How to hire a director of catering and convention services

How to hire a director of catering and convention services, step by step

Here's a step-by-step director of catering and convention services hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a director of catering and convention services job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new director of catering and convention services
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a director of catering and convention services, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A director of catering and convention services's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, directors of catering and convention services from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents director of catering and convention services salaries for various positions.

   Type of Director Of Catering And Convention Services	Description	Hourly rate
   Director Of Catering And Convention Services	Meeting, convention, and event planners coordinate all aspects of events and professional meetings. They arrange meeting locations, transportation, and other details.	$22-56
   Site Coordinator	A site coordinator is responsible for organizing special events and programs based on a client's specifications or a business's needs. Site coordinators ensure that the plan will go well by monitoring their resources, coordinating with third-party services, researching the best settings, finalizing the list of attendees, and managing the budget goals... Show more	$12-26
   Conference Coordinator	A conference coordinator organizes professional gatherings and meetings according to a client's needs and preferences. There are also instances where they may plan reunions, parties, and other events... Show more	$15-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Resorts
   • Booking
   • Guest Rooms
   • Delphi
   • Audio Visual
   • Function Space
   • BEO
   • Culinary
   • Repeat Business
   • Event Space
   • Menu Development
   • Meeting Space
   • Site Inspections
   • Square Feet

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Coordinate booking activities of catering departments to achieve budget revenues.
   • Streamline the booking process for weddings by establishing net pricing for wedding partners and offering basic packages for in-house groups.
   • Focus: Delphi training, implementation of Westin philosophy and operating procedures.
   • Monitor reservations and anticipate room overflow to coordinate alternate reservations and transportation for guests.
   • Used Marriott computer applications to manage and administer events.

   More director of catering and convention services duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your director of catering and convention services job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A director of catering and convention services salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, directors of catering and convention services' average salary in arkansas is 56% less than in connecticut.
   • Seniority. Entry-level directors of catering and convention services earn 61% less than senior-level directors of catering and convention services.
   • Certifications. A director of catering and convention services with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a director of catering and convention services's salary.

   Average director of catering and convention services salary

   $74,189yearly

   $35.67 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level director of catering and convention services salary

   $46,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 23, 2026

   Average director of catering and convention services salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$90,548	$44
   2	California	$90,300	$43
   3	Massachusetts	$83,956	$40
   4	California	$79,975	$38
   5	Texas	$70,910	$34
   6	Texas	$70,553	$34
   7	Indiana	$66,122	$32
   8	Colorado	$61,581	$30
   9	Ohio	$60,395	$29
   10	Louisiana	$51,502	$25
   11	Oklahoma	$51,494	$25
   12	Hawaii	$51,225	$25
   13	Florida	$47,625	$23
   14	Florida	$47,563	$23
   15	Florida	$47,474	$23
   16	Florida	$47,424	$23

   Average director of catering and convention services salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	KYO YA HOTELS & RESORT	$73,410	$35.29
   2	Aimbridge Hospitality	$69,206	$33.27
   3	Wynn Resorts	$61,250	$29.45	3
   4	Crescent Hotels & Resorts	$53,515	$25.73
   5	Sonesta Hotels	$45,081	$21.67	25
   6	Frenchman's Creek Beach & Country Club	$41,442	$19.92
   7	Choctaw Nation Of Oklahoma	$29,766	$14.31	3

4. Writing a director of catering and convention services job description

   A director of catering and convention services job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a director of catering and convention services job description:

   Director of catering and convention services job description example

   The Director Catering & Convention Services is direct oversight of attainment of assigned team catering/food and beverage sales goals tied to the overall performance of the hotel. The individual will be responsible for effectively managing the catering and conference service teams. This role may also be responsible for servicing clients/groups and maintaining the contracted food and beverage minimum. This role will work in conjunction with the Director of Sales or Hotel leadership to achieve the hotel's revenue meeting planner satisfaction scores and food and beverage catering sales goals for one or more assigned properties. Exempt associates are expected to work as much of each workday as is necessary to complete their job responsibilities. Primary duties must consist of administrative executive or professional tasks more than 50 percent of the time and job duties must also involve the use of discretion and independent judgement more than 50 percent of the time.
   Responsibilities
   
