Director of Catering and Special Events

Company Description La Grange Country Club is a distinguished private family club located in La Grange, Illinois. The club is renowned for providing exceptional services and offers a range of events and experiences tailored to members and guests. With a commitment to high-quality service, La Grange Country Club has a long-standing reputation as a premier destination for dining, social events, and recreation. Role Description This is a full-time, on-site role for a Director of Catering and Special Events. The Director will oversee and manage catering operations and special events, ensuring exceptional service and memorable experiences for clients and guests. Responsibilities include planning and executing events, collaborating with clients to customize services, and ensuring smooth coordination with the food and beverage teams. This leadership role also involves managing budgets and building strong relationships with members and staff Job Responsibilities Promote the club’s social event facilities to all members. Provide member/guest tours and offer suggestions in an effort to sell the merits of the club’s facilities for the occasion being planned. Assist members in arranging all private events including luncheons, meetings, weddings, dinners and their social events; obtains pertinent information needed for guest planning. Work with the Executive Chef and the AGM to develop catering menus and seek the Chef’s advice in determining the selling prices for items not on the banquet menu; personally, produce contracts/event orders and distribute them to the appropriate staff members. Suggest menus and help members plan menus in conjunction with the Executive Chef and/or other culinary personnel, as well as the AGM. Work with Executive Chef in the planning and design of the food for events and retains the right of final interpretation, with regard to the member’s wishes. Assist members with entertainment, décor, audio/video and any other requirements integral to the event being planned. Work closely with the House Committee to develop and plan social events for all segments of the membership. Responsible for the creation and execution of all Club Events for members and guests. Create and maintain all P&L’s for all social events, regardless of size. Responsible for creative buffet displays for all events. Transmit necessary information and conduct event planning with production, serving and housekeeping staffs; arranges for printing of menu and procuring of decorations and entertainment. Responsible for timely and accurate billing of all private party events. Check special function sheets against room set-up, oversees personnel scheduling for special functions and help supervise service personnel. Attend/conduct employee meetings to assure correct interpretation of event information and to review the upcoming week’s banquet activities. Immediately notifies Management Team of any party changes or additions that directly affect each department. Inspects finished arrangements; a high degree of personal presence is necessary to oversee the actual service and greeting of members and their guests. Handles member concerns and approves adjustments to the charges when necessary. Performs the duties of Closing Manager on Duty, when necessary. Assists with daily F&B operations as needed throughout Club property. All other projects and tasks as assigned by the AGM. Qualifications Minimum of 4 years of catering experience, knowledge/experience in private club industry is a plus. Management experience in upscale restaurants, hotels, resorts or exclusive private clubs. Proficient in Microsoft Office, Canva and Club Management Software (Club Essential) is a plus. Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management or Extensive Experience in Private Clubs/Upscale Facilities. Benefits The successful candidate can anticipate a salary range of $85,000 - $95,000 + 10% bonus potential with a benefit package including 401k, Medical, Vision, Dental, Employee Holiday Fund, Paid Vacation & PTO, Cellphone Reimbursement, and Professional Organization Dues.