Sonesta International Hotels
Director of Catering
Sonesta International Hotels, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Director of Catering
Sonesta International Hotels seeks an experienced Director of Catering to lead our catering and conference services functions. The Director reports to the Director of Sales and Marketing and will play a key role in executing all property events, ensuring seamless service, driving revenue growth, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Job Description Summary Reporting to the Director of Sales and Marketing, the Director of Catering oversees the catering and conference services functions. The role is responsible for the execution of all property events, client outreach, and education, ensuring seamless turnover from catering to operations and back to catering. The incumbent will focus on enhancing event revenues, maximizing financial performance, and maintaining high levels of employee satisfaction.
Job Description
Professionally represent the hotel in community and strategic networking events.
Collaborate as a team player with other senior directors.
Provide constructive feedback to all departments and the hotel catering/conference service team.
Actively participate in DBR, BEO, and resume meetings.
Responsible for monthly, quarterly and annual banquet and catering forecasting.
Ensure accurate preparation and distribution of function bookings, catering and group resumes, amenity forms, and banquet event orders.
Maintain meeting and function rooms, coordinating reservations and client flow with food & beverage outlets.
Champion proper usage of Delphi for data extraction and reporting; keep Delphi standards accurate and current.
Serve as a leader and role model to all employees.
Perform additional duties as necessary and assigned.
Assist the entire catering and conference services team; carry out supervisory responsibilities, including interviewing, hiring, training, performance appraisals, and conflict resolution.
Drive a sense of urgency with the team to meet hotel needs.
Work with General Manager, Director of Finance, DOSM, Executive Chef and Sales/Catering/CS team to develop and execute revenue management strategies.
Ensure financial accuracy through forecasting and monthly budget reviews.
Participate in strategic networking activities and maintain proper deployment of the catering team.
Collaborate with the culinary team to maintain consistent pricing of catering menus.
Respond to Meeting Metrix Survey results and manage banquet and catering revenue.
Manage compensation and sales incentive processing.
Develop and execute catering strategies, budget administration, and annual seller goals.
Analyze industry intelligence and recommend appropriate actions.
Develop and revise annual goals for the catering and CS team.
Support promotion of food and beverage efforts across public relations, advertising, and marketing channels.
Achieve sales quotas within assigned segments and execute KPIs against target accounts.
Encourage calculated risk‑taking to generate incremental revenue and deliver excellent guest service.
Collaborate closely with the conference services team to reach food & beverage goals.
Work directly with major groups when high‑profile financial impact is significant.
Establish vendor relationships, negotiate pricing, and manage service agreements to enhance event experiences.
Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for meetings, conferences, and conventions.
Recruit, supervise, train, and motivate multiple levels of managers.
Ensure proper training and career development for team members.
Monitor, measure, and recognize performance management of direct and indirect reports.
Support company initiatives, policies, and guidelines.
Handle employee issues professionally and timely.
Work with direct reports to review scheduled events and troubleshoot potential challenges.
Influence peers to perform at high standards and establish a trusting environment.
Maintain focus on the mission and well‑being of the department, hotel, and company.
Lead by example, operating with integrity and respect.
Inspire the team to embrace and demonstrate the company’s values and guests standards.
Keep the property apprised of all groups that will impact operations.
Hold the catering/CS management team accountable for desired service behaviors.
Qualifications And Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).
5+ years of director‑level hotel sales experience (preferred).
Proven track record in direct catering sales and new business development.
Experience maintaining loyal client partnerships.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills.
Demonstrated business and financial acumen.
Professional appearance and demeanor.
Strong presentation skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Knowledge of sales systems (Delphi, Meeting Broker, The Knot, Starcite, Cvent, etc.).
Benefits
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Health Savings Account with Company Match
401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
Paid Vacation and Sick Days
Sonesta Hotel Discounts
Educational Assistance
Paid Parental Leave
Company Paid Life Insurance
Company Paid Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
Various Employee Perks and Discounts
Hospital Indemnity
Critical Illness Insurance
Accident Insurance
Pay Range $100,000 to $120,000 per year (salary may vary based on experience and qualifications).