   QUALIFICATIONS:
   
   * At least 6 years of progressive hotel catering sales experience preferred; or a 4-year college degree and at least 2 years of related experience; or a 2-year college degree and at least 4 years of related experience.
   * Demonstrate creativity and knowledge of food and beverage/events desired.
   * Must have a valid driver's license in the applicable state.
   * Must possess highly developed verbal & written communication skills to frequently negotiate convince sell and influence other managerial personnel hotel guest(s) and/or corporate clients.
   * Must have thorough experience with professional selling skills: opening probing supporting closing
   * Shows strong analytical skills and strategic vision in establishing appropriate sales deployment
   * Must be proficient in general computer knowledge especially Microsoft Office products
   * Must be able to work independently and simultaneously manage multiple tasks
   * Strong organization and presentation skills
   * Demonstrated ability to effectively interact and manage people of diverse socioeconomic cultural disability and ethnic backgrounds while solving complex problems and creating a productive sales team
   * Requires advanced knowledge of the principles and practices within the sales/marketing/hospitality profession.
   * Must work well in stressful high pressure situations; maintain composure and objectivity under pressure.
   * Must be able to work with and understand financial information and data and basic arithmetic functions.
   
   JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
   
   * At least 6 years of progressive hotel catering sales experience preferred; or a 4-year college degree and at least 2 years of related experience; or a 2-year college degree and at least 4 years of related experience.
   * Demonstrate creativity and knowledge of food and beverage/events desired.
   * Must have a valid driver's license in the applicable state.
   * Must possess highly developed verbal & written communication skills to frequently negotiate convince sell and influence other managerial personnel hotel guest(s) and/or corporate clients.
   * Must have thorough experience with professional selling skills: opening probing supporting closing
   * Shows strong analytical skills and strategic vision in establishing appropriate sales deployment
   * Must be proficient in general computer knowledge especially Microsoft Office products
   * Must be able to work independently and simultaneously manage multiple tasks
   * Strong organization and presentation skills
   * Demonstrated ability to effectively interact and manage people of diverse socioeconomic cultural disability and ethnic backgrounds while solving complex problems and creating a productive sales team
   * Requires advanced knowledge of the principles and practices within the sales/marketing/hospitality profession.
   * Must work well in stressful high pressure situations; maintain composure and objectivity under pressure.
   * Must be able to work with and understand financial information and data and basic arithmetic functions.
   
   Property Details
   
   A convenient location in affluent North Dallas combines with thoughtful amenities and services at Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre. We're within minutes of over 300 restaurants, bars, and shopping. We offer a complimentary shuttle that operates within 3 miles of our hotel. With easy access to several Fortune 500 companies and both DFW Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport. The hotel features a fabulous restaurant, stylish rooms and suites, and great leisure facilities. Plus, with 48,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space and a dedicated events team, we know a thing or two about hosting spectacular meetings and events.
   
   Company Overview
   
   As the global leader in third-party hotel management, our growing portfolio represents over 1,550 hotels in 49 states and 22 countries, from top international lodging brands to luxury hotels, destination resorts and lifestyle hotels. Our associates around the globe are passionate about serving our guests and driving exceptional results, and thrive in a culture where everyone is inspired to be the best. Join a world of possibility with Aimbridge Hospitality.
   
   Benefits
   
   After an initial waiting period, those hired into full time positions are eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes the following:
   
   * Now offering Daily Pay! Ask your Recruiter for more details
   * Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
   * Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Income
   * Term Life and AD&D Insurance
   * Paid Time Off
   * Employee Assistance Program
   * 401k Retirement Plan

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find directors of catering and convention services for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your director of catering and convention services job on Zippia to find and recruit director of catering and convention services candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with director of catering and convention services candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new director of catering and convention services

   Once you've selected the best director of catering and convention services candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new director of catering and convention services first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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