Event Planning Manager (Catering Manager Wedding Market)

Union League Club of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Union League Club of Chicago is seeking an Event Planning Manager to drive revenue through planning and execution of group and social events. You will manage all event details from inquiry to completion, ensuring a seamless guest experience, with a focus on client relationships and on-target revenue.

You will actively solicit new business within assigned catering markets, develop relationships with clients, and collaborate with operational teams to achieve and exceed booking goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or hospitality management (or related).
• 1–2 years catering sales or event planning experience; luxury hotel/club preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook; experience with Delphi.

Responsibilities

• Manage existing accounts and follow up with clients and members to secure future event opportunities.
• Finalize BEOs weekly and publish for distribution.
• Prepare detailed event resumes and coordinate with Operations for requirements and timelines.
• Develop proposals and contracts for bookings while ensuring minimums, room and space needs are met.
• Prospect for new business and conduct club site tours to promote events.
• Attend daily BEO meetings to review function details.
• Coordinate with all operational departments to ensure flawless service and billing accuracy.
• Ensure billing for services is rendered and service standards are maintained.
• Promote a positive team environment within Banquet, Catering and Culinary staff.

Skills

Event planning

Catering sales

Customer service

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Delphi

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing or hospitality management

Tools

Delphi

Job description

Reports to:

Director of Sales and Catering & Assistant Director of Catering

Position Summary:

The Event Planning Manager is responsible for driving revenue through the booking, planning, and execution of group and social events. This role manages all event details from initial inquiry through completion, ensuring a seamless and exceptional experience for clients and guests. The Event Planning Manager also actively solicits new business within assigned catering markets, develops client relationships, and works toward achieving and exceeding established booking and revenue goals.

Essential Functions:

• Manage existing accounts and proactively follow up with clients and members to resollicit business, strengthen relationships, and secure future event opportunities.
• Finalizes BEO’s weekly and has all information published for weekly distribution.
• Prepare detailed event resumes for upcoming functions and review them with the Operations team to ensure all event requirements, timelines, and client expectations are clearly communicated and executed.
• Manage event inquiries within the assigned market, develop proposals, and contract bookings while ensuring appropriate Food & Beverage minimums, guestroom rates, meeting space requirements, and other contractual terms are accurately established to maximize revenue and meet business objectives.
• Prospects for new business and help increase revenues and participate in sales calls to promote the club; give site tours to promote the Club
• Attend daily BEO meetings to review function details
• Have comprehensive knowledge of all operational departments within the Club; Front desk, Club services, housekeeping, audio visual, accounting, restaurants, bars, and engineering
• Ensure that all billing and charges for services are rendered.
• Enforces the service standards for all banquet events, meetings and related operations including innovative and creative food and beverage/bar displays.
• Handles member/guest complaints and works to provide a solution in a timely and professional manner.
• Bonus eligibility and goals will begin after the initial 90-day employment period and will apply to the following quarter.
• Promotes a positive work environment, and a positive team atmosphere with other Banquet, Catering and Culinary management and staff.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in marketing or hospitality management or any other combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge skills and abilities.

Experience:

Must have at least 1-2 years of Catering Sales or Event planning. Experience in a luxury Hotel or Club setting is preferred.

Additional Skills:

Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook is required, excellent communication, organization, and service-oriented people skills. Experience working with Delphi.