Catering Events Manager

Relais & Châteaux; Westerly (RI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Relais & Châteaux seeks a Catering & Event Manager to oversee events at the Ocean House Collection properties in Rhode Island. The role involves managing all event details ensuring an exceptional guest experience, preparing documentation, and coordinating with multiple teams.

Ideal candidates will possess a college degree or equivalent experience, strong leadership and communication skills, and the ability to manage diverse and complex tasks efficiently. This position requires flexibility in schedule.

Qualifications

• 1-year previous luxury hotel operations experience preferred.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with community.

Responsibilities

• Manage events across properties ensuring high-level service.
• Prepare event documentation and coordinate with various teams.
• Respond to private dining requests and create proposals.

Skills

Ability to handle multiple tasks

Advanced verbal and written communication skills

Leadership skills

Information research and analysis

Knowledge of community recreation needs

Education

College degree or equivalent work experience

Job description

Ocean House Collection – Catering & Event Manager

The Ocean House Collection includes three luxury properties on the Rhode Island shoreline. The Catering & Event Manager role is responsible for managing events across these properties.

Scope of Position

The Event Manager prepares all event documentation and coordinates with Sales, Operations, and clients to ensure consistent, high‑level service throughout pre‑event, event, and post‑event phases. He/she ensures seamless turnover from sales to service, identifies revenue opportunities by up‑selling and offers enhancements to create outstanding events with superior service levels, and serves as the primary contact for the event planner on property, responsible for the guest experience.

Schedule Requirements

Work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. Exempt team members may be required to work extended shifts and additional days based on business demands. Working more than eight hours per day and more than five consecutive days as needed is essential. Travel may be required, including overnight stays. All exempt staff must be able to work all weekends.

Key Relationships

Internal: Reports directly to the Director of Catering & Events.
External: Maintains regular contact with suppliers, vendors, social and group clients, prospective clients, guests, members, and residence owners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vendor relationships (musicians, florists, rental companies) and community group sponsorships.
• Manage budgetary and expenses of in‑house events, including labor, cost of goods, and net profit.
• Respond to private dining requests for events in Cottage, Signature Suites, and Members & Owners.
• Create proposals, estimates, and contracts for assigned leads; ensure all documents are error‑free and follow hotel standards.
• Oversee and coordinate all details for in‑house resort events.
• Schedule and prioritize work assignments; implement effective operating policies, procedures, and systems.
• Assist and support colleagues on the catering team.
• Address guest concerns related to in‑house events and report resolutions to the Director of Catering & Events.
• Prepare all Banquet Event Orders and lead BEO meetings for assigned groups and in‑house events.
• Assist in the development of policies and procedures related to in‑house event planning.
• Recruit volunteers and contract service employees for special guests such as musicians and artists.
• Generate publicity for special events in collaboration with the Director of Sales & Marketing.
• Control revenues and expenditures; recommend future budget appropriations.
• Update the monthly Resort Activity Calendar with all in‑house events.
• Book music and entertainment programming; manage arrangements, travel, housing, and negotiations; coordinate with the resort florist on décor.
• Review final billing with Accounting for accuracy before sending the final bill to clients.
• Assist with site tours for potential clients and review space for upcoming programs and events.
• Oversee special cultural events (art shows, antique shows, music events) as directed.
• Practice, manage, and promote the Company's Statement of Purpose, Service Excellence Pillars, and Declarations.
• Represent the Company with a positive attitude and professional presentation.
• Follow sustainability guidelines and practices related to the Company's sustainability programs.
• Perform any other duties within the scope of this job description.

Required Job Knowledge, Skills, Experience, and Education

• Ability to handle multiple, simultaneous, and complex tasks efficiently.
• Information research, analysis, and evaluation skills.
• Knowledge of office management principles and procedures.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills; ability to work with diverse constituencies.
• Excellent knowledge of recreation administration principles (program planning, leadership, risk management, budgeting, marketing, public relations).
• Understanding of community recreation needs and ability to develop innovative programs.
• Leadership skills for a wide range of recreational activities and special events.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with town officials and community groups.
• College degree or equivalent work experience (1‑year previous luxury hotel operations experience preferred).
• Increased execution of job functions with attention to detail, speed, and accuracy under pressure.
• Uphold Company standards, policies, and procedures.
• Prioritize and organize tasks; remain calm and resolve problems using good judgment.
• Follow directions; work cohesively with co‑workers as part of a team.
• Maintain confidentiality of guest/employee information and pertinent hotel data.

Physical Requirements

None specified.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.