Catering & Events Manager

Description

ABOUT LITTLE PALM ISLAND:

Personal by Nature

Accessible only by sea or sky, Little Palm Island is a MICHELIN Three-Key private island resort where time slows and stillness returns. The island is home to 30 thatched-roof bungalow suites, a tranquil spa, curated boutique and distinct fine-dining experiences overlooking the Atlantic, offering guests a sanctuary to disconnect in privacy and simply be. We invite you to join a resort culture that practices hospitality as a craft, guided by clear standards, thoughtful collaboration and genuine human connection to ensure every guest experience feels personal and true to place.

WHY PROPERTY PRESENCE MATTERS IN THIS ROLE:

Given the scope of this position — spanning event sales, live execution of intimate and group events, restaurant event coordination, and day-of oversight of large parties — an on-property presence at Little Palm Island is essential, not optional.

• Immediate presence for site inspections, pre-conference meetings, and client walk-throughs — critical for luxury, high-touch guest expectations.

• Direct oversight of event and restaurant execution, rather than relying on second-hand updates from operational teams.

• Faster response times for in-progress events, vendor issues, and guest requests that arise on property.

• Stronger day-to-day relationships with the restaurant and culinary teams, which is foundational to building out the social catering and restaurant events segment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in luxury catering sales, wedding sales, conference services, or event management. On Site - Based in Key West

• Exceptional organizational and communication skills

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Working knowledge of food and beverage operations, banquet service, restaurant operations, and event planning.

• Experience working in a luxury resort or hospitality environment preferred.

• This is a position based on site with the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules.

Success Measures

• Achievement of annual revenue goals for proposals, elopements, weddings up to 12 guests, and large parties.

• Guest satisfaction scores and client feedback.

• Upsell conversion performance.

• Accuracy of event documentation and billing.

• Seamless on-site execution of group programs, intimate celebrations, restaurant events, and large parties.

• Growth of the social catering and restaurant events segment.

• Positive collaboration with operational departments.

Requirements

REVENUE RESPONSIBILITY

The Catering & Event Sales Manager will carry direct revenue goals for:

• Marriage proposals

• Elopements

• Vow renewals

• Intimate weddings of 12 guests or fewer

• Large parties and social catering events (milestone celebrations, holiday parties, and similar)

• Associated enhancements and upgrades, including:

.Spa services

.Floral and décor

. Photography

. Transportation

. Resort experiences

.. The role does not carry revenue responsibility for:

• Corporate and incentive groups

• Group room blocks

• Weddings larger than 12 guests

• Buyouts of the full resort

Primary Responsibilities

Sales Responsibilities

• Respond to all proposal, elopement, intimate wedding, and large-party inquiries promptly.

• Qualify leads and develop customized luxury event and dining proposals.

• Conduct in-person site inspections and presentations.

• Cultivate relationships with planners, travel advisors, photographers, and local vendors.

• Upsell premium experiences, restaurant enhancements, and resort experiences.

• Maintain sales activity, forecasting, and pipeline reporting.

• Achieve established annual revenue goals for intimate celebrations, restaurant events, and large parties.

Event Planning & Execution — Intimate, Restaurant & Large-Party

• Serve as the lead planner and on-site point of contact for intimate celebrations, and large parties from booking through execution.

• Partner directly with the culinary and restaurant teams on menu development, and event-specific offerings.

• Coordinate logistics, staffing needs, and setup requirements for restaurant buyouts and large social events.

• Be present on property for all event execution, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

• Manage last-minute changes and operational communications in real time.

Conference Services & Group Event Support

For group events booked by Sales:

• Serve as primary contact following turnover.

• Coordinate all event logistics and client requirements.

• Produce Banquet Event Orders, resumes, agendas, and planning documents.

• Conduct pre-conference, internal planning, and post-event meetings.

• Coordinate with culinary, banquet, housekeeping, recreation, spa, engineering, and accounting teams.

• Review event space and restaurant space requirements and setup specifications.

• Conduct event inspections and ensure adherence to brand standards.

• Meet clients on-site and oversee event execution.

Departmental & Strategic Support

• Menu development and enhancements, in partnership with culinary

• Packaging and promotional offers for restaurant events and social catering

• Social catering initiatives and growth of the segment

• Planner outreach and relationship building

• FAM coordination

• Marketing and social media support

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Invoice deposits and coordinate billing for assigned events.

• Review banquet and restaurant checks and final bills for accuracy.

• Assist Accounting with guest billing clarifications.

• Maintain event history and documentation.

• Update sales and event management systems accurately and in a timely manner.

• Participate in weekly revenue and departmental meetings.