Director of Catering and Events at Sutter Club – Sacramento, California

The Sutter Club was founded in 1889 and is the second-oldest private club in the state of California. The Club moved to its present location at 1220 9th Street in 1930, and continues to thrive as private social club one block from the State Capitol. We provide a sophisticated, inviting gathering place for Members, their families and guests to enjoy comradery, honored traditions, fine cuisine and unrivaled service.

The Sutter Club is hiring a full-time, on site Director of Catering and Events to lead and direct the activities of the Catering Department. This role will be responsible for planning and executing private Member occasions, sponsored non-Member events, and assisting with Club-produced Member events. Ideal candidates for this position would have extensive experience in event planning and sales in the hospitality industry, ideally in the private club space. Must be able to work evenings and weekends to ensure events run smoothly.

Reports to: General Manager

Supervises: No supervisory duties are included in this position.

Classification:

Job Summary (Essential Functions)

• Solicits Members graciously and consistently, negotiates and books business to maximize catering and event sales to achieve and exceed revenue goals when possible.
• Books events based on space availability and type of function, and maintains accurate event calendar to ensure there are no scheduling conflicts or duplicate bookings.
• Manages events from start to finish and ensures that any issues or concerns that arise are addressed and resolved promptly.
• Effectively tracks lead source and lost business, and utilizes available information to effectively guide any internal/external marketing investments.
• Conducts site tours with prospective clients, and pre-event walkthroughs with clients to ensure event set up is completed according to expectations.
• Collects final guarantees and timely payments per booking contracts.
• Completes BEO's and ensures they are delivered to management and staff in a timely and accurate manner.
• Develops new and maintains existing professional relationships with all outside vendors, including photographers, florists, entertainment companies, etc., to ensure Club needs are met on a timely basis.
• Coordinates all holiday decoration contracts with vendors for the Clubhouse.
• Leads weekly BEO meetings to review upcoming events with the management team.
• Maintains CRM database, contracts and forms to ensure information is up-to-date.
• Attends Entertainment Committee meetings and acts as main contact for all their events.
• Provides regular financial and activity reports and discusses results with management weekly, monthly and annually for budget preparation.
• Collaborates with the Executive Chef to update banquet/catering menus regularly to reflect client requests and preferences.
• Returns phone calls and/or email inquiries promptly, i.e., within one business day.
• Sends thank you surveys to each event host within 24 hours following the event.
• Effectively communicates with members, guests and staff in a friendly and positive manner.
• Provides recommendations for annual marketing plan to General Manager.
• Maintains active involvement in community and industry organizations; may attend networking events.
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships within the Club's competitive set and with local event planning services.
• Participates in private club industry, community, and employee activities, and attends customer events as deemed necessary and appropriate by management.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in sales, marketing, business administration or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of related experience in catering in a sales position within the private club or hospitality industries.
• Possesses current knowledge of pricing and services offered by other catering venues in the greater Sacramento area.
• Experience using a CRM tool, preferably Clubessential and/or Reserve software.

Job Knowledge, Core Competencies and Expectations

• Motivated self-starter who is comfortable with sales calls, converting inquiries to events, and requesting additional business referrals.
• Detail oriented and capable of identifying customer needs, providing recommendations, and collaborating with the Director of Operations to ensure events are executed according to Banquet Event Orders (BEO's).
• Highly organized and able to multi-task.
• Able to maximize event revenues and plan exceptional Member experiences by ensuring the Member's expectations are captured and communicated clearly to the culinary and service teams.
• Possesses thorough working knowledge of food, wine and spirits, as well as industry best practices.
• Can assist with creating new events, delivery style, and creative approaches to event execution.
• Upholds the rules of the Sutter Club related to billing and payments, dress code, and any other applicable Club requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Required to sit in a normal seated position for extended periods of time, stand, move, stretch, and twist or reach.
• Continuous repetitive motions.
• Able to lift and carry items typically associated with an office environment.

Benefits

The Sutter Club offers its employees a rich benefits package that is available at the start of the month following 30 days of employment. Some of the benefits that are offered to our employees include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance offered via CaliforniaChoice, with options including Western Health Advantage, Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente
• Health Reimbursement Account of up to $3,000 per calendar year
• 401(K) with employer Safe Harbor contribution
• Voluntary Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Free shift meal
• Free parking in our garage downtown
• 7 Paid Holidays
• Up to 40 hours of vacation accrued within the first 12 months of employment
• Sick Leave
• Employee discount programs offered via BenefitHub and Working Advantage

The Sutter Club is a drug-free workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental/physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or reproductive health decision-making. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the Fair Chance Act of 2018.