Senior Catering Manager

DREAMWEAVER HOTELS INC•Chicago, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Catering Manager, you will deliver exceptional guest experiences every day by creating a welcoming, thoughtful, and dynamic service environment. This role is responsible for selling, planning, and servicing catering and event business while consistently exceeding revenue goals and maintaining the highest standards of hospitality. The Catering Sales & Events Manager partners closely with hotel leadership and operational teams to ensure flawless event execution, maximize profitability, and uphold the hotel’s luxury service standards. The ideal candidate is creative, relationship-driven, and detail-oriented, and passionate about delivering memorable experiences with a “Whatever It Takes” attitude.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in hotel catering, social catering, or event sales management
Experience with Delphi, Social Tables, and Microsoft Office Suite
Strong sales, negotiation, and business development skills
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and time management abilities
Ability to develop meaningful client and internal relationships
Must be flexible to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and networking events as business demands require
Professional appearance and adherence to hotel grooming standards required
Must be able to communicate effectively in the primary language of the hotel
Reasoning & Decision-Making Ability: This role requires the ability to solve practical problems, make sound business decisions, and adapt to situations with varying levels of complexity and standardization.
Candidates must be knowledgeable in all aspects of catering and event operations, including service styles, menu planning, room configurations, event setup, and breakdown procedures.

Nice To Haves

Established connections within the Chicago hospitality or corporate market preferred
Experience with revenue forecasting and yield management preferred

Responsibilities

Manage and coordinate catering activities for corporate, convention, social, wedding, and high-touch event groups from contract through execution.
Plan, supervise, and execute events while ensuring all client expectations and operational standards are met.
Develop event programs, agendas, resumes, and Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) based on client requirements.
Communicate all event specifications and group history clearly to operational departments to ensure seamless execution.
Host planning meetings, pre-convention meetings, and site inspections for prospective and confirmed clients.
Promote efficient and strategic use of all event spaces, including rooftop and specialty venues.
Maximize revenue opportunities by recommending hotel services, vendors, attractions, and subcontractors to clients.
Accurately forecast private event and banquet revenues according to hotel guidelines.
Partner with hotel leadership to identify and implement process improvements that enhance client satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Work closely with banquet, culinary, stewarding, and operations teams to execute profitable and memorable events.
Exceed individual revenue goals by actively selling and servicing catering events, primarily within the corporate market segment, while supporting SMERF and wedding business as needed.
Conduct outside sales calls, networking activities, prospecting efforts, and site tours to generate new business opportunities.
Negotiate contracts and maintain timely, professional communication with clients throughout the sales and planning process.
Maintain accurate sales data and client records within hotel sales and catering systems.
Analyze market trends, competitive activity, and the local catering landscape to identify business opportunities.
Collaborate with the Sales and Marketing team to support branding initiatives, marketing collateral, and strategic campaigns for catering and wedding business.
Participate in networking events, industry organizations, community partnerships, and charitable functions to promote the hotel and strengthen market presence.
Partner with other sales team members to cross-sell hotel services across segments and markets.
Ensure exceptional customer service throughout all phases of the event experience.
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and maintain strong relationships through attentive, personalized service.
Monitor and support Hilton guest satisfaction initiatives to achieve positive survey results and client feedback.
Communicate event details effectively to both clients and internal teams to ensure alignment and successful outcomes.
Promote a positive culture focused on teamwork, accountability, and service excellence.
Participate in daily sales stand-up meetings and weekly departmental meetings.
Support training and development initiatives for Sales and Conference Services team members.
Maintain advanced knowledge of catering trends, event operations, and industry best practices.
Partner with the Accounting team to ensure accurate billing, forecasting, and financial reporting.
Uphold all hotel policies, brand standards, emergency procedures, and code of conduct expectations.
Maintain current knowledge of Hilton programs, promotions, and required brand training.

Benefits

Medical Plans: Choice of three plans to meet your healthcare needs.
Dental Plans: Two options for dental coverage.
Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine eye care and eyewear.
Paid Time Off (PTO): To support work-life balance.
Accident/Hospital Indemnity/Critical Illness plans (new for 2026).
401(k) Retirement Plan: Plan for your future with employer contributions.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Life and AD&D Insurance: Employer-provided coverage with additional voluntary options.
Short-Term Disability (STD): Employer-provided coverage to support you during temporary disability.
Voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD): Additional protection for extended disability.
Commuter Benefits: Save on transit and parking expenses.
Pet Insurance: Options to support your furry family members.
Hilton travel discounts and employee room rates worldwide
Career growth and training opportunities
Access to wellness programs and employee appreciation events