Senior Catering Manager

theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel is a luxury lifestyle hotel located in the heart of downtown Chicago’s Loop and Theater District. Surrounded by premier dining, entertainment, shopping, and corporate offices, the hotel serves a diverse mix of business and leisure travelers in a fast-paced, high-energy hospitality environment.

Job Summary:

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, detail-oriented, and passionate about delivering memorable experiences with a “Whatever It Takes” attitude.

What We’re Looking For:

We are seeking a hospitality professional who values culture, wit, creativity, thoughtful service, and collaboration. This role requires a strong leader who is imaginative, proactive, and inspired by delivering elevated guest experiences.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A passion for luxury hospitality and guest satisfaction
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Creativity and confidence in problem-solving and event execution
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities
• A commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence
• The ability to create a motivating, team-oriented work environment
• A drive to deliver Four Diamond-level service standards consistently

Key Responsibilities

Event & Catering Operations

• 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.

Sales & Business Development

• 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.

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• 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.

Team Collaboration & Administration

• 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.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in hotel catering, social catering, or event sales management
• Established connections within the Chicago hospitality or corporate market preferred
• 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
• Experience with revenue forecasting and yield management preferred
• 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.

Work Environment & Schedule

Hospitality is a 24/7 business, and flexibility is essential. Candidates must be available to work a varied schedule based on hotel business demands, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and networking events.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced hotel and event environment
• Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Frequent walking and prolonged standing during events and meetings
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure in time-sensitive situations
• Combination of office work and on-site event oversight
• Regular interaction with clients, vendors, and hotel staff
• Collaboration with banquet, culinary, and operations teams to ensure successful events

Compensation

• $75,000 - $80,000 per year

Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Our offerings include:

• 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

Please note that eligibility for certain benefits may vary depending on your employment status. Detailed information, including plan summaries and enrollment instructions, will be provided during onboarding or upon request. This summary complies with applicable state laws and is subject to change based on legislative updates or company policies.

E-Verify Participation:

theWit Hotel participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

theWit Hotel and ROOF on theWit are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.