Director of Catering

The Director of Catering & Conference Services leads all catering sales and conference services operations for a growing luxury resort, overseeing the full lifecycle of group and event business from prospecting through execution. The role is responsible for driving multi-million-dollar revenue through strategic sales planning, client relationship management, and cross-functional collaboration with hotel departments. It includes managing and developing a high-performing team while ensuring seamless execution of complex programs, from corporate conferences to large-scale social events and buyouts. The position also oversees forecasting, budgeting, and operational efficiencies to consistently achieve financial goals and deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Some of your responsibilities include

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop annual sales budget, annual sales goals for group sales and catering teams.
• Develop and implement yearly business plan to meet and exceed budgeted sales goal.
• Lead and oversee all catering sales and conference services operations for a high-volume luxury resort generating multi-million-dollar annual group and event revenue
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to drive group, corporate, social, and wedding business, maximizing total revenue and market share
• Manage and mentor a high-performing team of Catering Sales Managers, Conference Services Managers, and Coordinators; foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service excellence
• Own the full lifecycle of group business: prospecting, contract negotiation, event planning, execution, and post-event follow-up
• Partner closely with Sales, Revenue Management, Marketing, F&B and Operations to align pricing strategies, optimize booking pace, and ensure seamless program execution
• Oversee forecasting, budgeting, and financial performance; consistently exceed revenue goals and profitability targets
• Maintain strong relationships with key clients, meeting planners, third-party partners, and local corporate accounts to drive repeat and referral business
• Ensure flawless execution of complex programs, including large-scale conferences, incentive groups, weddings, and full-property buyouts
• Act as primary escalation point for VIP clients and high-profile events, ensuring exceptional guest satisfaction and brand standards
• Collaborate with Food & Beverage, Culinary, Audio-Visual and Banquets teams to design innovative event experiences and customized menus
• Implement operational efficiencies, systems, and service standards to enhance productivity and elevate the guest experience
• Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and customer feedback to inform strategic decisions and identify new revenue opportunities
• Lead pre-convention and post-convention meetings, ensuring clear communication and accountability across all departments
• Drive upselling initiatives, including premium experiences, AV, décor, and enhanced food & beverage offerings
• Ensure compliance with brand standards, contracts, and local regulations across all events and group programs
• Represent the resort within the local community and industry events to strengthen brand presence and partnerships

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complete and communicate monthly sales/revenue/pace results/future forecasting
• Review all banquet event orders and daily/weekly events to ensure accuracy.
• Conduct weekly BEO / Group Resume meetings.
• Attend weekly sales, revenue, and operations meetings.
• Organize activities and represent Kimpton at off-premise events.
• Supervise overall execution of banquets and catering events

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE WE'RE SEEKING

• Minimum of 3 years related sales experience in hospitality industry as a Director of Catering or in a Senior Catering & Conference Services Role
• 5+ years of luxury event planning & catering/wedding selling experience within the resort industry field
• Extensive experience managing Event Teams
• Luxury hotel / resort background preferred
• Prefer experience in Delphi FDC, Social Tables and Opera systems
• Experience in the Caribbean Markets a plus
• You're highly creative, with strong sales and interpersonal skills
• You've got great communication skills both internally and externally
• Professional phone etiquette, writing skills, and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Well organized, detail-oriented, with excellent follow-up skills.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To achieve success in this role, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience: Minimum of 3 years related sales experience in hospitality industry as a Director of Catering or in a progressive Senior Catering/Conferences Planning role and a minimum of 5+ years in a Catering or Conferences Manager planning role. Language Skills: Ability to read, write, and verbally communicate effectively and professionally with other business departments, guests, and vendors. Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult situations and people, while exhibiting a consistent level of professionalism. Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, report, or schedule form. Regularly exercise independent judgment and discretion about matters of significance. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to use a keyboard, sit, see, hear, write, and speak. The employee is frequently required to handle (hold, grasp, turn, or otherwise work with the hand or hands), finger (picking, pinching, fine manipulation), and dial. The employee is occasionally required to collate/file, stand, and walk. The employee is minimally required to bend, crouch, kneel, squat, climb ladders and stairs, balance, reach, twist, stretch, push, and pull. The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 10lbs, occasionally lift and/or move 25-50lbs, and minimally lift and/or move up to 75lbs. Mental Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to produce detailed work, use math and reasoning skills, verbal and written communication, have customer contact, handle multiple concurrent tasks and constant interruptions. The employee is frequently required to give presentations. Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job the employee may be occasionally exposed to heat, odor, fumes, dampness, dirt, oil, grease, noise, vibrations, and the use of tools/equipment. Please note: management reserves the right to change, modify, and/or alter any of the duties listed above to meet business demands.