Complex Director of Banquets and Events
Chicago
Saturday, 23 May 2026
The Director of Banquets and Events is a strategic and operational leader responsible for overseeing all banquet, catering, and event operations across both The Wade and The Midland. This role is accountable for delivering high-quality, profitable, and memorable event experiences while maintaining brand standards, driving revenue growth, and leading cross-functional teams. This is a complex dual-property leadership role, requiring strong operational discipline, financial acumen, and the ability to manage large-scale, high-volume events alongside premium, customized experiences. Key Responsibilities. Strategic Leadership. Develop and execute a comprehensive banquet and events strategy aligned with overall business goals for both properties. Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Operations leadership to drive group and event revenue. Identify growth opportunities, including new event types, seasonal programming, and partnerships. Ensure consistency in service, quality, and brand standards across both locations. Operations Management. Oversee all banquet and event operations, including:Corporate meetings. Weddings and social events. Conferences and large-scale banquets. Ensure seamless execution from planning through post-event evaluation. Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and service delivery. Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) across properties. Team Leadership & Development. Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of:Banquet Managers. Event Coordinators. Service Staff. Drive a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement. Oversee staffing models, scheduling, and labor efficiency across both locations. Conduct performance reviews, training programs, and succession planning. Financial Management. Own and manage banquet and events P&L for both properties. Develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and revenue targets. Optimize labor and operating costs while maintaining service excellence. Analyze performance metrics and implement corrective actions to improve profitability. Client Experience & Relationship Management. Serve as an escalation point for VIP clients and high-profile events. Ensure exceptional client satisfaction and retention. Collaborate with Sales to secure key accounts and repeat business. Oversee event feedback processes and continuous service improvement. Cross-Functional Collaboration. Partner with:Culinary leadership on menu development and execution. Sales teams on booking strategy and event pipeline. Current leadership teams at both The Wade and The Midland hotels. Facilities and Operations teams on logistics and event setup. Ensure effective communication between departments and properties. Compliance & Risk Management. Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and licensing regulations. Maintain strong risk management practices for large-scale events. Enforce company policies and operational standards. Qualifications. Experience. Multi-property or large-scale venue experience strongly preferred. Proven track record managing high-volume and complex event operations. Skills & Competencies. Strong leadership and team development capabilities. Excellent financial and business acumen. Exceptional organizational and project management skills. High level of customer service and client relationship management. Ability to manage multiple priorities across two locations simultaneously. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Education. Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field preferred. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Event revenue growth and profitability. Client satisfaction and retention. Labor cost management. Event execution quality and timeliness. Team engagement and retention. Work Environment. Fast-paced, high-volume hospitality environment. Requires evening, weekend, and holiday availability based on event schedules. Regular presence required at both The Wade and The Midland. What are we looking for? Compensation:$100,000 - $130,000