Director of Catering Sales

Marriott International is a globally recognized leader in the hospitality industry, renowned for its dedication to excellence, innovation, and superior guest experiences. With a vast portfolio of brands including Gaylord Hotels, Marriott International uniquely positions itself to deliver exceptional meetings, events, and lodging services across the globe. Gaylord Hotels, under Marriott’s prestigious umbrella, is celebrated for creating extraordinary environments that bring people together through thoughtfully curated services and programming. These hotels are driven by their STARs—employees who embody creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to big-hearted service. As a full-time property catering sales management role located at 1000 H St, Chula Vista, California, this position is a key leadership role focused on the strategic management and proactive growth of the hotel’s catering sales department. The salary range for this position ranges from $149,000 to $199,000 annually, and the role is bonus eligible, reflecting Marriott’s commitment to rewarding high-performing leaders.

This role serves as the primary business leader of the property’s Catering Sales Department, responsible for managing both reactive and proactive catering sales efforts to achieve revenue goals while maintaining superior guest and associate satisfaction. The leader in this position implements the brand’s service strategies and integrates applicable brand initiatives throughout the entire sales process. A critical aspect is the day-to-day leadership and development of a dynamic team of on-property catering sales associates. This includes partnering with key stakeholders such as the Area Sales team to receive warm leads for thorough business qualification, collaborating with Event Management and hotel operations to ensure products and services marketed are effectively executed, and guaranteeing seamless transitions between sales and operations.

The Property Catering Sales Manager is tasked with maximizing revenue opportunities by employing effective up-selling techniques and producing accurate forecasts for all catering and group room events. This position demands a strategic thinker capable of driving revenue growth, controlling expenses, and ensuring a solid return on investment for both the property owner and Marriott International. They also spearhead the creation and execution of the catering sales and marketing plan, managing revenue and budget reports, developing menus that stimulate sales, and assisting with promotion campaigns. Marriott’s customer service and brand standards are upheld rigorously, and this leader fosters daily service habits to build a customer-centric environment.

Building strong relationships is a core pillar for this role. The manager interacts with a variety of stakeholders including clients, vendors, competitors, local communities, and various hotel departments to monitor, maintain, and boost guest satisfaction and loyalty. They identify and understand the primary target customer and their business needs, enabling tailored selling and solution presentations that exceed expectations and solidify customer loyalty.

As a leader, this position also includes managing and directing onsite catering sales managers to hit hotel revenue objectives through proactive market targeting and effective deployment strategies. Partnering closely with Human Resources, the manager supports talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies to ensure the team is well-equipped to meet strategic priorities. This involves fostering leadership development, workforce planning, training, mentoring, and performance management. The role champions the continuous upgrading of sales and marketing talent to future-proof the property’s competitive edge.

Marriott International is committed to equal employment opportunities and fosters an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity in all forms. By joining Gaylord Hotels, candidates become part of a vibrant, global team dedicated to personal and professional growth, where employees are encouraged to be their best selves and pursue meaningful careers with endless opportunities for advancement. This is a unique management role that blends strategic business leadership with the vibrant culture and resources of one of the world’s most respected hospitality brands.