Director of Events & Catering
The Villa Casa Casuarina (Formerly the Versace Mansion) Miami Beach, Florida
Position Summary
The Director of Events & Catering is responsible for leading all aspects of luxury event sales, catering operations, and event execution at The Villa Casa Casuarina. This position drives revenue through weddings, social celebrations, corporate functions, luxury brand activations, private dining experiences, and exclusive buyouts while ensuring every event reflects the property's exceptional service standards and iconic reputation.
The Director partners closely with Executive Leadership, Culinary, Food & Beverage, Rooms, and Operations to deliver seamless, personalized experiences that exceed guest expectations.
Essential Responsibilities Sales & Business Development
- Develop and execute annual catering and events sales strategies to maximize revenue and profitability.
- Generate new business through proactive prospecting, networking, luxury wedding planners, destination management companies, corporate clients, and travel advisors.
- Conduct property tours and client site inspections.
- Negotiate contracts while maximizing revenue opportunities.
- Achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals.
- Maintain strong relationships with repeat clients and preferred vendors.
Event Planning & Execution
- Oversee the complete event lifecycle from inquiry through post-event reconciliation.
- Coordinate luxury weddings, social events, celebrity functions, corporate meetings, private dinners, fashion events, and exclusive property buyouts.
- Prepare and review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs).
- Ensure flawless communication between all operating departments.
- Lead pre-conference meetings and event briefings.
- Serve as the primary point of contact during high-profile events.
Catering Operations
- Partner with the Executive Chef to design customized menus.
- Ensure food presentation, beverage service, and banquet execution meet Forbes-level luxury standards.
- Monitor staffing requirements and labor costs.
- Coordinate rentals, dcor, entertainment, audiovisual, floral, transportation, and specialty vendors.
Qualifications
- Minimum 57 years of luxury hotel catering and events leadership experience.
- Experience with Forbes Five-Star or Leading Hotels of the World preferred.
- Proven track record in luxury weddings and high-end social events.
- Strong knowledge of food & beverage operations.
- Exceptional sales and negotiation skills.
- Strong financial acumen and budgeting experience.
- Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple complex events simultaneously.
- Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.