Director of Catering and Conference Services

About Four Seasons:

Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.

At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us.

About the location:

Overlooking the Venetian Lagoon and just steps from Piazza San Marco, Danieli, a Four Seasons Hotel, Venice is an iconic property offering elegant, spacious accommodations. The historic hotel showcases majestic Venetian architecture dating back to the 14th century. Guests can also enjoy spectacular views of Venice’s landmarks from the rooftop Restaurant Terrazza Danieli.

About the Role

Responsible for leading and overseeing all Catering, Conference Services, and Events operations, ensuring the successful planning, coordination, and execution of meetings, conferences, social events, and group programs. The role is focused on maximizing event revenue, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and maintaining the highest standards of service excellence while fostering strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.

What You Will DoStrategic Leadership & Business Development

• Develop and implement strategies to grow catering, conference, and event revenues in alignment with the hotel's business objectives.

• Identify new business opportunities and market trends to drive event sales and maximize profitability.

• Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, Revenue Management, and operational departments to achieve revenue goals.

• Prepare budgets, forecasts, and performance reports for Catering & Conference Services activities.

• Monitor competitive market conditions and adjust strategies to maintain a strong market position.

Event Planning & Client Management

• Oversee all aspects of event planning, from contract handover through event execution and post-event follow-up.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, event planners, travel partners, and social event organizers.

• Conduct site inspections and client meetings to ensure a thorough understanding of event requirements and expectations.

• Ensure all event details are accurately communicated to operational teams and executed flawlessly.

• Act as the primary point of contact for key accounts and high-profile events.

Conference Services & Operations

• Lead the Conference Services team in coordinating meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, weddings, and special events.

• Ensure seamless collaboration between Catering, Banquets, Culinary, Rooms Division, Engineering, and other operational departments.

• Conduct regular event meetings and pre-conference briefings to ensure alignment across all teams.

• Monitor event execution and service delivery to ensure guest satisfaction and operational excellence.

• Resolve event-related issues promptly and professionally.

Revenue Optimization & Financial Management

• Maximize revenue opportunities through strategic upselling and enhancement of event offerings.

• Monitor event profitability, labor costs, and departmental expenses.

• Review contracts, event orders, and billing accuracy to ensure financial compliance and operational efficiency.

• Drive initiatives that improve productivity while maintaining luxury service standards.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, develop, coach, and motivate the Catering & Conference Services team.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.

• Establish performance objectives and support ongoing professional development.

• Promote employee engagement and succession planning within the department.

Guest Experience & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all events reflect the hotel's luxury positioning and brand standards.

• Continuously evaluate guest feedback and satisfaction metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Maintain exceptional service standards throughout every stage of the guest journey.

• Build lasting relationships with clients to encourage repeat business and referrals.

Compliance & Administration

• Ensure compliance with hotel policies, safety regulations, and local legislation.

• Maintain accurate event documentation, contracts, and departmental reports.

• Support sustainability initiatives and responsible event management practices.

• Attend leadership meetings, training sessions, and special projects as required.

What You Bring

• Proven experience in Catering, Conference Services, Events, or Banquet Operations within a luxury hospitality environment.

• Strong commercial acumen with a demonstrated ability to drive event revenue and profitability.

• Excellent event planning, organizational, and project management skills.

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.

• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences.

• Fluency in English and Italian; additional languages are considered an advantage.

What We Offer:

• Annual gross basic salary of 50.000,00€ and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Excellent Training and Development opportunities.

• Employee Discount for stays at any Four Seasons worldwide.

• Complimentary Dry Cleaning for Employee Uniforms.

• Complimentary Employee Meals.

Schedule & Location:

• Full-time position based at Hotel Danieli, Venice.

• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as needed.

• You must possess the legal right to work in Italy