Job Type
Full-time
Description
ABOUT LITTLE PALM ISLAND:
Personal by Nature
Accessible only by sea or sky, Little Palm Island is a MICHELIN Three-Key private island resort where time slows and stillness returns. The island is home to 30 thatched-roof bungalow suites, a tranquil spa, curated boutique and distinct fine-dining experiences overlooking the Atlantic, offering guests a sanctuary to disconnect in privacy and simply be. We invite you to join a resort culture that practices hospitality as a craft, guided by clear standards, thoughtful collaboration and genuine human connection to ensure every guest experience feels personal and true to place.
WHY PROPERTY PRESENCE MATTERS IN THIS ROLE:
Given the scope of this position - spanning event sales, live execution of intimate and group events, restaurant event coordination, and day-of oversight of large parties - an on-property presence at Little Palm Island is essential, not optional. A remote or off-property arrangement (including basing the role at Ocean Key) would materially reduce the efficiency and quality this hybrid position is designed to deliver:
- Immediate presence for site inspections, pre-conference meetings, and client walk-throughs - critical for luxury, high-touch guest expectations.
- Direct oversight of event and restaurant execution, rather than relying on second-hand updates from operational teams.
- Faster response times for in-progress events, vendor issues, and guest requests that arise on property.
- Stronger day-to-day relationships with the restaurant and culinary teams, which is foundational to building out the social catering and restaurant events segment.
An off-property or centralized-office arrangement would recreate the same communication gaps and delays this role is meant to solve and would undercut the operational value ownership is asking this position to deliver.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum 2 years of experience in luxury catering sales, wedding sales, conference services, or event management.
- Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Working knowledge of food and beverage operations, banquet service, restaurant operations, and event planning.
- Experience working in a luxury resort or hospitality environment preferred.
- Must be based on property at Little Palm Island; ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules.
Success Measures
- Achievement of annual revenue goals for proposals, elopements, weddings up to 12 guests, and large parties.
- Guest satisfaction scores and client feedback.
- Upsell conversion performance.
- Accuracy of event documentation and billing.
- Seamless on-site execution of group programs, intimate celebrations, restaurant events, and large parties.
- Growth of the social catering and restaurant events segment.
- Positive collaboration with operational departments.
Requirements
REVENUE RESPONSIBILITY
The Catering & Event Sales Manager will carry direct revenue goals for:
- Marriage proposals
- Elopements
- Vow renewals
- Intimate weddings of 12 guests or fewer
- Large parties and social catering events (milestone celebrations, holiday parties, and similar)
- Associated enhancements and upgrades, including:
.Spa services
.Floral and décor
. Photography
. Transportation
. Resort experiences
.. The role does not carry revenue responsibility for:
- Corporate and incentive groups
- Group room blocks
- Weddings larger than 12 guests
- Buyouts of the full resort
Primary Responsibilities
Sales Responsibilities
- Respond to all proposal, elopement, intimate wedding, and large-party inquiries promptly.
- Qualify leads and develop customized luxury event and dining proposals.
- Conduct in-person site inspections and presentations.
- Cultivate relationships with planners, travel advisors, photographers, and local vendors.
- Upsell premium experiences, restaurant enhancements, and resort experiences.
- Maintain sales activity, forecasting, and pipeline reporting.
- Achieve established annual revenue goals for intimate celebrations, restaurant events, and large parties.
Event Planning & Execution - Intimate, Restaurant & Large-Party
- Serve as the lead planner and on-site point of contact for intimate celebrations, and large parties from booking through execution.
- Partner directly with the culinary and restaurant teams on menu development, and event-specific offerings.
- Coordinate logistics, staffing needs, and setup requirements for restaurant buyouts and large social events.
- Be present on property for all event execution, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
- Manage last-minute changes and operational communications in real time.
Conference Services & Group Event Support
For group events booked by Sales:
- Serve as primary contact following turnover.
- Coordinate all event logistics and client requirements.
- Produce Banquet Event Orders, resumes, agendas, and planning documents.
- Conduct pre-conference, internal planning, and post-event meetings.
- Coordinate with culinary, banquet, housekeeping, recreation, spa, engineering, and accounting teams.
- Review event space and restaurant space requirements and setup specifications.
- Conduct event inspections and ensure adherence to brand standards.
- Meet clients on-site and oversee event execution.
Departmental & Strategic Support
- Menu development and enhancements, in partnership with culinary
- Packaging and promotional offers for restaurant events and social catering
- Social catering initiatives and growth of the segment
- Planner outreach and relationship building
- FAM coordination
- Marketing and social media support
Financial & Administrative Responsibilities
- Invoice deposits and coordinate billing for assigned events.
- Review banquet and restaurant checks and final bills for accuracy.
- Assist Accounting with guest billing clarifications.
- Maintain event history and documentation.
- Update sales and event management systems accurately and in a timely manner.
- Participate in weekly revenue and departmental meetings.