POSITION PURPOSE
The Director of Catering is a dynamic and strategic leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of catering and event services at the California Club. This role requires exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and creative skills to deliver outstanding experiences while ensuring operational excellence and financial performance. The Director of Catering will work closely with club leadership, members, and staff to plan and execute a wide variety of events that reflect the club’s high standards of quality and elegance.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Event Planning and Execution:
- Collaborate with members and club leadership to conceptualize, plan, and execute a diverse range of events, including weddings, corporate functions, private parties, and club-hosted events.
- Design personalized menus in partnership with the culinary team, ensuring the highest standards of food and beverage offerings.
- Coordinate event logistics, including room setups, audio/visual needs, entertainment, and decor.
Member and Client Relations:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for members and clients to provide exceptional service and ensure satisfaction throughout the planning and execution process.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with members, foster trust and repeat business.
Team Leadership and Collaboration:
- Lead, mentor, and train the catering team to deliver outstanding service and maintain high morale.
- Work closely with the Food & Beverage, Culinary, and Operations teams to ensure seamless collaboration and execution of events.
Financial and Operational Oversight:
- Prepare and manage the catering department’s budget, ensuring profitability and cost control.
- Monitor and analyze key performance metrics, such as revenue, event volume, and member satisfaction, to inform decision-making and improve performance.
- Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and quality service.
Marketing and Innovation:
- Develop and execute a marketing strategy for catering services to attract new business and retain existing clients.
- Stay informed of industry trends and introduce innovative ideas to enhance the club’s event offerings.
Other:
Regular attendance in conformance with the standards, which may be established from time to time, is essential to the successful performance of this position.
Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the Club. In addition, attendance at all scheduled training sessions and meetings is required.
Upon employment, all employees are required to fully comply with The California Club rules and regulations for the safe and effective operation of the Club’s facilities.
SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS
In addition to the performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the manager based upon the particular requirements of the Club:
· Professionally represent the Club in community and industry organizations and events.
· Participate as a team player with all departments.
· Provide constructive feedback to all departments.
· Be a leader and a role model to all employees.
SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management (preferred), Event Planning, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in catering or event management, preferably within a private club, luxury hotel, or high-end venue.
Skills and Competencies:
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a polished and professional demeanor.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.
- Creative mindset with a keen eye for detail and quality.
- Proficiency in event management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, and revenue analysis.
Personal Attributes:
- Passion for delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences.
- Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
- A commitment to maintaining the club’s reputation for excellence and elegance.
· Exceptional organizational and supervisory skills.
Physical Demands
· Most work tasks are performed indoors. Temperature is moderate and controlled by Club environmental systems.
· Must be able to sit at a desk for up to 5 hours per day. Walking and standing are required for the rest of the working day. This includes traveling to and from meetings. The length of time of these tasks may vary from day to day and task to task.
· Must be able to exert well-paced ability to maneuver between functions occurring simultaneously.
· Must be able to exert well-paced ability to reach other departments of the Club on a timely basis.
· Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. occasionally.
· Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity.
Grooming
All employees must maintain a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance per The California Club standards.
This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.
