Director of Catering & Conference Services

Ocean House Collection•Westerly, RI

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Catering & Events oversees all Catering and Events operations, including team leadership, business strategy, client contracts, and exceptional event service. In partnership with the Sales team, this role ensures profitable, high-quality operations; coordinates conferences, meetings, and weddings to meet client expectations; maximizes hotel revenue through upselling, function space, and room block management; and ensures both the Company and clients fulfill group contract commitments.

Requirements

Strong leadership, coaching, organizational, and team-development skills.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, complex events, deadlines, and client needs in a fast-paced luxury hospitality environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to work effectively with guests, clients, vendors, team members, and leadership.
Strong attention to detail, accuracy, follow-through, and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of catering, conference services, banquet operations, event planning, menu planning, room setup, and luxury service standards.
Ability to negotiate, prepare proposals, review contracts, and support revenue goals through upselling and relationship management.
Ability to remain calm, professional, and solutions-focused under pressure, including during guest or client concerns.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of guest, employee, client, and company information.
Proficiency with office systems and event management tools; experience with hotel sales or catering systems preferred.
Prior catering, conference services, event management, or luxury hotel operations experience required; leadership experience preferred.

Nice To Haves

College degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Marketing, or a related field preferred; equivalent work experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, schedule, and develop the Catering and Events team, including hiring, training, performance management, and corrective action when needed.
Oversee assigned groups, weddings, meetings, and events from pre-planning through departure, including event detailing, BEO’s, resumes, day-of execution, and post-event follow-up.
Develop and implement departmental goals, operating procedures, and service standards that support company objectives.
Communicate sales and event information clearly to hotel departments and promote teamwork through regular meetings and daily coordination.
Represent the Company professionally with internal and external stakeholders and support a positive, service-focused culture.
Address guest and client concerns related to in-house events, and communicate resolutions to the Group Director of Sales & Marketing as necessary.
Assist with developing policies and procedures related to in-house event planning and execution.
Negotiate meeting room rental, function space, hotel services, and event terms within approved booking guidelines.
Prepare, review, and manage sales contracts, rate agreements, banquet/catering event orders, and event resumes accurately and on time.
Respond to inquiries and prepare client proposals in accordance with departmental standards.
Prepare monthly sales-related reports and forecasts for assigned areas of responsibility.
Lead BEO meetings for in-house events and ensure event details are communicated to all relevant departments.
Support resort programming, special cultural events, entertainment bookings, and activity calendars as assigned.
Coordinate with Marketing and the Group Director of Sales & Marketing to promote special events.
Practice, model, and promote the Company’s Statement of Purpose, Service Excellence Pillars, and Declarations in daily operations.
Follow company policies, procedures, sustainability guidelines, and service standards.
Perform other duties consistent with the scope and purpose of this role.