Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Director of Catering
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
About Four Seasons:
Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.
About the location: Our property is a vibrant hub of culture, style and energy and includes our newly transformed restaurant which embodies iconic luxury boldly reimagined to capture the essence of Chicago through inspired food, drink, art and music. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is honored to be ranked as one of Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Top 50 Hotels in the World. We offer 345 elegant guest rooms and suites and a luxury spa. We are located steps away from the famed Magnificent Mile, glamorous North Michigan Avenue shopping and minutes from the city’s business and financial center. Adorn Restaurant features globally inspired cuisine starring the bounty of the Midwest. Adorn Bar showcases craft cocktails and a wine list that sparks conversation, all with a lively, convivial vibe beckoning to be discovered.
About the role The Director of Catering will lead and manage the catering team, ensuring efficient execution of events while maximizing revenue and delivering a high‑quality experience for all guests. This leadership role requires a blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and exceptional client service skills to ensure the seamless delivery of events that align with the brand’s luxury standards.
What you will do Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and manage the catering team, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.
Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching, and support career development for team members.
Sales and Revenue Management
Actively solicit and secure new business, including corporate, social, and group events.
Optimize space utilization and manage function space allocation to maximize revenue.
Work with Sales & Marketing and Revenue teams to develop event pricing strategies for related market segments and forecasting.
Lead sales activities, including responding to inquiries, managing leads, and driving event conversions.
Build and maintain relationships with key accounts, event planners, and stakeholders.
Work with the Director of Banquet Operations and Executive Chef to monitor and manage Banquet and Food & Beverage expenses and revenues.
Technical and Functional Competencies
Ability to formulate catering sales manager goals and budget setting.
Liaise with department heads such as Chefs, Banquet Managers, and Front Office Managers to ensure smooth execution of all Catering and Group events.
Oversee audio‑visual requirements and ensure all logistical aspects of the event are handled efficiently.
Prepare reports on booking pace, forecasting, month‑end analysis, and other relevant metrics.
Ensure team and relevant operating departments are kept up to date with competitor activities and provide insights on the market when required.
Ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to ensure the hotel remains at the forefront of catering excellence.
Ensure compliance with health and safety standards, as well as Four Seasons' policies and procedures.
What you bring
Strong commercial acumen, leadership, and team management skills, with the ability to lead, motivate, and inspire team members.
Commitment to employee training, learning, and development, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Proven experience in event planning, catering, and sales management (i.e. familiarity with sales processes, lead management, and customer relationship management. Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and revenue management for events. Knowledge of local market trends and competitive landscape.)
Understanding of catering, menu planning, food and beverage service standards, and banquet operation matters (i.e. audio‑visual requirements, space management, event logistics). Knowledge of event management software (e.g., Golden Sales & Catering, Opera or similar tools).
Strong organizational and problem‑solving abilities. Ability to manage large teams, handle complex schedules, and coordinate across departments.
Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills in building and maintaining relationships across departments and with guests, creating a memorable and high‑quality experience.
Excellent verbal and written proficiency in English
What we offer
Compensation: $120,000 - 140,000
Energizing Employee Culture where you are encouraged to be your true self!
Comprehensive learning and development programs to help you elevate your craft.
Competitive wages and benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision and Retirement Plan) as well as Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
Eligibility to Annual Incentive Program
401(k) Retirement Plan including Employer Matching Program
Inclusive and diverse employee engagement & recognition events all year‑round.
Exclusive discount and travel programs with Four Seasons
Complimentary Employee Meals
And so much more!
Schedule & Hours
Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.
Learn more about what it is like to work at Four Seasons Four Seasons is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. To access the EEOC “The Law” Information poster, please visit https://eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf
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About the location: Our property is a vibrant hub of culture, style and energy and includes our newly transformed restaurant which embodies iconic luxury boldly reimagined to capture the essence of Chicago through inspired food, drink, art and music. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is honored to be ranked as one of Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Top 50 Hotels in the World. We offer 345 elegant guest rooms and suites and a luxury spa. We are located steps away from the famed Magnificent Mile, glamorous North Michigan Avenue shopping and minutes from the city’s business and financial center. Adorn Restaurant features globally inspired cuisine starring the bounty of the Midwest. Adorn Bar showcases craft cocktails and a wine list that sparks conversation, all with a lively, convivial vibe beckoning to be discovered.
About the role The Director of Catering will lead and manage the catering team, ensuring efficient execution of events while maximizing revenue and delivering a high‑quality experience for all guests. This leadership role requires a blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and exceptional client service skills to ensure the seamless delivery of events that align with the brand’s luxury standards.
What you will do Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and manage the catering team, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.
Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching, and support career development for team members.
Sales and Revenue Management
Actively solicit and secure new business, including corporate, social, and group events.
Optimize space utilization and manage function space allocation to maximize revenue.
Work with Sales & Marketing and Revenue teams to develop event pricing strategies for related market segments and forecasting.
Lead sales activities, including responding to inquiries, managing leads, and driving event conversions.
Build and maintain relationships with key accounts, event planners, and stakeholders.
Work with the Director of Banquet Operations and Executive Chef to monitor and manage Banquet and Food & Beverage expenses and revenues.
Technical and Functional Competencies
Ability to formulate catering sales manager goals and budget setting.
Liaise with department heads such as Chefs, Banquet Managers, and Front Office Managers to ensure smooth execution of all Catering and Group events.
Oversee audio‑visual requirements and ensure all logistical aspects of the event are handled efficiently.
Prepare reports on booking pace, forecasting, month‑end analysis, and other relevant metrics.
Ensure team and relevant operating departments are kept up to date with competitor activities and provide insights on the market when required.
Ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to ensure the hotel remains at the forefront of catering excellence.
Ensure compliance with health and safety standards, as well as Four Seasons' policies and procedures.
What you bring
Strong commercial acumen, leadership, and team management skills, with the ability to lead, motivate, and inspire team members.
Commitment to employee training, learning, and development, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Proven experience in event planning, catering, and sales management (i.e. familiarity with sales processes, lead management, and customer relationship management. Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and revenue management for events. Knowledge of local market trends and competitive landscape.)
Understanding of catering, menu planning, food and beverage service standards, and banquet operation matters (i.e. audio‑visual requirements, space management, event logistics). Knowledge of event management software (e.g., Golden Sales & Catering, Opera or similar tools).
Strong organizational and problem‑solving abilities. Ability to manage large teams, handle complex schedules, and coordinate across departments.
Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills in building and maintaining relationships across departments and with guests, creating a memorable and high‑quality experience.
Excellent verbal and written proficiency in English
What we offer
Compensation: $120,000 - 140,000
Energizing Employee Culture where you are encouraged to be your true self!
Comprehensive learning and development programs to help you elevate your craft.
Competitive wages and benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision and Retirement Plan) as well as Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
Eligibility to Annual Incentive Program
401(k) Retirement Plan including Employer Matching Program
Inclusive and diverse employee engagement & recognition events all year‑round.
Exclusive discount and travel programs with Four Seasons
Complimentary Employee Meals
And so much more!
Schedule & Hours
Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.
Learn more about what it is like to work at Four Seasons Four Seasons is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. To access the EEOC “The Law” Information poster, please visit https://eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf
#J-18808-Ljbffr