Director of Catering and Events - Hacienda Hotel Old Town Best Western Plus

About Us :

Nestled in the heart of San Diego's historic Old Town, the Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town is a charming, 200-room multi-building property spanning 4.5 acres. With panoramic views, a beautiful restaurant, a sparkling pool, and three unique meeting spaces spread across nine buildings, our property blends timeless character with modern hospitality.

As the newest addition to the WS Management portfolio, we are proud stewards of this historic hotel, embarking on an exciting multi-year renovation to elevate our guest experience while preserving the property's unique charm. We believe in creating exceptional stays through excellence in service, operational innovation, and continuous improvement.

Position Overview :

The Director of Catering and Events is responsible for overseeing the sales, planning, and execution of all catered events, meetings, and social functions within the hotel. This leadership role manages a team of catering sales and event professionals and ensures that client expectations are exceeded while maximizing event revenue and profitability. The Director serves as the primary liaison between clients and hotel departments to ensure flawless event delivery.

Key Responsibilities :

Leadership & Strategy

Develop and implement a comprehensive catering and events strategy aligned with hotel revenue goals.

Lead, mentor, and develop the catering and events team (sales managers, event managers, and / or coordinators).

Collaborate with sales, F&B, and operations departments to ensure event success and guest satisfaction.

Sales & Client Relations

Drive catering revenue through proactive sales efforts, prospecting, and relationship building.

Manage key accounts, high-profile social and corporate clients, and large-scale events.

Oversee the creation of proposals, contracts, and BEOs to ensure accuracy and alignment with client expectations.

Event Execution

Ensure proper event detailing, execution, and follow-through, including site inspections, pre-con meetings, and post-event reviews.

Maintain strong communication and coordination between departments to ensure seamless event delivery.

Monitor event setups, service, and breakdown to ensure quality standards are met.

Financial Performance

Create annual budgets, forecasts, and strategic plans for catering and events.

Monitor revenue, profitability, and costs related to events and catering operations.

Approve pricing, packages, and service charges in line with market conditions and profitability goals.

Administrative & Reporting

Maintain accurate records and reports on bookings, leads, and performance metrics.

Ensure compliance with all hotel policies, brand standards, and legal regulations.

Represent the hotel at industry events, networking functions, and community outreach activities.

Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred

1+ years of experience hotel catering sales

Knowledge of the San Diego market and established industry contacts.

Demonstrated success in meeting and exceeding sales targets and driving revenue growth.

Strong communication and negotiation skills, with a client-focused approach.

Proficiency in hotel sales software (e.g., STS) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time management skills.

Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

Passion for hospitality and a commitment to outstanding service.

Join our team and contribute to creating exceptional, memorable events for our guests in one of San Diego's most iconic neighborhoods!