas, stand for prolonged periods, and lift/carry at least 20 pounds.
• Ability to work collaboratively, receive direction, and review own work.
• Maintain a positive attitude and handle stressful situations tactfully and politely.
• Willingness to work odd hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Willingness to travel and participate in training as needed.
• Must have or be able to obtain an Occupational License under the Illinois Gaming Act and maintain good standing.
• Willingness to work in a smoke environment.