Senior Catering Sales Manager

Sonesta International Hotels; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Match

Paid Vacation

Parental Leave

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Educational Assistance

Hotel Discounts

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels in Houston seeks a Senior Catering Sales Manager to drive catering revenue and craft memorable events. You will lead client relationships from initial contact through post-event follow-up, coordinating with Banquets, Culinary, Operations and Sales teams to ensure flawless execution and exceptional guest experiences.

The role emphasizes proactive sales, proposal development, site tours, and tailored event design for corporate meetings, weddings, and social events

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality, events, marketing or business preferred.
• 5+ years in Catering Sales, Hotel Sales or related hospitality sales.
• Proven ability to drive revenue, close opportunities and build client relationships.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills with strong customer service mindset.

Responsibilities

• Drive catering sales revenue through proactive sales activities and client relationships.
• Manage full catering sales cycle from lead gen to contract negotiation and planning.
• Respond to inquiries, prepare proposals, conduct site tours, and tailor events for clients.
• Coordinate corporate meetings, social events, weddings, banquets, and conferences.
• Collaborate with Culinary, Banquets, Conference Services and Operations to ensure flawless execution.
• Prepare BEOs, timelines, room setups, menus, and operational notes with detail.
• Identify upsell opportunities in catering packages, F&B, AV, and accommodations.

Skills

Relationship building

Event planning

Sales strategy

Hospitality experience

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Bachelor's degree in Event Management

Bachelor's degree in Marketing

Bachelor's degree in Business

Tools

CRM systems

Event management software

Banquet Event Orders (BEOs)

Job description

We’re People People. Are you?

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

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 Senior 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.
• 5+ 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

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.