Catering Manager

Catering Manager

Join our hospitality team and help bring exceptional events to life. As a Catering Manager, you will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing catered events that deliver memorable experiences for our guests. You'll work closely with clients and hotel departments to ensure every detail is handled with care, from setup to service, while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality and professionalism.

The Catering Manager is responsible for generating and managing catering and social event business while delivering exceptional hospitality and service throughout the entire planning and execution process. This role serves as the primary point of contact for clients hosting social events such as weddings, galas, celebrations, and special occasions, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully planned, accurately coordinated, and seamlessly communicated to hotel operations teams. The Catering Manager actively builds new business opportunities while nurturing strong relationships with existing clients, always with a focus on creating warm, memorable guest experiences.

Responsibilities include preparing proposals and contracts, conducting engaging property tours, and partnering closely with clients to bring their vision to life. This role works collaboratively with Sales, Conference Services, Food & Beverage, Culinary, and Operations teams to ensure flawless execution, maximize revenue, and consistently deliver exceptional guest satisfaction.

Essential responsibilities include:

• Generating catering revenue through prospecting, client relationships, and repeat business.
• Responding to inquiries, preparing proposals, negotiating contracts, and closing business opportunities.
• Conducting hotel site tours, menu tastings, event space walk throughs, and client meetings.
• Reviewing and interpreting group contracts to clearly understand hotel commitments and event expectations.
• Ensuring event space is blocked appropriately and does not conflict with other scheduled functions.
• Planning and coordinating all event details, including menus, guest count, room setups & diagrams, and special requests.
• Creating and distributing Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and ensuring accurate communication to operational departments.
• Partnering with culinary, banquet, and conference services teams to ensure seamless event execution.
• Communicating event details and operational needs with internal departments through meetings, emails, and direct communication.
• Monitoring event budgets and maximizing food, beverage, and ancillary revenue through strategic upselling.
• Ensuring compliance with food safety, sanitation, workplace safety, and company standards.
• Attending pre-convention and event planning meetings as needed.
• Resolving client concerns promptly and professionally to ensure a high level of guest satisfaction.
• Reviewing event invoices and billing for accuracy.
• Maintaining professionalism, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Performing additional duties as assigned to support hotel and catering operations.
• Maintaining accurate records and forecasts within the hotel's sales and catering system.
• Achieving monthly and annual catering revenue goals.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years previous hotel catering, event management, conference services, or hospitality sales experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple events and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency in hotel sales and catering software systems.
• Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Working knowledge of Opera PMS, DelphiFDC, Social Tables, and other hospitality systems preferred.
• Knowledge of banquet operations, food and beverage service, and event planning.
• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills are a plus.

Success measures:

• Catering revenue production
• Event profitability
• Client satisfaction scores
• Repeat business and client retention
• Accuracy and timeliness of event documentation
• Effective collaboration with hotel operations teams

This position plays a critical role in enhancing the guest experience while driving catering revenue and ensuring flawless event execution.

Benefits & Perks:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Voluntary Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Program
• PerkSpot Employee Discount Program
• Hotel Stay Discounts
• Employee Meals
• AquaVie Fitness & Spa Membership Discount
• Training and Career Growth Opportunities
• Discounts at Grand America Hotels & Resorts properties
• Convenient access to trolley station and downtown bus routes

Our Culture:

We believe in "People First and Guests Always." We are committed to creating a supportive work environment where team members are valued, respected, and empowered to deliver memorable guest experiences.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events and operational shifts.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor event environments with varying noise levels and temperatures.

Additional Information:

• This is a non-exempt hourly position.
• Tuesday-Saturday schedule with flexibility is required based on business demands, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time based on business needs.
• Equal Opportunity Employer