Director of Catering & Events (Sales Focused)

Director of Catering & Events (Sales Focused) The Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station is seeking an energetic, results-driven hospitality sales professional to join our leadership team as Director of Catering . This is a high-impact, sales-focused leadership position responsible for driving revenue through proactive sales efforts, exceptional client relationships, and the leadership and development of a high-performing Catering and Convention Services team. The ideal candidate is a motivated sales leader who enjoys coaching others, building relationships, developing talent, and creating a culture of accountability while consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences. The Director of Catering will maximize hotel revenue and profitability by developing and executing strategic sales initiatives, optimizing meeting and event space, exceeding revenue goals, and leading a high-performing team. This individual will work closely with the Director of Sales and hotel leadership to grow market share, develop team members, improve performance, and position the Crowne Plaza as the preferred destination for meetings, weddings, social events, and corporate functions. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Develop and execute strategic sales plans to generate new and repeat business, grow market share, and consistently meet or exceed catering revenue goals through prospecting, networking, outside sales calls, referrals, and other proactive sales initiatives. Build and maintain strong client relationships by conducting customer appointments, hotel site tours, sales presentations, and contract negotiations, converting qualified leads into booked business while delivering exceptional customer service. Prepare and analyze strategic sales plans, quarterly action plans, annual banquet budgets, weekly forecasts, and other reports as required. Recruit, hire, onboard, coach, mentor, and develop the Catering Sales and Convention Services team, fostering a collaborative, customer-focused, and results-driven culture. Establish clear performance expectations, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and hold team members accountable for achieving individual and departmental goals. Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance evaluations, and professional development conversations to build a strong talent pipeline. Lead and inspire the team through active involvement in sales strategies, client interactions, problem-solving, and daily operations. Participate in catering sales presentations, client meetings, property tours, and contract negotiations. Lead BEO meetings, Resume meetings, Catering Sales meetings, and participate in hotel leadership and revenue strategy meetings. Partner with the Director of Sales on strategic initiatives, sales promotions, and special projects that drive hotel revenue. Collaborate with Banquets, Culinary, Front Office, and Operations teams to ensure seamless execution of events and an exceptional guest experience. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned. Qualifications Minimum of three to five years of progressive hotel catering sales experience required, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities. Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding catering and banquet revenue goals. Proven ability to recruit, coach, develop, and lead high-performing teams. Proven ability to prospect, negotiate, close business, and develop long-term client relationships. Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and team-building skills. Excellent presentation, organizational, and time-management abilities. Creative, enthusiastic, highly organized, self-motivated, and goal-oriented. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-driven environment while delivering exceptional customer service. Benefits Incentive Plan Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options Company Paid Life Insurance Company Paid Telemedicine Supplemental Life Insurance 401(k) with company match Hotel Room Discounts Earned Wage Access ("on-demand pay") Company Paid Employee Assistance Program Perks through Benefit Hub Generous Time Off Package The hotel is managed by General Hotels Corporation. General Hotels Corporation is committed to enriching lives through award-winning hospitality. GHC is one of the largest hotel management companies headquartered in the Midwest, with a 60+ year history of providing excellent guest service. We recognize that our associates are the key to our continued success and have a long history of promoting from within. General Hotels Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. We participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility