Area Director of Sales & Catering

Overview

The Area Director of Sales and Catering serves as the strategic leader responsible for driving revenue generation, market share growth, and exceptional event execution across multiple properties within Kahler Hospitality Group. This position oversees all hotel sales activities, catering sales, conference services, group business development, business transient travel segment and event operations while ensuring alignment with company objectives, brand standards, and guest satisfaction goals.

This is an active selling position with an assigned market and sales goals.

The Area Director of Sales and Catering is accountable for developing and executing comprehensive sales, and catering strategies that maximize hotel profitability, strengthen client relationships, and deliver outstanding guest experiences from the initial sales inquiry through successful event completion.

Strategic Leadership & Revenue Generation

• Function as the strategic business leader for all sales (group and BT), catering, and conference services operations across assigned properties.
• Develop and implement annual sales, catering, and marketing business plans designed to achieve revenue, profitability, and market share objectives.
• Partner with hotel leadership to establish revenue goals, budgets, forecasts, and strategic initiatives.
• Analyze market conditions, competitor activity, industry trends, customer feedback, and performance metrics to identify opportunities for growth.
• Direct all proactive and reactive sales efforts, including group sales, business travel sales, catering sales, social events, local corporate business, and targeted market segments.
• Monitor sales pace, booking trends, catering revenues, and event profitability, implementing corrective actions when necessary to achieve budgeted goals.
• Collaborate with Revenue Management to optimize pricing strategies and maximize total hotel revenue.

Sales & Business Development

• Lead and hold the sales team accountable for achieving revenue production, prospecting activity, and market penetration goals.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key corporate accounts, meeting planners, event organizers, travel partners, community organizations, and professional associations.
• Proactively identify and secure new business opportunities through outside sales calls, networking, site tours, industry events, and community involvement.
• Represent Kahler Hospitality Group positively and professionally within the marketplace and local community.
• Participate in trade shows, industry events, chamber activities, and networking opportunities to increase brand awareness and business opportunities.
• Conduct regular sales strategy meetings and pipeline reviews to ensure accountability and business growth.

Catering & Conference Services Leadership

• Oversee all catering and conference services operations across assigned properties.
• Ensure seamless execution of meetings, conferences, social events, weddings, and special events from contract through post-event follow-up.
• Collaborate with culinary, operations, banquet, and hotel leadership teams to ensure exceptional event delivery.
• Develop innovative event packages, menus, promotions, and service offerings that enhance guest satisfaction and revenue generation.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, meeting planners, and event stakeholders.
• Oversee contract negotiations, event planning processes, banquet event orders, and client communications.
• Ensure all events are executed according to company standards, client expectations, and contractual agreements.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Monitor revenue performance, expenses, profitability, and productivity metrics.
• Analyze financial results and implement strategies to improve performance.
• Ensure effective use of resources while maintaining high service standards.
• Maintain accountability for achieving departmental financial goals and revenue targets.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, mentor, coach, and develop high-performing sales and catering professionals.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, and results-oriented culture.
• Ensure team members understand performance expectations and are equipped with the tools and resources necessary for success.
• Promote employee engagement, retention, and professional growth.

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Champion exceptional guest service throughout all sales, catering, and conference services functions.
• Ensure personalized and memorable experiences for clients and event attendees.
• Monitor guest satisfaction metrics and implement service improvements as needed.
• Resolve client concerns professionally and proactively.
• Promote a culture of hospitality excellence throughout all interactions.

Compliance & Operational Excellence

• Ensure compliance with company policies, brand standards, health regulations,…