Director of Catering Sales

Loews Hotels•Rosemont, IL

1d•$82,400 - $103,000

About The Position

Loews Chicago O’Hare is seeking a strategic, results-driven Director of Catering Sales to lead efforts to grow and elevate the property’s catering business. This senior leadership role actively sells and services events, develops innovative strategies, and expands market presence to position Loews Hotels as a premier destination for catering. The Director inspires the team, strengthens client relationships, and drives revenue growth. The role involves prospecting local catering business, coordinating with the sales team, creating customized site visits, and planning and servicing booked events. The Director develops annual sales strategies, trains Catering Managers, analyzes performance, forecasts revenue, and manages budgets. They work closely with culinary, Food & Beverage, Brand, Public Relations, and Financial Services teams, oversee Delphi space management, represent the brand in the community, and support client satisfaction and rebooking. Regular attendance, variable schedules according to business needs, mandatory training and meetings, and other assigned duties are also part of the position.

Requirements

Minimum six years of Catering Sales experience in a full-service hotel environment with a proven track record of success; listed as preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience with Delphi or diagram-writing software such as Social Tables.
Extensive knowledge of hotel support departments and property management systems.
Ability to stand, sit, walk, reach, and lift, pull, or push 35-plus pounds regularly throughout the shift.
May be required to work varying schedules to reflect business needs.

Nice To Haves

Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) or Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) designation; preferred.
Minimum six years of Catering Sales experience in a full-service hotel environment with a proven track record of success; preferred.

Responsibilities

Actively prospect and sell local catering business, coordinating efforts across the sales team.
Design customized site visit experiences that convert prospects into loyal clients.
Plan, coordinate, and service booked catering events, ensuring flawless execution.
Lead training programs for Catering Managers to enhance skills and performance.
Develop and implement annual catering sales strategies, including promotions and targeted initiatives.
Represent the brand at local events to attract new business and strengthen community ties.
Analyze sales performance and refine strategies to achieve revenue goals.
Collaborate with culinary and Food & Beverage teams to create innovative menus and wedding packages.
Partner with Brand and Public Relations teams to optimize marketing efforts and third-party website presence.
Oversee Delphi space management to maximize revenue potential and maintain compliance.
Forecast catering revenues accurately and manage budgets effectively.
Conduct pre- and post-convention meetings to ensure client satisfaction and encourage rebooking.
Solicit client feedback and implement plans to improve survey response rates.
Partner with Financial Services to ensure efficient credit and billing processes.
Attend internal meetings and contribute to special projects as assigned.
Maintain regular attendance in conformance with standards.
Attend mandatory training sessions and meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.