Director Culinary Development Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Classic, consistent quality from a winning team!

Deer Valley Resort is nestled in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, in the historic mining town of Park City which has evolved into an exciting and diverse mountain ski town. Our staff consists of locals, transplants, seasonal workers from all 50 states and international students from around the globe. We are a diverse workforce where everyone feels welcome, appreciated, and valued. No matter if you are 14 or 84 years, there is a place for you in the Deer Valley family! (Last year over 1,100 staff members celebrated their fifth season or more at Deer Valley).

• Ski perks (vary based on employment status) may include Deer Valley season pass, free skiing or riding at other Alterra Resorts and select local Utah resorts
• Friends and family ski discounts, free staff ski lessons and discounted rentals (winter staff only)
• Subsidized meals at Employee Dining Rooms offered for staff while on shift
• Subsidized housing options available for seasonal full-time staff
• Discounts for staff members at restaurants, shops, and service providers in Park City
• Healthcare options are available for staff members
• 401k plan with company match

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Director of Catering & Events provides strategic leadership for the resort's catering, conference services, weddings, and special events business. This position is responsible for driving revenue growth, leading a high-performing sales, conference services and event team, cultivating key client relationships, and ensuring the flawless execution of group, social and public events that reflect the resort's hospitality standards.

As a member of the resort's leadership team, the Director collaborates closely with Sales & Marketing, Food & Beverage, Banquets, Culinary, Lodging, Finance, and Resort Operations to maximize group revenue, enhance the guest experience, and achieve the resort's financial and operational goals. The Director is a member of Deer Valley's Strategic Alignment team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Sales Leadership

• Develop and execute annual catering and conference sales strategies aligned with overall resort revenue objectives.
• Lead all sales efforts for corporate meetings, conferences, incentive travel, weddings, social events, and destination group business.
• Identify new market opportunities and expand relationships with corporate clients, event planners, destination management companies, and industry partners.
• Establish pricing strategies and oversee contract negotiations to maximize profitability while maintaining the resort's position.
• Collaborate with the Director of Group Sales to develop annual business plans, forecasts, and revenue targets.

Revenue & Financial Management

• Own the annual catering and conference revenue budget and consistently achieve or exceed established goals.
• Analyze market trends, booking pace, competitive positioning, and demand forecasts to optimize pricing and business mix.
• Monitor key performance indicators, including conversion rates, average check, revenue per event, banquet profitability, and guest satisfaction metrics.
• Partner with Finance to ensure accurate forecasting, billing, and financial reporting.
• Recommend capital improvements and operational investments that enhance event capabilities and revenue generation.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a high-performing Catering Sales and Conference Services team, as well as the resorts Public Events Manager and Event Specialist.
• Establish individual and team performance goals, conduct evaluations, and provide ongoing coaching and professional development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and exceptional guest service- the Deer Valley Difference.
• Lead regular sales meetings, event review meetings, and cross-functional planning sessions.

Client & Guest Experience

• Build and maintain relationships with key accounts, repeat clients, industry partners, and VIP guests.
• Participate in major client presentations, site visits, and contract negotiations.
• Ensure every client receives personalized, proactive service from initial inquiry through post-event follow-up.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee conference services and event execution to ensure seamless coordination across all resort departments.
• Lead weekly banquet event order (BEO) meetings and operational planning sessions.
• Collaborate with Food & Beverage, Culinary, Banquets, Lodging, Mountain, and Facilities teams to deliver exceptional event experiences.
• Continuously evaluate and improve service standards, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction.

Marketing & Business Development

• Partner with Marketing to develop promotional campaigns targeting group, conference, and wedding markets.
• Represent the resort at industry trade shows, networking events, and professional associations.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, luxury hospitality innovations, and competitive market conditions.
• Develop strategic partnerships that expand the resort's market presence and group business opportunities.

Compliance & Administration

• Ensure compliance with resort policies, contractual obligations, safety regulations, and brand standards.
• Oversee the use of sales and event management systems, ensuring accurate reporting and documentation.
• Prepare executive reports on revenue performance

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• Seven to ten years of progressive experience in luxury hospitality sales, catering, conference services, or resort operations
• Minimum of five years of leadership experience managing catering, conference sales, or group sales teams.
• Demonstrated success achieving multimillion-dollar catering and conference revenue goals.
• Strong financial acumen with experience developing budgets, forecasts, and pricing strategies.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Experience with hotel sales and event management systems such as Delphi, Amadeus Sales & Catering, Salesforce, or similar platforms.

Preferred

• Luxury resort, destination hotel, or ski resort experience.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), or similar industry certification.
• Knowledge of mountain resort operations and seasonal business cycles.

Core Competencies

• Strategic sales leadership revenue optimization
• Executive relationship management
• Financial planning and analysis
• Luxury guest experience
• Team leadership and coaching
• Contract negotiation
• Event operations
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Business development
• Change leadership
• Decision-making under pressure

DATES OF EMPLOYMENT

• Year Round

PAY RATE

• Salaried- DOE

Deer Valley Resort is an Equal Opportunity Employer.