Director of Catering

Four Seasons • Chicago, IL

3d • $120,000 - $140,000

About The Position

The Director of Catering will lead and manage the catering team, ensuring efficient execution of events while maximizing revenue and delivering a high-quality experience for all guests. This leadership role requires a blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and exceptional client service skills to ensure the seamless delivery of events that align with the brand's luxury standards.

Requirements

• Strong commercial acumen, leadership, and team management skills, with the ability to lead, motivate, and inspire team members.
• Commitment to employee training, learning, and development, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Proven experience in event planning, catering, and sales management (i.e. familiarity with sales processes, lead management, and customer relationship management.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and revenue management for events.
• Knowledge of local market trends and competitive landscape.)
• Understanding of catering, menu planning, food and beverage service standards, and banquet operation matters (i.e. audio-visual requirements, space management, event logistics).
• Knowledge of event management software (e.g., Golden Sales & Catering, Opera or similar tools).
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage large teams, handle complex schedules, and coordinate across departments.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills in building and maintaining relationships across departments and with guests, creating a memorable and high-quality experience.
• Excellent verbal and written proficiency in English

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and manage the catering team, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching, and support career development for team members.
• Sales and Revenue Management Actively solicit and secure new business, including corporate, social, and group events.
• Optimize space utilization and manage function space allocation to maximize revenue.
• Work with Sales & Marketing and Revenue teams to develop event pricing strategies for related market segments and forecasting.
• Lead sales activities, including responding to inquiries, managing leads, and driving event conversions.
• Build and maintain relationships with key accounts, event planners, and stakeholders.
• Work with the Director of Banquet Operations and Executive Chef to monitor and manage Banquet and Food & Beverage expenses and revenues.
• Technical and Functional Competencies Ability to formulate catering sales manager goals and budget setting.
• Liaise with department heads such as Chefs, Banquet Managers, and Front Office Managers to ensure smooth execution of all Catering and Group events.
• Oversee audio-visual requirements and ensure all logistical aspects of the event are handled efficiently.
• Prepare reports on booking pace, forecasting, month-end analysis, and other relevant metrics.
• Ensure team and relevant operating departments are kept up to date with competitor activities and provide insights on the market when required.
• Ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to ensure the hotel remains at the forefront of catering excellence.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards, as well as Four Seasons' policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Competitive wages and benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision and Retirement Plan) as well as Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
• Eligibility to Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) Retirement Plan including Employer Matching Program
• Inclusive and diverse employee engagement & recognition events all year-round.
• Exclusive discount and travel programs with Four Seasons
• Complimentary Employee Meals

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees