Director of Events & Catering

Direct, manage, coordinate, and execute group assignments turned over by the Sales Department. Monitor all contractual agreements pertaining to guest room blocks, meeting space, food and beverage and special concessions. Effectively communicate to all hotel departments the information necessary to successfully execute the group’s needs while maintaining a good client relationship.

• Develop and execute strategies to maximize catering and event revenue and profitability.
• Drive new business through prospecting, networking, referrals, repeat business, and community involvement.
• Manage the catering and events sales process from initial inquiry through contract, planning, execution, and post-event follow-up.
• Conduct site tours, client meetings, menu presentations, tastings, and event consultations.
• Prepare and negotiate proposals, contracts, banquet event orders, and related documentation.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and local opportunities to identify new revenue opportunities.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, meeting planners, wedding professionals, social groups, and community organizations.
• Achieve or exceed established revenue, booking, conversion, and profitability goals.
• Effectively upsell food and beverage, guestrooms, meeting space, enhancements, and other hotel services.
• Maintain accurate sales forecasts and ensure the CRM and event systems are current and up to date.
• Ensure event details are accurately communicated to all operational departments.
• Review and finalize Banquet Event Orders and ensure all changes are communicated appropriately.
• Conduct pre-conference and pre-event meetings as needed.
• Oversee event setup, food and beverage service, décor, audiovisual needs, andother event details.
• Be visible and engaged during key events to ensure client satisfaction and address any issues that arise.
• Conduct post-event follow-up and solicit client feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and repeat business.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Sales, Sales Managers, General Manager, Executive Chef, Banquet Operations, Front Office, and other hotel leaders.
• Ensure effective communication between Sales, Catering, and Operations throughout the event lifecycle.
• Participate in revenue strategy meetings and contribute to overall hotel business planning.
• Identify opportunities to leverage catering business to increase guestrooms, food and beverage, and overall hotel revenue.
• Assist with hotel-wide sales initiatives and special events as needed.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Catering & Events team to achieve individual and departmental goals.
• Establish clear performance expectations and provide ongoing feedback and support.
• Participate in recruiting, onboarding, training, and performance management.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and service-focused team environment.
• Work closely with Food & Beverage and Operations leadership to ensure proper staffing and execution of events.
• Ensure team members consistently follow hotel standards, policies, and procedures.
• Additional Responsibilities may be assigned by the Director of Sales or General Manager.

In accordance with Illinois law, the anticipated pay range for this position is:

$110,000 – $123,000 per year

The final offer will be based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, internal equity, and market conditions.

Eligible team members may have access to a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (vacation, sick time, holidays)
• Six paid company holidays and one floating holiday
• 401(k) with company match (up to 4%)
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee assistance programs
• Employee…