Event Planning - Manager

Bernardus Lodge & Spa is a premier luxury hotel and spa located on the scenic Monterey Peninsula. Known for its exceptional service, elegant accommodations, and tranquil ambiance, Bernardus Lodge & Spa delivers a distinctive experience combining luxury hospitality with the natural beauty of its surrounding landscape. The property is highly regarded as a destination for refined social and corporate events, offering guests not only a memorable stay but also superb conference and event facilities. The lodge prides itself on maintaining a high standard of guest services, quality amenities, and fostering long-lasting relationships with clients and vendors.

The available role is a key leadership position within the Catering Department of Bernardus Lodge & Spa. The individual hired will play a pivotal role in soliciting and selling catering events while managing key accounts to sustain and grow the lodge's reputation as the premier destination for social and corporate events in the region. This position includes providing strategic guidance and leadership to the Catering Managers and Catering Administrative Assistant, helping shape a customer-focused, dedicated events team that aligns with the lodge's brand and business objectives. The role requires managing catering revenues by developing innovative approaches for new business while nurturing existing client and vendor relationships.

The Catering Director will regularly report to the Director of Sales & Marketing about the status of catering operations and revenue performance. Collaboration with the Director of Sales & Marketing is crucial for crafting pricing policies, contract terms, and improving departmental procedures to ensure ongoing business success. Duties include overseeing the distribution of conferences and events across the catering team, continuous coaching and development of staff, and acting as the primary point of contact for catering-related client inquiries and contractual matters.

This role demands a proactive individual capable of creating and executing various sales strategies, including participation in wedding fairs, sales blitzes, and community events to drive new and repeat revenues. Furthermore, the position entails managing event logistics, from client proposals, contract negotiations, conducting site tours, to coordinating with multiple departments within the hotel to guarantee flawless execution of events. The Catering Director is also responsible for maximizing both resort and catering revenues through effective upselling and coordination with the Banquet and Reservations departments.

Ideal candidates will bring experience in luxury hotel or resort environments with strong interpersonal and communication skills, advanced knowledge of software applications, and a proven track record in managing events and teams. Flexibility is required to manage varied work hours that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Bernardus Lodge & Spa is committed to equal employment opportunities and fosters a safe, respectful workplace. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a leading hospitality brand known for its excellence and innovation in event management.