Catering Sales Manager

Sonesta Hotels•San Juan, PR

29d•Onsite

About The Position

We’re Sonesta International Hotels. The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast. An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect. Together We Thrive—bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting. Job Description Summary The Corporate Catering Manager is responsible for generating catering revenue through the planning, coordination, and execution of corporate meetings, conferences, and group events. This role serves as the primary liaison between clients and hotel operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery aligned with the hotel’s brand standards and Caribbean hospitality experience. The position requires a results-driven professional with strong sales acumen, operational expertise, and the ability to deliver seamless event experiences in a resort environment. Job Description Key Responsibilities Sales & Revenue Generation Proactively solicit and secure corporate catering business through prospecting, networking, and client relationships Achieve and exceed assigned revenue goals for catering and banquet services Develop proposals, contracts, and customized event packages tailored to client needs Identify upselling opportunities across food & beverage, audiovisual, and event enhancements Client Relationship Management Serve as the primary point of contact for corporate clients from inquiry through event completion Conduct site inspections and client presentations Maintain strong relationships with repeat and key accounts Ensure timely and professional communication with all stakeholders Event Planning & Execution Coordinate all logistical aspects of events including menus, room setups, timelines, and special requests Lead pre-convention and pre-event meetings with internal departments Ensure accurate and detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) are prepared and distributed Oversee event execution to ensure service excellence and guest satisfaction Cross-Functional Coordination Collaborate with Food & Beverage, Banquets, Culinary, Engineering, and Front Office teams Ensure all departments are aligned to event requirements and timelines Address and resolve operational challenges in real time Financial & Administrative Responsibilities Prepare and manage event budgets and forecasts Monitor billing accuracy, deposits, and final invoicing Ensure compliance with hotel policies, contracts, and credit procedures Maintain accurate records in CRM systems (e.g., Delphi, Opera, or similar) Market Awareness & Strategy Stay informed on industry trends, competitor offerings, and Caribbean market dynamics Support the development of catering sales strategies and promotional initiatives Participating in trade shows, networking events, and community engagement activities Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Business Administration, or related field preferred Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in catering sales, conference services, or hotel event management Experience in a resort or Caribbean market strongly preferred Skills & Competencies Strong sales and negotiation skills with a proven track record of revenue generation Excellent organizational and project management abilities Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (bilingual English/Spanish preferred) Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously in a fast-paced environment Proficiency in hotel systems (Delphi, Opera, or similar) and Microsoft Office Core Competencies Guest-centric mindset with a passion for service excellence Strong attention to detail and follow-through Problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure Cultural awareness and adaptability in a diverse, international environment Team collaboration and leadership Working Conditions Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs On-site presence required during events Fast-paced, high-volume resort environment Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Catering revenue and profitability Client satisfaction scores and repeat business Accuracy and timeliness of BEOs and event documentation Conversion rate from inquiry to confirmed business Preferred Attributes Knowledge of destination weddings, incentive groups, and corporate retreats Understanding of local vendors, cultural elements, and destination experiences Ability to integrate Caribbean culture into event design and execution Additional Job Information/Anticipated Pay Range Benefits Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including: Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, and Vision Insurance 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match Paid Vacation and Sick Days Paid Funeral Leave Sonesta Hotel Discounts Educational Assistance Paid Parental Leave Referral Incentive Doctor Clinic Sick Incentive Development Programs Milestone (Years of Service) Incentive Employee Cafeteria Company Paid Life Insurance Various Employee Perks and Discounts 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, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered. At Sonesta, we value our team members as individuals who enhance our guests’ experiences with their unique skills and contributions. We actively support professional growth and personal happiness in each of our employees at each of our hotels, resorts, suites and cruise ships. We seek out people who will eagerly partner with us to improve the overall Sonesta experience for our guests, and the overall Sonesta experience for their fellow colleagues. If you are interested in a career in some of the most impressive and beautiful surroundings in the world with generous benefits and perks, we hope you’ll get in touch with us. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Business Administration, or related field preferred
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in catering sales, conference services, or hotel event management
Experience in a resort or Caribbean market strongly preferred
Strong sales and negotiation skills with a proven track record of revenue generation
Excellent organizational and project management abilities
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (bilingual English/Spanish preferred)
Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Proficiency in hotel systems (Delphi, Opera, or similar) and Microsoft Office
Guest-centric mindset with a passion for service excellence
Strong attention to detail and follow-through
Problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure
Cultural awareness and adaptability in a diverse, international environment
Team collaboration and leadership
Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs
On-site presence required during events
Fast-paced, high-volume resort environment

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of destination weddings, incentive groups, and corporate retreats
Understanding of local vendors, cultural elements, and destination experiences
Ability to integrate Caribbean culture into event design and execution

Responsibilities

Proactively solicit and secure corporate catering business through prospecting, networking, and client relationships
Achieve and exceed assigned revenue goals for catering and banquet services
Develop proposals, contracts, and customized event packages tailored to client needs
Identify upselling opportunities across food & beverage, audiovisual, and event enhancements
Serve as the primary point of contact for corporate clients from inquiry through event completion
Conduct site inspections and client presentations
Maintain strong relationships with repeat and key accounts
Ensure timely and professional communication with all stakeholders
Coordinate all logistical aspects of events including menus, room setups, timelines, and special requests
Lead pre-convention and pre-event meetings with internal departments
Ensure accurate and detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) are prepared and distributed
Oversee event execution to ensure service excellence and guest satisfaction
Collaborate with Food & Beverage, Banquets, Culinary, Engineering, and Front Office teams
Ensure all departments are aligned to event requirements and timelines
Address and resolve operational challenges in real time
Prepare and manage event budgets and forecasts
Monitor billing accuracy, deposits, and final invoicing
Ensure compliance with hotel policies, contracts, and credit procedures
Maintain accurate records in CRM systems (e.g., Delphi, Opera, or similar)
Stay informed on industry trends, competitor offerings, and Caribbean market dynamics
Support the development of catering sales strategies and promotional initiatives
Participating in trade shows, networking events, and community engagement activities