Catering Sales & Event Programming Manager

Catering Sales & Event Programming Manager

Drive Revenue. Create Experiences. Build Buzz.

About the Role

This is not a traditional catering sales role and it’s not just event marketing either.

We’re looking for a revenue-minded Catering Sales & Event Programming Manager who thrives on driving business, building relationships, and creating energy around the property. This position sits at the intersection of catering sales, community engagement, and property activations, designed for someone who understands that great programming and marketing support great selling.

Your primary focus will be generating revenue through proactive catering and group sales efforts, relationship development, and strategic event programming while partnering closely with marketing to bring the hotel to life through activations, special events, partnerships, and promotional campaigns.

If you love closing deals, creating experiences, building buzz in the local market, and helping shape a property’s identity within the community, this role was built for you.

Reporting directly to the Director of Sales & Marketing, you’ll play a key role in positioning the hotel as both a sought-after event destination and a market leader.

What’s in it for you…

• Uncapped bonus potential
• Insurance enrollment available from DAY 1
• Paid time off available from DAY 1
• Holiday pay available from DAY 1
• 401(k) enrollment after 30 days
• Hotel and travel discounts at destinations worldwide
• Professional development and advancement opportunities

What You’ll Be Doing

Revenue Generation, Event Programming & Client Management

• Drive catering, group, and local event revenue through proactive prospecting, relationship-building, and strategic sales efforts
• Develop and execute on-property activations, community partnerships, and promotional events that increase visibility, engagement, and profitability
• Build strong client relationships through networking, outside sales calls, site tours, and personalized presentations
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and packages to maximize revenue while delivering exceptional guest experiences
• Coordinate all event details including food & beverage, AV, setup, and operational needs to ensure seamless execution
• Serve as the primary onsite point of contact during and after events and activations to ensure smooth execution, client satisfaction, and follow-through
• Collaborate closely with marketing on social media campaigns, promotions, seasonal programming, and brand activations
• Work closely with the corporate marketing team to ensure all promotional materials, event assets, and marketing initiatives align with brand standards and positioning
• Capture photo and video content during events, activations, and property experiences for use across social media, digital marketing, and other promotional channels
• Partner closely with the Director of Sales & Marketing to develop and execute an annual programming and events calendar that supports revenue goals, community engagement, and brand visibility
• Identify new business opportunities through market analysis, competitive insights, and community engagement
• Prepare contracts, event orders, resumes, and booking documentation with accuracy and attention to detail
• Communicate client expectations clearly across departments to deliver exceptional service and drive repeat business
• Partner with Revenue Management and hotel leadership on strategic positioning, promotions, and business development initiatives
• Representing the hotel at networking events, industry functions, and community organizations as a brand ambassador

What You Bring

• Creative mindset with an understanding of how marketing and programming support sales success
• Passion for creating engaging experiences and community connections
• Strong catering/event sales instincts with confidence in prospecting, negotiating, and relationship-building
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Experience or comfort with social media content creation, photography/video capture, and promotional storytelling preferred
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Professional presence with a collaborative, team-oriented approach
• Experience with hotel sales systems and CRM platforms preferred
• Proven ability to generate revenue and close business

Experience & Education

• 2+ years of hotel sales, catering, events, hospitality marketing, or related experience
• Experience in lifestyle, independent, or full-service hotels preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Business, or related field preferred

About First Hospitality

Founded in 1985 and based in Chicago, First Hospitality is a forward-thinking hotel development, investment, and management company committed to creating value through exceptional experiences and a people-first culture.

First Hospitality fosters an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, collaboration, innovation, and career growth. We believe hospitality is about more than hotels, it’s about creating moments, building relationships, and delivering excellence at every touchpoint.

Equal Opportunity Employer.