Director of Catering

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Catering

Chicagoland

$100K - $110K + Bonus Potential

Relocation Assistance- Negotiable

Position Overview

Our beautiful facility is seeking an experienced and highly polished Director of Catering to lead and grow the catering and private events operation. This individual will be responsible for developing relationships, driving catering revenue, overseeing event planning and execution, and ensuring every event reflects the high standards of service and hospitality.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven hospitality professional with a strong background in luxury hotels, private clubs, country clubs, or high-end catering operations . This role requires someone who understands the importance of personalized service, attention to detail, discretion, and creating exceptional experiences for members and their guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of catering and private event operation, from initial inquiry through event completion and follow-up.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with prospective clients, vendors, and community partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for members planning weddings, social celebrations, corporate functions, holiday events, meetings, receptions, and other special occasions.
• Develop customized event proposals, menus, packages, contracts, and pricing based on company standards.
• Proactively generate new catering and event business while maximizing opportunities within the existing membership.
• Conduct property tours and event consultations while effectively communicating the amenities, capabilities, and service offerings.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef and Food & Beverage leadership to develop menus, pricing, service standards, and event concepts.
• Coordinate closely with Banquets, Culinary, Service, Facilities, Housekeeping, Accounting, and other departments to ensure flawless event execution.
• Oversee event timelines, room setups, floor plans, audiovisual requirements, décor, entertainment, rentals, and other logistical details.
• Monitor event profitability, food and beverage revenues, labor costs, expenses, and overall financial performance.
• Ensure contracts, deposits, billing, guarantees, and event documentation are accurate and completed according to company policies.
• Conduct pre-event meetings and post-event reviews to ensure operational alignment and continuous improvement.
• Maintain a strong presence during major events and ensure members and guests receive personalized, attentive service.
• Address member concerns professionally and promptly, working to resolve issues while protecting the company standards and reputation.
• Develop and maintain relationships with preferred vendors and outside partners.
• Assist with annual budgeting, forecasting, sales goals, and strategic planning for the catering department.
• Track sales activity, conversion rates, revenue, average check, event profitability, and other key performance indicators.
• Train, coach, and develop catering and event team members to deliver consistently exceptional service.
• Ensure all events comply with company policies, safety standards, and applicable health and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• 5+ years as a Director of Catering or 8+ years in event sales, banquet, or hospitality management experience.
• Previous experience in a luxury hotel, private club, country club, or high-end catering environment strongly preferred.
• Proven success generating catering and private event revenue.
• Strong understanding of food and beverage operations, banquet service, menu planning, and event execution.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with affluent clientele and high-value members.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, pricing, and understanding event profitability.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Proficiency with catering/event management systems, POS systems, Microsoft Office, and CRM platforms.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-oriented in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the company's event calendar.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a polished, energetic, and entrepreneurial hospitality professional who understands that private club catering is about much more than selling events. They understand the importance of developing genuine member relationships, anticipating needs, protecting confidentiality, and delivering an experience that makes members feel valued.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package
• Bonus/incentive opportunity
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement plan
• Professional development opportunities
• A prestigious private club environment
• Opportunity to work closely with an established membership and leadership team

If you know of a hospitality professional who combines exceptional sales ability with operational excellence and a genuine passion for creating memorable member experiences, we would love to hear from them.

Send resume to View email address on ziprecruiter.com for immediate review and consideration