Catering & Special Events Manager - Full Time

The Catering & Special Events Manager plans and executes meetings, banquets, and special events for the Detroit Athletic Club and its members. This role coordinates with Food & Beverage, Banquet, Culinary, and other departments to deliver exceptional service. The manager develops menus, writes contracts, maintains event schedules, and ensures seamless communication across teams. Reporting to the Director of Catering & Special Events, the goal is to provide memorable experiences that exceed member expectations.

Responsibilities

• Meets and greets members and guests, conduct property tours, promote facilities and services, and answer their inquiries.
• Develops menus, write contracts and letters, and organize all other arrangements as they relate to social, private, and corporate events.
• Maintains an accurate trace system to handle workload effectively.
• Directs and organizes the necessary and pertinent information needed for the successful planning and completion of the event, then communicates the information to all the corresponding departmental teams – needs to ensure the accuracy of all coordination, billing, and pricing of each event.
• Coordinate with Culinary and F&B managers regarding pricing for food and beverage options.
• Disseminates necessary information to all department leaders in a timely manner. This includes up-to-date weekly, monthly, and annual events calendar.
• Organizes and attends Pre-cons for special events to communicate all details for upcoming events.
• Prepare and present weekly and monthly catering reports as needed when requested.
• Maintains past and potential members/guests files for efficient record keeping. Responsible for post-event follow ups, including Thank You notes, satisfaction survey, etc.
• Calls individual members and guests by telephone to solicit repeat business.
• Welcomes all feedback, including complaints and determines a remedy to the issue.
• Actively engages in the professional development the F&B and Banquet teams to allow for cohesive assistance, working with the ADOC & Director of Catering & Special Events.
• In coordination with the Director of Catering & Special Events, responsible for creating new and strengthening existing Club events to maintain an active, energetic, and engaging schedule of events.
• Helps Manages the Club’s master schedule of catering and special events, including banquet room reservations, to eliminate the possibility of conflicts, overlapping, or double booking.
• Assists with compliance with all Club rules and policies.
• Adhere to all attendance standards of the Club and work varying schedules to reflect the business demand of the position.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED) required. A degree in any area of hospitality is preferred, but not required.
• Experience in food and beverage service industry required. 5+ years is preferred.
• Experience as Catering and/or Special Events Manager for 3+ years required
• Minimum of 2-3 years of private club or luxury hotel experience is preferred.
• Experience with Northstar operating system is not required, but preferred.
• Computer knowledge of Microsoft Windows-based programs required.
• Must have extensive knowledge of food and beverage etiquette, guest relations, and service standards.
• Ability to read, write and speak English language fluently to interact with members and guests.
• Ability to present pertinent event information to staff and members/guests in an organized and timely fashion.
• Anticipate members' needs and wants by being prepared and organized while acting with a sense of urgency.
• Must demonstrate appropriate critical thinking skills, attention to detail, organizational and project management skills.
• Good analytical skills, including ability to lead, facilitate, plan and organize.
• Basic mathematical skills to complete reports, calculate estimated event charges, determine deposits due and establish minimum revenue requirements.
• Ability to understand and work within the parameters set by various club departments, specifically with respect to reservations, timing and member preferences.
• Must have superior interpersonal skills as well as excellent ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and interact effectively with members, guests, and staff at all levels in a fast-paced environment, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient, with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to operate computer and other general office equipment.
• Excellent customer service skills and an open, courteous and friendly personality required.
• Must be able to efficiently handle multiple tasks concurrently while meeting deadlines, prioritizing tasks and providing excellent member service.
• Self-motivated and accepting and adapting to change in a constant and necessary path for involvement and growth.
• Committed, with a strong and visible work ethic that, through personal example, encourages others to get things done.
• Awareness and respect for the ambience, history, culture, taste, and expectations of the members and guests of the Detroit Athletic Club.