Social Catering Manager

Ensemble Hospitality•Long Beach, CA

23h

About The Position

The Social Catering Manager is responsible for driving social catering revenue through the solicitation, booking, planning, and execution of weddings, celebrations, private parties, and other social events. The role oversees the full event process, from initial inquiry and contract negotiation through detailed planning, event execution, and post-event follow-up. The manager builds client relationships, creates memorable experiences, and collaborates with Culinary, Banquets, Food & Beverage, and hotel operations teams to deliver successful events. The position combines sales, event planning, client service, and administrative responsibilities. It requires flexibility for client appointments, site visits, and events, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and work in both office and active hotel event environments. The manager is expected to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and a guest-focused approach, and to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Minimum of 2–3 years of catering sales or event management experience, preferably in an upscale hotel or hospitality environment.
Demonstrated success selling, planning, and executing weddings and social events.
Strong sales, negotiation, relationship-building, and customer service skills.
Experience collaborating with Sales, Culinary, Food & Beverage, and Banquet teams.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple events, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for professional interaction with clients, guests, vendors, and team members.
Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, follow-through, and exceptional service.
Ability to remain calm, flexible, and solution-focused in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and catering sales software.
Ability to work independently and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment.
Professional appearance and demeanor consistent with The Maya's service and grooming standards.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business and event needs.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with Delphi.
College degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Event Management, or a related field; equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Proactively solicit and develop social catering business, including weddings, celebrations, private parties, and special events.
Respond to inquiries, prepare proposals, negotiate contracts, convert leads, and maintain follow-up with prospective and current clients.
Build relationships with clients, wedding planners, event professionals, and community partners to generate repeat business and referrals.
Achieve established quarterly and annual catering sales and revenue goals.
Conduct property tours and site inspections to showcase event spaces and the hotel's hospitality experience.
Identify market trends and opportunities to enhance social catering offerings and grow revenue.
Act as the primary contact for social catering clients throughout the planning and event process.
Coordinate event details, including menus, timelines, room layouts, floor plans, décor, audiovisual needs, and special requests.
Prepare accurate Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), event diagrams, and related documentation.
Coordinate menu tastings, planning meetings, site visits, and client appointments.
Collaborate with Culinary, Banquets, Food & Beverage, and other hotel departments to ensure successful event execution.
Communicate event expectations, changes, and special requirements clearly and promptly to departments.
Monitor event arrangements against client expectations and hotel standards; address client concerns proactively and provide timely solutions.
Prepare and maintain contracts, deposits, billing arrangements, and final event documentation.
Ensure accurate billing, payment collection, and timely account reconciliation.
Maintain organized client records, event files, and sales activity reports.
Use hotel sales and catering systems to track bookings, revenue, client communications, and event details.
Participate in BEO meetings, departmental meetings, and operational planning sessions.
Keep Catering and Banquet leadership informed of client concerns, operational challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
Perform additional duties as assigned by hotel management.