Area Associate Director of Catering

Job Description Summary

The Area Associate Director of Catering sets the tone for Sonesta’s Culture of Caring. We expect leaders to focus on creating amazing moments for guests and team members and dig deep to find ways to create success for their team.

• Lead the catering sales efforts, prospect and solicit new accounts. Ensure that inquiry calls, and proposals are handled in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.
• Achieve personal, team, and hotel catering revenue goals.
• Prepare and present effective and persuasive presentations to prospective clients.
• Negotiate, prepare, write and submit contracts in a timely manner.
• Set the agenda of the department and assign duties to all associates to ensure flawless execution of all functions and events.
• Engage with clients and collaborate with key members of the F&B team to ensure complete guest satisfaction.
• Inspect banquet and meeting space regularly and make necessary recommendations for repairs and improvements.
• Create special themes and develop attractive menus.
• Arrange and conduct special events, site inspections, and off‑site presentations for potential clients.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming.
• Perform any other job‑related duties as assigned.

• Develop key focus areas and markets for sales solicitation/prospecting.
• Develop personal sales campaigns and promotions in order to generate leads, promote hotel and increase visibility.
• Produce monthly sales‑related reports and sales forecasts for assigned area of responsibility.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of market trends, competition and customers.
• Create custom offers to drive business to our 3 properties and create loyalty with planners.

• Participate in the management of the department’s operating budget.
• Achieve budgeted revenues, control labor costs and expenses.
• Manage staffing levels to ensure that guest service, operational needs and financial objectives are met.
• Actively participate and advise in the budget and forecasting processes which support the overall objectives of the hotel.

• Interview, hire, train, and promote Catering department staff. Provide constructive and consistent feedback for all direct reports.
• Ensure employees receive proper training applicable to their position and career aspirations in accordance with company policy and/or local laws.
• Monitor, measure, and recognize performance of employees. Conduct the annual performance evaluations of catering department staff.
• Coach team by providing specific feedback to improve knowledge, skills and performance.
• Ensure employees are treated fairly and equitably. Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner.

• Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and corporate office.
• Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect.
• Inspire your coworkers to embrace and demonstrate Sonesta’s core values and the guest service standards.

• Ability to prepare signage for catering functions. Ability to create special themes and menus.
• Track record of success for selling and interpersonal skills.
• High level of creativity for new ideas and service upgrades to improve guest experience.
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage products and current trends.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.
• Extensive knowledge of hotel and hospitality industry.
• Delphi and Opera PMS experience a plus.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Pay range is $90,000 - $100,000 and are eligible for a Bonus Plan. The base pay offered may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to job‑related knowledge, skills, and specific/overall experience.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan…