Senior Catering Sales & Events Manager - Corporate and Social

Position Overview

Balboa Bay Resort is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Catering Sales & Events Manager - Corporate and Social to join our team. This position is responsible for selling, planning, and executing private events while delivering exceptional service and attention to detail that defines the Balboa Bay Resort’s guest experience.

The ideal candidate will cultivate relationships with clients, vendors, and internal departments to ensure every event from weddings and milestone celebrations to galas and social gatherings is flawlessly executed. This person will manage the full event cycle, including lead generation, site visits, proposal development, contract negotiation, menu planning, and on-site event coordination.

We’re looking for someone who is creative, organized, and passionate about hospitality, with strong communication and sales skills. Previous experience in sales and event management within a luxury or resort environment is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the Catering Sales team to achieve revenue, service, and profitability goals.
• Onboard, train, and mentor catering sales team members, delivering ongoing coaching on systems, sales strategy, and service standards.
• Develop and manage catering revenue forecasts, tracking booking pace and market trends to drive strategic, data-informed decisions.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring alignment with revenue goals while maintaining cost control and profitability.
• Plan and execute FAM events for clients and third-party planners to showcase the property and experiences.
• Manage all aspects of catering sales including prospecting, qualifying leads, securing new business, and nurturing long-term client relationships.
• Meet or exceed individual and departmental sales goals through effective pipeline management and consistent client engagement.
• Conduct site tours, planning meetings, and detailed consultations to ensure each event reflects the client’s vision and the resort’s luxury standards.
• Manage key client and partner relationships, serving as an escalation point when needed.
• Ensure all event proposals, contracts, menus, and documentation reflect the resort’s luxury standards.
• Drive collaboration and continuous improvement across Sales, Catering, and Operations to enhance the guest experience.
• Create customized proposals, contracts, and event packages that align with client preferences and budget.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and banquet team to design and execute creative, personalized menus and event experiences.
• Oversee event execution from initial inquiry through post-event follow-up, ensuring seamless communication, accurate event documentation, and flawless delivery.
• Maintain detailed records of client correspondence, contracts, and financials in the designated systems.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and client feedback to identify opportunities for growth and innovation within the wedding and social markets.
• Represent the Resort at bridal shows, industry events, and professional organizations such as WIPA, ABC, and MPI to strengthen the resort’s visibility and drive new business.
• Collaborate closely with the broader Sales and Event Services team to support other resort functions and ensure cohesive service delivery across all events.
• Uphold the resort’s standards of hospitality, professionalism, and attention to detail in every client interaction.

Required Qualifications:

• High School diploma or general education degree (GED), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of catering sales or event services experience in a luxury hotel or private venue.
• Proven ability to meet and exceed financial sales goals.
• Sales Manager will be assigned territory based on market trends, experience and current resort needs.
• Knowledge of food and beverage products, proper preparation and presentation of food and beverage items.
• Knowledge of meeting room setups and procedures.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with all business contacts.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, Team Members may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs. Work schedules will include working on holidays, weekends and alternate shifts.
• Required to travel periodically throughout year.
• Proficient knowledge of computers, Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Ability to learn computer systems used at the Resort.
• Excellent communications skills and effectively interact with all levels of employees, guests and vendors.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English, in both oral and written forms.
• Ability to work under pressure; must be able to multi-task and possess excellent follow-up skills.
• Proven ability to work independently, as well as a part of a team.
• Must maintain a clean and appearance and professional demeanor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management.
• Previous experience working in a similar setting.
• Proficient in Delphi FDC, Opera, Social Tables.
• Knowledge of current Audio/Visual equipment and setups.
• Established network within the wedding and philanthropic events community is a plus.

Salary : $75,000 - $95,000