Director of Catering & Conference Services

The Umstead Hotel and Spa; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the hospitality sector seeks a dynamic Director of Catering & Conference Services to lead a talented team in delivering exceptional catering events. This role involves overseeing all aspects of event planning, from sales to execution, ensuring that each function meets the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction. With a focus on maintaining strong relationships and achieving budgeted revenues, the ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in luxury hotel environments. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and excellence in service delivery.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in Catering Sales/Service and Banquet Service Management.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Catering Sales and Conference Services performance.
• Manage billing and revenue collection from catering clients.
• Coordinate event specifics with planners and teams.

Skills

Catering Sales Management

Event Planning

Client Relationship Management

Budget Management

Team Leadership

Education

4-year college degree in Hospitality Studies

Business Management

Job description

Director of Catering & Conference Services

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Job Description

The Director of Catering and Conference Services oversees all aspects of planning and executing catering events. He or she ensures successful results of catering functions, including price control based on menu preparation, room decoration & set-up, procuring rentals as needed, and accurate, timely billing to clients. The director is responsible for the forward selling of large (over 100 guests) catered events to the commercial and social markets to maintain the appropriate sales pace to achieve annual budgeted revenues. This position oversees Catering Sales managers, both corporate and social, as well as the Conference Services management team. This position reports to the Director of Sales and coordinates with Group Sales management to ensure account management, team consistency, and relationship maintenance across all accounts.

Salaried position, with an annual bonus plan up to 10% of base salary.

Job Requirements

• Oversee management of Catering Sales, Social Market Sales, and Conference Services performance related to team goals and forecasted revenues.
• Conduct weekly meetings with each area to ensure targets are met and work is timely and complete.
• Meet regularly with the Director of Sales and Group Sales team to address contractual questions, changes, or updates.
• Review each booking for Catering Sales and Conference Services to ensure complete and accurate information.
• Introduce the assigned Conference Services manager to the program and manage all functions of the Convention Calendar.
• Actively sell large catering events to commercial or social groups without overnight accommodations.
• Confirm event specifics with the planner, including décor, menus, agenda, set-ups, and negotiate event space rental and pricing.
• Distribute and complete Banquet Event Orders and menus approximately 10 days prior to the event, ensuring clear communication of requirements.
• Review arrangements with the event planner upon arrival, conduct walk-throughs, and host pre-event meetings as needed.
• Coordinate with Front Desk, Reservations, Banquets, and Accounting regarding event needs and follow up on attendance guarantees.
• Manage billing and revenue collection from catering clients, addressing any concerns promptly.
• Arrange post-event meetings and complete post-conference evaluation forms.
• Send thank-you letters to clients post-event.
• Develop a quarterly Catering Sales Action Plan to ensure proactive selling steps are followed.
• Review weekly booking pace reports and quarterly goals with the Director of Sales monthly.
• Keep all collateral materials up to date with annual assessments and pricing adjustments.
• Coordinate with Sales and Marketing to enhance social market engagement and visibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Sales or Managing Director.

Qualifications

• 4-year college degree in Hospitality Studies or Business Management.
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in Catering Sales/Service and Banquet Service Management in a luxury hotel environment.
• Professional appearance and dress in quality business attire.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industries

• Hospitality