Catering Manager

HRI Hospitality•New Orleans, LA

35d•$45,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

At HRI Hospitality, we offer a unique perspective on hotel ownership and management. We’re here to expand the possibilities of what once was, with our history of restoring properties to their former glory as well as new build projects that become the center of their vibrant urban community, we take it to the next level. We are looking for people to join our team that share in the passion for warm welcomes and creating an unforgettable experience for our guests. With a wide array of brands in exciting locations, HRI Hospitality is the destination to set course for growing your career! The Barnett Hotel and Maison Metier Hotel is looking for a Complex Catering Manager. As one of the most distinctive hotels in New Orleans Warehouse District, The Barnett pulses with New Orleans energy, only blocks away from Caesar’s New Orleans and the Caesar’s Superdome. Designed to blend luxury with comfort, immaculate guest rooms cultivate a sense of ease. Each boasts vintage-inspired decor, plush bedding, and standout amenities that cater to every need. The Barnett provides a sophisticated, stylish retreat that embodies the spirit of its surroundings, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every guest. Maison Métier is where New Orleans’ magic meets timeless luxury. A One MICHELIN Key hotel for two consecutive years and honored among Fodor’s Travel’s 100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World, our historic retreat stands on the storied corner of Carondelet and Lafayette streets, once home to the City Hall Annex built in 1906. Today, its original character is elevated by contemporary design and curated art, designed in partnership with Studio Shamshiri. You’ll find the unmistakable spirit of the Big Easy is within our walls. Rich with character yet refined in every detail, Maison Métier invites you to experience the city’s festivals, flavors, and heritage with intimacy, elegance, and your four-legged companion by your side. Job summary The Catering Manager is responsible for selling, detailing, and servicing banquet and catering events (food, beverage, room rental, and audio visual) to achieve assigned revenue goals. This role focuses on building client relationships, executing successful events, and ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent industry experience.
Minimum 2–3 years in catering sales or conference services with demonstrated knowledge of food and beverage and meeting room setup.
Must be able to read, write, and understand English.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including participation in client meetings and presentations.
Strong negotiation skills and ability to cultivate leads, build relationships, and support financial expectations.
Strong experience in the booking and execution of high-end social events, including:
Galas
Wedding ceremonies and receptions
Rehearsal dinners
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Birthday and anniversary parties
Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Working knowledge of all aspects of banquets, catering, and conference services.
Knowledge of creative and profitable menu development in partnership with culinary and F&B teams.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and hotel sales/catering systems such as Delphi, Envision, or similar platforms.
Understanding of basic budgetary and fiscal responsibility as it relates to individual events.
Knowledge of operational areas of the property as they relate to events.
Strong desire to deliver high-quality customer service.
Detail-oriented and organized with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.
Good time management and organizational skills.
Understanding of pace and productivity reporting as it pertains to personal booking goals.

Nice To Haves

Envision knowledge is highly preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Solicit, book, and service catering events to achieve assigned food, beverage, and room rental revenue goals.
Prepare professional and timely correspondence, proposals, contracts, and follow-up for all assigned accounts.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date event details, including Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and group resumes.
Collaborate with the Director of Sales on booking strategies for assigned market segments.
Work closely with the Executive Chef and Food and Beverage team to:
Ensure menus are appropriate for the group and aligned with brand and property standards.
Communicate event details and special requests clearly and accurately.
Attend pre-convention and pre-event meetings as needed to review details and ensure smooth execution.
Carefully review catering contracts and BEOs to ensure accuracy and alignment with agreed-upon terms.
Monitor competitive sets for catering trends, products, services, and pricing, and share findings with leadership.
Maximize room rental and audio-visual revenues through effective selling and up-selling of services.
Actively participate in community and industry-related organizations as appropriate to generate leads.
Conduct sales calls to existing and potential accounts through:
In-person appointments
Telephone and email solicitations
Networking, trade shows, referrals, and other prospecting activities
Build and strengthen relationships with existing and new accounts to drive repeat and referral business.
Arrange and conduct site inspections and tours of the hotel for potential clients.
Maintain accurate sales records in the hotel sales system to ensure complete account and event history.
Respond to all sales inquiries within 24 business hours.
Execute and support the operational aspects of business booked, including:
Generating proposals
Drafting contracts
Preparing BEOs
Managing customer correspondence
Negotiate catering sales contracts within established guidelines.
Actively and creatively up-sell each catering event to maximize revenue and enhance the guest experience.
Analyze historical and current booking patterns for personal accounts and adjust selling strategies accordingly.
Partner with the banquet and operations teams to:
Communicate customer specifications
Address and resolve customer issues and comments promptly
Ensure customer satisfaction during and after events
Adjust work schedule as needed to meet business demands, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Be on-site to oversee and support key banquet events as needed, including weekends and holidays.
Participate in property meetings related to catering and events, as applicable.
Other duties as assigned.