Director of Catering

Hawks Cay Resort; Marathon (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off & holidays

Relocation assistance

Employee meals & uniform allowance

Professional development & training

Job summary

Hawks Cay Resort in Marathon, FL, seeks a seasoned Catering and Conference Services leader to drive revenue, lead a high-performing team, and oversee events from inquiry to execution. You will collaborate with the culinary team on innovative menus highlighting Florida Keys seafood and local ingredients while managing budgets, proposals, and client relationships.

This role requires 3–5+ years in catering/sales leadership, strong organizational skills, and flexibility for weekends/holidays.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of progressive catering/sales leadership experience, preferably in resorts or luxury venues.
• Strong sales, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with event management software and Microsoft Office.
• Availability for flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and mentor the catering and conference services team (sales managers, coordinators, banquet staff).
• Prospect and secure new business for catering, banquets, conferences, weddings, and events. Develop and manage budgets, contracts, and proposals.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of events—from inquiry to menu planning to on-site coordination to post-event follow-up.
• Collaborate with executive chefs on seasonal menus emphasizing Florida Keys seafood and local ingredients; manage costing and profitability.
• Provide white-glove client relations, site tours, and secure repeat/referral business.

Skills

Catering leadership

Sales leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Event management software

Microsoft Office

Flexible hours

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or related field

Tools

Event management software

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management: Lead, train, mentor, and manage the catering and conference services team (sales managers, coordinators, banquet staff) foster a culture of excellence and high performance.

Sales & Revenue: Prospect and secure new business for catering, banquets, conferences, weddings, and events. Develop and manage budgets, contracts, and proposals. Achieve revenue targets through proactive sales, upselling packages, and strong client relationships.

Event Planning & Execution: Oversee the full lifecycle of events—from inquiry to menu planning to on‑site coordination to post‑event follow‑up. Ensure seamless integration with culinary, banquet, audiovisual, and operations teams.

Menu Development & Operations: Collaborate with executive chefs on innovative, seasonally inspired menus emphasizing Florida Keys seafood and local ingredients. Handle costing, pricing, and profitability analysis.

Client Relations: Provide white‑glove service, conduct site tours, manage expectations, resolve issues, and secure repeat/referral business.

Compliance & Standards: Maintain the highest levels of food safety, sanitation, hygiene, and service standards; ensure compliance with resort policies, health regulations, and liquor laws.

Vendor & Logistics Management: Coordinate with suppliers, vendors, and internal departments for equipment, staffing, and logistics.

Reporting & Strategy: Track key metrics (revenue, occupancy, guest satisfaction). Contribute to annual budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning for the catering department.

Perform other assignments as required by the Director of Sales to support overall resort operations and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 3–5+ years of progressive catering/sales leadership experience, preferably in resorts or luxury venues.
• Strong sales, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with event management software and Microsoft Office.
• Availability for flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or related field preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary plus performance‑based bonus and commission opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay.
• Resort discounts on rooms, dining, marina, and spa services.
• Employee meals and uniform allowance.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Potential relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Access to resort amenities including pools, fitness facilities, and the saltwater lagoon.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Hawks Cay Resort is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.