Catering & Conference Services Manager

Position Summary

The Catering & Conference Services Manager is responsible for generating catering and group revenue while ensuring the seamless planning and execution of meetings, conferences, social events, weddings, corporate functions, and other special events at Nobu Hotel Atlanta. This role manages the complete client experience, from initial inquiry and contracting through event planning, execution, and post-event follow-up.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, relationship-driven hospitality professional with strong sales instincts, exceptional attention to detail, and a passion for delivering elevated guest experiences consistent with the Nobu brand. The Catering & Conference Services Manager serves as the primary liaison between clients and hotel operations, ensuring each event is executed flawlessly while maximizing revenue and profitability.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Sales & Business Development

·         Generate catering, conference, group, and event revenue through proactive prospecting, relationship development, and lead conversion.

·         Identify, solicit, and develop new business opportunities across corporate, social, wedding, entertainment, and group segments.

·         Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, event planners, meeting professionals, vendors, and community partners.

·         Respond promptly and professionally to client inquiries and convert qualified leads into confirmed business.

·         Conduct sales calls, networking activities, site inspections, and hotel and event space tours.

·         Prepare customized proposals, quotations, contracts, and client presentations.

·         Negotiate pricing, packages, and contractual terms within established hotel guidelines.

·         Provide pricing recommendations and strategic guidance to clients in collaboration with the Director of Food & Beverage, Culinary leadership, and other appropriate departments.

·         Achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual catering and conference services revenue goals.

·         Maximize revenue through strategic upselling of food and beverage, meeting space, guest rooms, amenities, packages, audiovisual services, and other hotel offerings.

·         Support the development and execution of sales strategies designed to increase market share and client loyalty.

Event Planning & Conference Services

·         Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the event lifecycle.

·         Manage all aspects of event planning from signed contract through execution and post-event follow-up.

·         Meet with clients and representatives of groups and organizations to understand their vision, objectives, requirements, and expectations.

·         Coordinate meeting rooms, event spaces, banquet functions, guest room blocks, amenities, transportation, billing, and special requests.

·         Organize event logistics including room setups, audiovisual equipment, menus, décor, entertainment, vendor services, and timing.

·         Coordinate changes to event space configurations and communicate all requirements clearly to operational teams.

·         Prepare, review, and distribute accurate Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), event resumes, group information, and other event-related communications.

·         Conduct pre-event meetings with clients and internal hotel departments.

·         Coordinate group arrivals, departures, check-ins, room deliveries, VIP amenities, and other guest experience details.

·         Monitor events and proactively address unexpected challenges to ensure functions proceed according to plan.

·         Manage last-minute changes professionally and efficiently while minimizing disruption to the guest experience.

·         Conduct post-event follow-up to gather feedback, resolve concerns, and secure repeat business.

Client Experience & Relationship Management

·         Deliver exceptional, personalized service consistent with Nobu Hotel Atlanta’s luxury hospitality standards.

·         Build long-term client relationships that drive repeat business and customer loyalty.

·         Maintain timely and professional communication with clients and internal associates.

·         Ensure all client correspondence, commitments, contracts, and event details are documented accurately and maintained in writing.

·         Anticipate client needs and identify opportunities to elevate the overall event experience.

·         Resolve client and guest concerns promptly, professionally, and with a solutions-oriented approach.

·         Represent Nobu Hotel Atlanta with professionalism, confidence, warmth, and exceptional attention to detail.

Revenue & Financial Management

·         Support annual catering and banquet revenue objectives.

·         Monitor event budgets, deposits, guarantees, billing requirements, and final invoicing.

·         Ensure event profitability through strategic pricing, cost awareness, and upselling.

·         Assist with catering forecasts, pace reports, and sales reporting.

·         Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and client demand to identify revenue opportunities.

·         Maintain accurate financial documentation in accordance with hotel policies and procedures.

·         Collaborate with leadership to develop pricing strategies, menus, packages, and promotional opportunities.

Cross-Department Coordination

·         Collaborate closely with Culinary, Food & Beverage, Banquets, Stewarding, Front Office, Guest Services, Housekeeping, Engineering, Security, Finance, and Sales.

·         Meet with department leaders to communicate upcoming events, operational requirements, and client expectations.

·         Coordinate staffing requirements and event timelines with appropriate operational leaders.

·         Ensure all departments have accurate and timely information necessary for successful event execution.

·         Communicate VIP, high-profile, and security-sensitive events to hotel leadership as appropriate.

·         Support a collaborative, solutions-focused work environment across all hotel departments.

·         Work with Sales Managers and commercial leadership to ensure effective implementation of sales strategies and seamless transitions from booking to event servicing.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

·         High school diploma or equivalent required.

·         Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Event Management, or a related field preferred.

·         Minimum of 1 years of progressive experience in catering sales, conference services, event management, banquet sales, hotel sales, or Food & Beverage.

·         Luxury hotel, resort, or high-end hospitality experience preferred.

·         Previous experience managing meetings, conferences, corporate events, weddings, and social functions strongly preferred.

·         Experience with hotel sales and catering systems, including Opera, Delphi, or similar systems, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

·         Strong sales, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

·         Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.

·         Exceptional organizational and project management abilities.

·         Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously.

·         Strong analytical skills with an understanding of hotel revenue and profitability.

·         Knowledge of catering, banquet, conference, and Food & Beverage operations.

·         Understanding of revenue management and strategic pricing principles.

·         Ability to prepare pricing and sales recommendations based on client needs and business objectives.

·         Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to resolving operational challenges.

·         Professional, polished, and customer-focused presentation.

·         Effective listening skills and the ability to clearly communicate ideas and information.

·         Ability to provide constructive feedback and collaborate effectively with operational teams.

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

·         Comprehensive knowledge of hospitality technology and sales systems, including PMS, CRM, catering, reservation, and revenue management platforms.

·         Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

·         Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a cross-functional team.

·         Fluency in English required; additional languages are an advantage.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position requiring flexibility based on business and event needs. The Catering & Conference Services Manager must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required to support meetings, conferences, and special events.

Physical Requirements

·         Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.

·         Ability to move throughout the hotel and event spaces frequently.

·         Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.

·         Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.