Director of Events & Catering - The Starting Gate

Greathorse•Hampden, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Events & Catering leads the catering sales and event execution teams at our premier luxury golf resort in Western Massachusetts. This role drives revenue through weddings, corporate events, life celebrations, and high-end social galas. The ideal candidate blends sharp sales acumen with an obsession for detail and luxury hospitality standards. You will oversee events from initial inquiry through flawless execution regardless of event size.

Requirements

Minimum 7-10 years of catering sales leadership in a luxury resort, hotel, or prestigious country club.
Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, Business Administration, or a related field; experience required.
Deep understanding of luxury service standards, high-end food trends, and fine wine/spirits pairings.
Proficiency with catering and logistical software (e.g., NorthStar, Social Tables, Canva, Circuit, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Flexibility to work long hours, weekends, and holidays based on event calendars.

Responsibilities

Meet and exceed annual catering sales goals for weddings and social events.
Partner with the Executive Chef to develop lucrative catering menus and package pricing customized for elite clientele.
Negotiate complex event contracts and food and beverage minimums.
Maximize client spending per event through premium liquor packages, upgraded decor, and golf add-ons.
Design detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) mapping out timelines, menus, and setups.
Partner with the Head Golf Professional to seamlessly blend golf tee times with premium dining.
Manage relationships with elite external vendors including florists, designers, and entertainment.
Oversee major event setups to guarantee five-star luxury presentation and timing.
Recruit, train, and inspire catering event & sales managers and event coordinators.
Oversee a team of 50 including servers, bartenders, and valet.
Collaborate daily with the Executive Chef, Sales Team, Events Managers, F&B Department, and Golf Operations.
Develop and maintain hands-on experience in every department, with the flexibility to fill any role and provide support as operational needs require.
Manage a multi-million-dollar venue.
Forecast monthly and yearly revenues, manage the department budget and labor reports, track P&L's on each event, and approve vendor invoices.
Proven ability to work directly with high-profile clientele, executive leadership, and venue ownership.