Director of Catering

Full-Time

Description

Position Overview:

Hawks Cay Resort, a premier luxury resort located in the stunning Florida Keys, is seeking an experienced and innovative Director of Catering to lead and manage all aspects of our catering operations. The Director of Catering will oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of all events and functions, from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences and weddings, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and the highest standards of service. This position is responsible for driving revenue growth, maintaining operational efficiency, and providing outstanding customer service while working closely with clients, vendors, and the resort team.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in event planning and catering management within the luxury hotel or resort industry, with a passion for hospitality, creativity, and attention to detail. This is a key leadership role that will require collaboration with multiple departments to ensure that every event is seamlessly executed and exceeds guest expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all aspects of catering operations at Hawks Cay Resort, ensuring exceptional service for events, meetings, weddings, and banquets.
• Work with clients to understand their event needs, budgets, and preferences, creating customized catering solutions that align with their vision and expectations.
• Oversee menu creation and event design, collaborating with the culinary team to develop innovative, high-quality offerings that meet guest preferences and dietary restrictions.
• Coordinate and manage all logistical aspects of events, including setup, service, and breakdown, ensuring seamless execution and a positive guest experience.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with event planners, corporate clients, and wedding coordinators to drive catering revenue and repeat business.
• Supervise and train the catering team, including banquet captains, servers, and event staff, ensuring adherence to company standards of service, quality, and hospitality.
• Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to promote catering services, develop pricing strategies, and create marketing materials to attract new business and retain existing clients.
• Maintain and monitor catering event budgets, ensuring profitability and cost control while delivering exceptional service.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation standards in the preparation and service of food and beverages.
• Collaborate with other resort departments (e.g., housekeeping, audio/visual, and front desk) to ensure that all event needs are met and the guest experience is flawless.
• Handle client feedback, resolve issues or concerns promptly, and ensure customer satisfaction for all catered events.
• Monitor market trends, competitor offerings, and industry innovations to keep Hawks Cay Resort’s catering services fresh and competitive.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Business, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in catering management, event planning, or food and beverage leadership, with at least 2 years in a senior role in a luxury resort or hotel environment.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and direct a team to achieve excellence.
• Proven ability to design and execute high-quality, memorable events for a diverse clientele, including corporate, social, and wedding events.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a focus on exceptional customer service.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, pricing, and cost control for catering and events.
• In-depth knowledge of food and beverage service standards, including food safety and sanitation regulations.
• A creative approach to event design, with the ability to tailor offerings to individual client needs and preferences.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to oversee events and meet client needs.
• Proficient in event planning and catering software, Microsoft Office Suite, and other relevant systems.