Catering Sales Manager

Sonesta Hotels International Corporation in; Hilton Head Island (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account with Company M 

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company M

Paid Vacation & Sick Time

Paid Parental Leave

Company-Paid Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Educational Assistance

Sonesta Hotel Discounts

Additional Perks & Employee Discounts

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels is seeking a Catering Sales Manager for our Hilton Head Island property. You will drive catering revenue, develop client relationships, and plan memorable events from corporate meetings to weddings.

Collaborate with Culinary, Banquets, Conference Services, and Operations to ensure flawless execution and guest satisfaction. Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s in hospitality or related field and 2+ years in catering or hotel sales, with strong communication,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Marketing, Business, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in Catering Sales, Hotel Sales, Event Planning, Banquet Sales, or Hospitality Sales.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Strong organization and attention to detail with ability to manage multiple events.
• Experience with CRM systems and event management software.

Responsibilities

• Drive catering sales revenue through proactive sales activities, client relationship management, and event planning initiatives.
• Manage the full catering sales cycle from lead generation and prospecting through contract negotiation, event planning, and post-event follow-up.
• Respond to catering inquiries, prepare proposals, conduct site tours, and build customized event experiences for clients.
• Coordinate corporate meetings, social events, weddings, banquets, conferences, and special events within hotel event spaces.
• Partner with Culinary, Banquets, Conference Services, and Operations teams to ensure seamless event execution and guest experiences.
• Prepare BEOs, event timelines, room setups, catering menus, and operational notes with attention to detail.
• Identify upselling opportunities for catering packages, F&B enhancements, AV services, and hotel accommodations.
• Build relationships with local businesses, planners, vendors, and community partners to generate new business.
• Monitor catering revenue, booking pace, conversion metrics, and event profitability to support hotel goals.
• Conduct client meetings, pre-event calls, walkthroughs, and post-event follow-ups for satisfaction and repeat business.
• Maintain accurate sales activity, contracts, and event details in CRM and hotel systems.
• Stay informed on hospitality trends to bring fresh ideas to clients.

Skills

Relationship-building

Event planning

Sales strategy

Negotiation

Customer service mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Marketing, Business, or related field

Tools

CRM platforms

Event management software

Banquet Event Orders (BEOs)

Job description

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, SC Job Id R-0074463

We're Sonesta International Hotels—the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast ).

With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we're everywhere our guests need us to be.

But here's the thing—we're not just in the business of hotels, we're in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect - delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting).

What this role is all about

We're People People. Are you?

We're Sonesta International Hotels—the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast ).

With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we're everywhere our guests need us to be.

But here's the thing—we're not just in the business of hotels, we're in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect - delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting).

What this role is all about

Catering Sales Manager

What this role is all about

Great events start with great experiences - and our Catering Sales team helps bring those moments to life. As the Catering Sales Manager, you'll be responsible for driving catering revenue while creating memorable events that guests genuinely love.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives on relationship-building, event planning, sales strategy, and creating exceptional hospitality experiences. From corporate meetings and social events to weddings, celebrations, and group dining experiences, you'll work closely with clients to turn ideas into seamless, unforgettable events.

You'll partner with Banquets, Culinary, Operations, and Sales teams to ensure every detail is executed flawlessly while maximizing catering revenue, guest satisfaction, and repeat business opportunities.

If you're energetic, organized, sales-driven, and passionate about hospitality and events - we'd love to meet you.

What you'll be doing

• Drive catering sales revenue through proactive sales activities, client relationship management, and event planning initiatives.

• Manage the full catering sales cycle from lead generation and prospecting through contract negotiation, event planning, and post-event follow-up.

• Respond to catering inquiries, prepare proposals, conduct site tours, and build customized event experiences for clients.

• Coordinate corporate meetings, social events, weddings, banquets, conferences, and special events within hotel event spaces.

• Partner closely with Culinary, Banquets, Conference Services, and Operations teams to ensure seamless event execution and exceptional guest experiences.

• Prepare banquet event orders (BEOs), event timelines, room setup details, catering menus, and operational notes with accuracy and attention to detail.

• Identify upselling opportunities for catering packages, food & beverage enhancements, audiovisual services, and hotel accommodations.

• Build strong relationships with local businesses, event planners, vendors, and community partners to generate new business opportunities.

• Monitor catering revenue performance, booking pace, conversion metrics, and event profitability to support hotel revenue goals.

• Conduct client meetings, pre-event planning calls, walkthroughs, and post-event follow-ups to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.

• Maintain accurate sales activity, contracts, event details, and reporting within CRM and hotel sales systems.

• Stay informed on hospitality, catering, wedding, and event industry trends to bring fresh ideas and innovative experiences to clients.

• Any other duties as assigned.

What great looks like

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Marketing, Business, or related field preferred.

• 2+ years of experience in Catering Sales, Hotel Sales, Event Planning, Banquet Sales, or Hospitality Sales.

• Strong knowledge of catering operations, banquet services, food & beverage planning, and event management processes.

• Proven ability to drive catering revenue, close sales opportunities, and build long-term client relationships.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills with a strong customer service mindset.

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.

• Experience working with hotel sales systems, CRM platforms, event management software, and banquet event orders (BEOs).

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced hospitality environment while maintaining professionalism and flexibility.

• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to partner effectively across Operations, Culinary, Banquets, and Sales teams.

• A passion for hospitality, events, food & beverage experiences, and creating memorable moments for guests and clients.

Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job Information

The Catering Sales Manager position is Bonus Plan Eligible

How we reward you

At Sonesta, we know showing up for our guests starts with showing up for our people. That means supporting your health, your financial future, and everything in between.

Here's a snapshot of what we offer:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

• Paid Vacation & Sick Time

• Paid Parental Leave

• Company-Paid Life Insurance

• Company-Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

• Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness & Accident Insurance

• Educational Assistance

• Sonesta Hotel Discounts (yes, you'll want to use these)

• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts

Our Commitment to You

Sonesta is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Before You Apply

To be considered, please complete the full application in addition to submitting your resume. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.