Catering & Events Manager

Job Type


Full-time

Description

ABOUT LITTLE PALM ISLAND:

Personal by Nature

Accessible only by sea or sky, Little Palm Island is a MICHELIN Three-Key private island resort where time slows and stillness returns. The island is home to 30 thatched-roof bungalow suites, a tranquil spa, curated boutique and distinct fine-dining experiences overlooking the Atlantic, offering guests a sanctuary to disconnect in privacy and simply be. We invite you to join a resort culture that practices hospitality as a craft, guided by clear standards, thoughtful collaboration and genuine human connection to ensure every guest experience feels personal and true to place.

WHY PROPERTY PRESENCE MATTERS IN THIS ROLE:

Given the scope of this position - spanning event sales, live execution of intimate and group events, restaurant event coordination, and day-of oversight of large parties - an on-property presence at Little Palm Island is essential, not optional.

• Immediate presence for site inspections, pre-conference meetings, and client walk-throughs - critical for luxury, high-touch guest expectations.

• Direct oversight of event and restaurant execution, rather than relying on second-hand updates from operational teams.

• Faster response times for in-progress events, vendor issues, and guest requests that arise on property.

• Stronger day-to-day relationships with the restaurant and culinary teams, which is foundational to building out the social catering and restaurant events segment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in luxury catering sales, wedding sales, conference services, or event management.


• Exceptional organizational and communication skills.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Working knowledge of food and beverage operations, banquet service, restaurant operations, and event planning.

• Experience working in a luxury resort or hospitality environment preferred.

• This is a position based on site with the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules.

Success Measures

• Achievement of annual revenue goals for proposals, elopements, weddings up to 12 guests, and large parties.

• Guest satisfaction scores and client feedback.

• Upsell conversion performance.

• Accuracy of event documentation and billing.

• Seamless on-site execution of group programs, intimate celebrations, restaurant events, and large parties.

• Growth of the social catering and restaurant events segment.

• Positive collaboration with operational departments.

Requirements

REVENUE RESPONSIBILITY

The Catering & Event Sales Manager will carry direct revenue goals for:


• Marriage proposals

• Elopements

• Vow renewals

• Intimate weddings of 12 guests or fewer

• Large parties and social catering events (milestone celebrations, holiday parties, and similar)

• Associated enhancements and upgrades, including:

.Spa services

.Floral and décor

. Photography

. Transportation

. Resort experiences

. . The role does not carry revenue responsibility for:


• Corporate and incentive groups

• Group room blocks

• Weddings larger than 12 guests

• Buyouts of the full resort

Primary Responsibilities

Sales Responsibilities

• Respond to all proposal, elopement, intimate wedding, and large-party inquiries promptly.

• Qualify leads and develop customized luxury event and dining proposals.

• Conduct in-person site inspections and presentations.

• Cultivate relationships with planners, travel advisors, photographers, and local vendors.

• Upsell premium experiences, restaurant enhancements, and resort experiences.

• Maintain sales activity, forecasting, and pipeline reporting.

• Achieve established annual revenue goals for intimate celebrations, restaurant events, and large parties.

Event Planning & Execution - Intimate, Restaurant & Large-Party

• Serve as the lead planner and on-site point of contact for intimate celebrations, and large parties from booking through execution.

• Partner directly with the culinary and restaurant teams on menu development, and event-specific offerings.

• Coordinate logistics, staffing needs, and setup requirements for restaurant buyouts and large social events.

• Be present on property for all event execution, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

• Manage last-minute changes and operational communications in real time.

Conference Services & Group Event Support

For group events booked by Sales:

• Serve as primary contact following turnover.

• Coordinate all event logistics and client requirements.

• Produce Banquet Event Orders, resumes, agendas, and planning documents.

• Conduct pre-conference, internal planning, and post-event meetings.

• Coordinate with culinary, banquet, housekeeping, recreation, spa, engineering, and accounting teams.

• Review event space and restaurant space requirements and setup specifications.

• Conduct event inspections and ensure adherence to brand standards.

• Meet clients on-site and oversee event execution.

Departmental & Strategic Support

• Menu development and enhancements, in partnership with culinary

• Packaging and promotional offers for restaurant events and social catering

• Social catering initiatives and growth of the segment

• Planner outreach and relationship building

• FAM coordination

• Marketing and social media support

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Invoice deposits and coordinate billing for assigned events.

• Review banquet and restaurant checks and final bills for accuracy.

• Assist Accounting with guest billing clarifications.

• Maintain event history and documentation.

• Update sales and event management systems accurately and in a timely manner.

• Participate in weekly revenue and departmental meetings.

Notice of AI Use in Job Application Review

As part of our commitment in creating a fair, efficient, and consistent hiring process we may use artificial intelligence (AI) to help our recruiting teams organize, summarize, and analyze information provided by candidates, including resumes, application responses, and other materials submitted during the application process.AI may be used to identify patterns, highlight relevant skills, and experience, and assist in comparing a candidate's qualifications with the requirement of a specific role. These tools are to improve efficiency and consistency while supporting more informed hiring decisions, which will ultimately be made by the hiring team.