Catering Manager

Banquet Manager **Hattiesburg Country Club | Hattiesburg, Mississippi** About the Position Hattiesburg Country Club is seeking an experienced, energetic, and highly organized **Banquet Manager** to lead the sales, planning, coordination, and execution of our member and banquet events. This is a hands-on position responsible for developing banquet business, building relationships with members and clients, coordinating event details, and ensuring that every event is executed to the standards expected at Hattiesburg Country Club. Our banquet operation includes a wide variety of events, from member celebrations and club functions to weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, golf tournaments, luncheons, holiday parties, and other special events. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable sitting across the table from a prospective client discussing their vision and working with the operations team to make that vision a reality. The Banquet Manager reports directly to the **Food & Beverage Director** and works closely with the Executive Chef, General Manager, Events team, service staff, and other Club departments. This position is ideal for someone who understands that successful events are built on **relationships, organization, communication, attention to detail, and follow-through.** We are looking for a self-motivated professional who can take ownership of the banquet operation. We do not believe in micromanagement. We provide our managers with the tools and support to succeed and expect them to take responsibility for their areas, make good decisions, communicate effectively, and follow through. Key ResponsibilitiesSales & Business Development * Develop and execute strategies to generate new banquet and event business for Hattiesburg Country Club. * Build and maintain strong relationships with Club members, prospective clients, corporate accounts, wedding professionals, and community partners. * Respond promptly and professionally to banquet inquiries by phone, email, and in person. * Conduct tours and site visits with prospective clients and confidently present the Club's facilities, services, menus, and capabilities. * Develop proposals, event packages, contracts, and pricing that maximize revenue while remaining competitive and appropriate for the Club. * Maintain an active sales pipeline and follow up consistently with prospective clients. * Develop repeat business and cultivate long-term client relationships. * Represent Hattiesburg Country Club at bridal shows, community events, networking opportunities, and other appropriate promotional activities. * Identify opportunities to increase banquet revenue through upgrades, enhancements, beverage packages, menu additions, rentals, and other appropriate services. * Maintain accurate sales records and regularly communicate booking activity and opportunities with the Food & Beverage Director. Event Planning & Coordination * Serve as the primary point of contact for banquet clients from the initial inquiry through completion and final billing. * Meet with clients to understand their vision, expectations, budget, menu preferences, timeline, and special requests. * Coordinate all event details and ensure client expectations are clearly communicated to the appropriate Club departments. * Prepare and maintain accurate Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), event files, proposals, contracts, floor plans, timelines, and other event documentation. * Coordinate with the Executive Chef regarding menus, food production, special dietary requirements, timing, presentation, and other culinary needs. * Coordinate with the Food & Beverage team regarding staffing, service, bar requirements, setup, breakdown, and event execution. * Communicate event details and changes clearly and promptly to all departments involved. * Conduct pre-event reviews and staff briefings as necessary. * Inspect event spaces prior to each function to ensure proper setup, cleanliness, presentation, and readiness. * Ensure events begin on time and are executed according to the client's expectations and the Club's standards. * Be present and actively involved in the execution of assigned events. * Handle client requests and unexpected issues professionally and work toward timely solutions. * Conduct post-event follow-up when appropriate to ensure client satisfaction and encourage repeat business. Financial & Administrative Responsibilities * Maintain accurate and current banquet sales forecasts. * Prepare weekly and monthly reports regarding banquet sales, bookings, event counts, and projected revenue. * Monitor event profitability and work with the Food & Beverage Director to achieve budgeted sales and financial goals. * Assist with developing annual banquet sales goals and strategies. * Negotiate pricing and services with clients and outside vendors within established Club guidelines. * Ensure deposits, payments, contracts, and billing information are accurate and collected according to Club policy. * Review final event charges for accuracy prior to billing. * Maintain organized and complete event files. * Monitor banquet-related expenses and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability. Operations & Leadership * Supervise and direct banquet service staff during events to ensure professional and efficient execution. * Train and coach banquet staff regarding service standards, Club expectations, event procedures, and member service. * Conduct event briefings and communicate expectations clearly before service begins. * Ensure banquet staff understand menus, timelines, service expectations, seating arrangements, and special client requests. * Work closely with the Food & Beverage Director to address staffing, scheduling, performance, and operational needs. * Maintain a professional presence during events and lead by example. * Ensure all Club policies, health and sanitation requirements, alcohol service regulations, and safety procedures are followed. * Attend Food & Beverage, management, and other Club meetings as required. * Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Food & Beverage Director. What We Are Looking For The right person for this position is more than an event coordinator. We are looking for a **sales-minded hospitality professional who can own an event from the first phone call through the final guest leaving the room.** Successful candidates will demonstrate: * At least **two years of experience in banquet management, catering sales, event management, hospitality, or a related field.** * A proven ability to generate and close banquet or event sales. * Strong understanding of banquet revenue generation and event profitability. * Excellent sales, communication, and relationship-building skills. * Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail. * The ability to manage multiple events, clients, and deadlines simultaneously. * Professional presence and the ability to confidently interact with members, brides, families, corporate clients, and vendors. * Creativity and the ability to develop event experiences that are memorable and appropriate for each client. * A strong understanding of food, beverage, banquet service, and hospitality operations. * Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and other standard business technology. * The ability to read, create, and manage BEOs, contracts, event timelines, and other operational documents. * Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm and professional when plans change. * A high level of personal accountability, initiative, and follow-through. * The ability to work independently while communicating effectively with the Food & Beverage Director and Club leadership. * Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and other times dictated by the Club's event schedule. The HCC Approach At Hattiesburg Country Club, we believe great events are about more than food, drinks, and a beautiful room. They are about **creating experiences and memories for our members and their guests.** Our banquet team is an important part of that experience. We expect our managers to know their business, understand their numbers, communicate with their teams, and take ownership of their responsibilities. We also expect them to build relationships—with our members, our clients, our employees, and our community. If you are someone who enjoys selling, planning, creating, and executing great events—and who takes pride in seeing an event come together exactly as planned—we would like to hear from you. Compensation & Benefits **Compensation:** Base salary, exempt, plus commission on banquet sales **Benefits include:** * Company-subsidized health benefits * Matching 401(k) * Vacation * PTO * Daily employee meal Reporting Structure **Reports to:** Food & Beverage Director **Department:** Food & Beverage / Events **Employment Type:** Full-Time, Exempt **Work Location:** In person — Hattiesburg Country Club, Hattiesburg, Mississippi How to Apply Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your banquet, catering, sales, or event management experience. We look forward to learning more about you and what you can bring to the Hattiesburg Country Club team. Pay: $45,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Employee discount * Flexible schedule * Health insurance * Paid time off * Paid training * Vision insurance Work Location: In person