Director of Catering

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The Colonnade Hotel, a four‑diamond hotel with 13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay, is seeking a Director of Catering. This in‑person role is responsible for executing sales strategies that maximize profitability while maintaining customer satisfaction. The Director will lead the catering team, prospect, facilitate and close business opportunities, and manage group events.

$‑$ per year.

• Supervise the catering and convention services teams in day‑to‑day operations and ensure all written communications—contracts, proposals, banquet event orders, forecasts, and daily reports—are accurate and effective.
• Develop and maintain training programs for all catering sales and conference services associates.
• Deliver persuasive verbal sales presentations to prospective clients.
• Schedule and assign detailed duties to associates for efficient department operation and productivity.
• Solicit new accounts, review previous event contracts, and analyze lost business reports to generate revenue.
• Formulate compelling proposals, negotiate and prepare contracts, and ensure accurate and timely banquet event orders.
• Facilitate banquet event order meetings with catering, convention services, and operations teams.
• Log accurate and timely information into the Sales CRM per departmental SOPs.
• Update weekly, monthly, and annual forecasts.
• Assist in developing beverage minimum spend expectations, room rental schedules, free‑sell dates, and upselling benchmarks in response to market demands.
• Optimize revenue generation by ensuring rental, food, and beverage minimums and upselling initiatives are in place.
• Create and drive the event timeline from contract negotiation to post‑conference wrap‑up.
• Lead post‑event activities, including meetings with hotel operations departments to recommend improvements.
• Create menus, special themes, and signature items alongside the Culinary team.
• Maintain close communication with the setup team and AV department sales and setup.

• Three or more years of DOC experience in a hotel environment.
• College degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and oral proficiency in English.
• Proven interpersonal skills and a track record of successful client interactions.
• Coaching and people‑development skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail.

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and supplemental insurance options, and a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid holidays, vacation and sick time; employer‑paid life and AD&D coverage.
• Additional perks: complimentary meals, uniform dry cleaning, tuition reimbursement, and discounted guest rooms for family and friends.

The Colonnade has provided warm hospitality to Boston visitors and residents for 50 years. A dynamic Back Bay landmark, the property boasts 285 sophisticated guest rooms, including nine luxury suites. In 2020 it debuted a full redesign and opened the new restaurant LUCIE drink + dine. The hotel is a member of Preferred Hotel’s LIFESTYLE Collection and remains a family‑owned, independent establishment.