Social Catering Manager in Long Beach, California at Hotel Maya

The Maya

The place to stay. The place to work.

Social Catering Manager

Department: Sales & Catering

Position Summary

The Maya is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and relationship-driven Social Catering Manager. This position is responsible for driving social catering revenue through the solicitation, booking, planning, and execution of weddings, celebrations, and other social events.

The ideal candidate is a passionate hospitality professional who thrives on building client relationships, creating memorable experiences, and delivering exceptional service. The Social Catering Manager will oversee the entire event process, from initial inquiry and contract negotiation through detailed planning, event execution, and post-event follow-up. This role requires strong sales skills, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with our Culinary, Banquets, Food & Beverage, and hotel operations teams to ensure seamless and successful events.

What We're Looking For

At The Maya, we believe exceptional events begin with genuine connections and thoughtful attention to every detail. We are looking for a Social Catering Manager who brings enthusiasm, creativity, professionalism, and a true passion for hospitality.

Our ideal candidate is a proactive sales professional, a skilled event planner, and a collaborative team player who takes pride in creating unforgettable celebrations while contributing to the hotel's overall success.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Sales & Business Development

• Proactively solicit and develop new social catering business, including weddings, celebrations, private parties, and special events.
• Respond promptly to inquiries, prepare proposals, negotiate contracts, and convert leads into profitable catering business.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, wedding planners, event professionals, and community partners to generate repeat business and referrals.
• Achieve established quarterly and annual catering sales and revenue goals.
• Maintain an organized and consistent follow-up system for all inquiries, leads, and client communications.
• Conduct engaging property tours and site inspections, showcasing The Maya's unique event spaces and hospitality experience.
• Identify market trends and opportunities to enhance social catering offerings and grow revenue.

Event Planning & Execution

• Serve as the primary point of contact for social catering clients throughout the planning and event process.
• Coordinate all event details, including menus, timelines, room layouts, floor plans, décor, audiovisual needs, and special requests.
• Prepare accurate and detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), event diagrams, and related documentation.
• Coordinate menu tastings, planning meetings, site visits, and other client appointments.
• Collaborate closely with Culinary, Banquets, Food & Beverage, and other hotel departments to ensure successful event execution.
• Communicate event expectations, changes, and special requirements clearly and promptly to all departments.
• Monitor event arrangements to ensure they meet client expectations and hotel standards.
• Address client concerns professionally and proactively, providing timely solutions to ensure guest satisfaction.

Administrative & Financial Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain contracts, deposits, billing arrangements, and final event documentation.
• Ensure accurate billing, payment collection, and timely account reconciliation.
• Maintain organized client records, event files, and sales activity reports.
• Utilize hotel sales and catering systems to track bookings, revenue, client communications, and event details.
• Participate in BEO meetings, departmental meetings, and other operational planning sessions.
• Keep Catering and Banquet leadership informed of client concerns, operational challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by hotel management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 2–3 years of catering sales or event management experience, preferably within an upscale hotel or hospitality environment.
• Demonstrated success in selling, planning, and executing weddings and social events.
• Strong sales, negotiation, relationship-building, and customer service skills.
• Experience collaborating with Sales, Culinary, Food & Beverage, and Banquet teams.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple events, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients, guests, vendors, and team members.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy, follow-through, and exceptional service.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and solution-focused in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and catering sales software; prior experience with Delphi is preferred.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Professional appearance and demeanor consistent with The Maya's service and grooming standards.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business and event needs.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• College degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Event Management, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Position requires flexibility to accommodate client appointments, site visits, and scheduled events, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to work effectively in both office and active hotel event environments.
• Must consistently demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality, and a guest-focused approach.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.