Director of Catering Conference Services - Franchise

Hilton Technologies•Arlington, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Catering & Conference Services is responsible for the overall leadership, commercial performance, and operational excellence of the catering and conference services department. This leader will oversee departmental strategy, revenue growth, team performance, client satisfaction, and cross-functional execution while ensuring the hotel delivers exceptional meetings, events, and catered experiences. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who can lead at a high level while remaining connected enough to the operation to support complex events, major client relationships, and critical business needs.

Requirements

Minimum 7+ years of progressive hotel catering, conference services, and event leadership experience in a full-service hotel environment
Demonstrated success leading catering/event revenue growth and managing high-performing teams
Strong background in hotel catering sales, conference services operations, and client relationship management
Proven financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, and revenue strategy
Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and organizational skills
Ability to lead strategically while maintaining operational credibility in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Hilton experience preferred
A strategic and commercially minded hospitality leader
Strong in sales, negotiation, and revenue growth
A confident people leader who develops talent and drives accountability
Operationally credible and respected by cross-functional partners
Polished, relationship-driven, and guest-focused
Calm under pressure, decisive, and solutions-oriented
Experienced leading both corporate and social event business

Responsibilities

Lead the overall catering and conference services operation, with accountability for revenue growth, client satisfaction, team performance, and operational excellence.
Drive proactive business development, strategic sales efforts, and revenue optimization across corporate, association, social, wedding, and local market segments.
Lead, coach, and develop the Catering & Conference Services team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and exceptional service standards.
Oversee the full client journey from initial inquiry through event execution and final follow-up, ensuring seamless communication, strong partnerships, and outstanding guest experiences.
Serve as the senior point of contact for VIP clients, complex business opportunities, escalated service matters, and high-profile events.
Manage departmental budgeting, forecasting, financial performance, and administrative compliance while identifying opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiency.
Partner closely with Sales, Banquets, Culinary, Front Office, and Food & Beverage teams to ensure aligned execution and maximize total hotel revenue.