Equal Opportunity Employer Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application and attach a resume. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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Job Description Summary Reporting to the Director of Sales and Marketing, the Director of Catering oversees the catering and conference services functions. The role is responsible for the execution of all property events, client outreach, and education, ensuring seamless turnover from catering to operations and back to catering. The incumbent will focus on enhancing event revenues, maximizing financial performance, and maintaining high levels of employee satisfaction.
Job Description
Professionally represent the hotel in community and strategic networking events.
Collaborate as a team player with other senior directors.
Provide constructive feedback to all departments and the hotel catering/conference service team.
Actively participate in DBR, BEO, and resume meetings.
Responsible for monthly, quarterly and annual banquet and catering forecasting.
Ensure accurate preparation and distribution of function bookings, catering and group resumes, amenity forms, and banquet event orders.
Maintain meeting and function rooms, coordinating reservations and client flow with food & beverage outlets.
Champion proper usage of Delphi for data extraction and reporting; keep Delphi standards accurate and current.
Serve as a leader and role model to all employees.
Perform additional duties as necessary and assigned.
Assist the entire catering and conference services team; carry out supervisory responsibilities, including interviewing, hiring, training, performance appraisals, and conflict resolution.
Drive a sense of urgency with the team to meet hotel needs.
Work with General Manager, Director of Finance, DOSM, Executive Chef and Sales/Catering/CS team to develop and execute revenue management strategies.
Ensure financial accuracy through forecasting and monthly budget reviews.
Participate in strategic networking activities and maintain proper deployment of the catering team.
Collaborate with the culinary team to maintain consistent pricing of catering menus.
Respond to Meeting Metrix Survey results and manage banquet and catering revenue.
Manage compensation and sales incentive processing.
Develop and execute catering strategies, budget administration, and annual seller goals.
Analyze industry intelligence and recommend appropriate actions.
Develop and revise annual goals for the catering and CS team.
Support promotion of food and beverage efforts across public relations, advertising, and marketing channels.
Achieve sales quotas within assigned segments and execute KPIs against target accounts.
Encourage calculated risk‑taking to generate incremental revenue and deliver excellent guest service.
Collaborate closely with the conference services team to reach food & beverage goals.
Work directly with major groups when high‑profile financial impact is significant.
Establish vendor relationships, negotiate pricing, and manage service agreements to enhance event experiences.
Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for meetings, conferences, and conventions.
Recruit, supervise, train, and motivate multiple levels of managers.
Ensure proper training and career development for team members.
Monitor, measure, and recognize performance management of direct and indirect reports.
Support company initiatives, policies, and guidelines.
Handle employee issues professionally and timely.
Work with direct reports to review scheduled events and troubleshoot potential challenges.
Influence peers to perform at high standards and establish a trusting environment.
Maintain focus on the mission and well‑being of the department, hotel, and company.
Lead by example, operating with integrity and respect.
Inspire the team to embrace and demonstrate the company’s values and guests standards.
Keep the property apprised of all groups that will impact operations.
Hold the catering/CS management team accountable for desired service behaviors.
Qualifications And Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).
5+ years of director‑level hotel sales experience (preferred).
Proven track record in direct catering sales and new business development.
Experience maintaining loyal client partnerships.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills.
Demonstrated business and financial acumen.
Professional appearance and demeanor.
Strong presentation skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Knowledge of sales systems (Delphi, Meeting Broker, The Knot, Starcite, Cvent, etc.).
Benefits
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Health Savings Account with Company Match
401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
Paid Vacation and Sick Days
Sonesta Hotel Discounts
Educational Assistance
Paid Parental Leave
Company Paid Life Insurance
Company Paid Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
Various Employee Perks and Discounts
Hospital Indemnity
Critical Illness Insurance
Accident Insurance
Pay Range $100,000 to $120,000 per year (salary may vary based on experience and qualifications).
Equal Opportunity Employer Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application and attach a resume. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
#J-18808-Ljbffr