Director of Catering Position Available In Benton, Arkansas

Director of Catering The Compton
200 E Central Avenue
Bentonville, AR 72717
142 Room Hotel
Managed By Practice Hospitality
Ready to turn every gathering into a masterpiece? The Compton in Bentonville, Arkansas, is searching for a dynamic Director of Catering—this is your chance to build an events empire from day one.
Full-Time
As Director of Catering, you’ll lead with vision, strategy, and heart—shaping the way our hotel delivers exceptional events that feel as seamless as they are unforgettable. From executive retreats to elaborate weddings, your leadership will bring clarity to the details and inspiration to the team. You’ll oversee all catering sales and event execution, ensuring every experience reflects our brand, exceeds expectations, and drives revenue growth.
This is a role for a strategic leader who thrives on collaboration, has an eye for detail, and knows how to turn a space into a story worth remembering.
In this role, you will:
Lead, mentor, and develop the catering sales and events team, cultivating a culture of creativity, accountability, and service excellence.
Own the catering revenue strategy—setting goals, monitoring performance, and adjusting plans to meet and exceed targets.
Build and nurture relationships with high-value clients, event planners, and community partners, representing the hotel with authenticity and polish.
Oversee the full event lifecycle—from sales proposals to post-event follow-up—ensuring alignment across sales, culinary, and banquet operations.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Group Sales, Revenue Management, and F&B to maximize group business opportunities and elevate the total guest experience.
Guide the design and evolution of menus, packages, and event offerings that reflect our brand’s identity and market demand.
Maintain high standards of organization, communication, and execution—building systems that scale with volume and complexity.
Act as a key member of the hotel’s leadership team, contributing to overall business success while championing hospitality at every level.
Champion the sales and promotion of our on-site restaurant and private dining rooms, curating personalized experiences that align with each guest’s unique vision.
Thoughtful cross-promote our affiliated event venues, expanding client options while delivering seamless, elevated hospitality across every touchpoint.
This is a role for a polished operator and inspiring leader—someone who can close a six-figure contract one day, troubleshoot a last-minute floorplan the next, and uplift their team throughout it all. You bring vision and structure, creativity and composure, service and strategy.
You’ll be the force behind our most important gatherings—and the leadership voice guiding how our hotel shows up for every client, every time.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Marketing, or related field preferred
Minimum 5+ years progressive experience in luxury hotel catering, event management, or hospitality sales
Proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and building lasting client relationships
Experience with high-end social and corporate events in luxury hospitality settings strongly preferred
Professional certification such as

CMP, CPCE, TIPS, SERV

Safe, or win/beverage credentials are highly valued, reflecting a commitment to excellence and elevated guest service
Specific Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Expert knowledge of food and beverage operations, menu development, and catering logistics
Advanced understanding of event planning protocols, banquet operations, and service excellence standards
Exceptional sales and negotiation skills with proven ability to close complex, high-value contracts
Strong financial acumen including pricing strategies, profit margin optimization, and budget management
Outstanding communication and presentation skills with ability to connect with diverse clientele
Proficiency in catering software, CRM systems, and event management technology platforms, such as Delphi
Deep knowledge of health codes, safety regulations, and compliance requirements for events
Bring a confident command of forecasting, PACE reporting, and departmental P&L oversight to ensure every event delivers measurable results
Physical Demands
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules
Capability to stand for extended periods during site visits, property tours, and event supervision
Comfort moving throughout the property to conduct tours and oversee event setups
Availability for travel to off-site client meetings and industry networking events
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and assist with event setup when necessary

Job Type:

Full-Time Exempt

Supplemental Pay:

Bonus Incentive Plan, performance based

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Cell phone reimbursement
Dental insurance
Disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discount on hotel stays
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off available 90 days after start date
Vision insurance
Hospital Indemnity insurance
Eligible to participate in the Employee Referral Bonus Program.
About The Company
Practice Hospitality manages hotels differently. A growing company with opportunities for advancement, we infuse hotels with style, spirit, and soul. We inspire, innovate and advocate. We deliver results and do well by our owners because we respect the individuality that we all bring to the table, the connectedness of our world and the impact we have on our community.
We are looking for someone who thinks big because, at Practice Hospitality, we value creativity, emotional intelligence, problem solving and innovation. This is an opportunity to be an integral part of a team that supports one another, is empowered, and holds themselves accountable. If you bring your A game every day and pursue excellence with tenacity, we want to invest in your professional and personal growth. But, more than anything, we are looking for good humans who care; about our guests, each other and making every moment together enriching, fulfilling and fun.
Posted June 13, 2025
5 The Compton
The Compton, a world away but right at home. Opening in fall 2025 on Bentonville’s historic downtown square, The Compton will offer a refined escape that celebrates the authentic character of the Ozarks. More than just a hotel, The Compton is an open invitation to immerse yourself in one of America’s most dynamic small cities.
Inspired by Dr. Neil Compton, the pioneering conservationist who helped preserve the Buffalo National River, this independent hotel embodies his legacy of stewardship and connection to the land. Our location puts you steps from world-class dining, art, and more than 70 miles of celebrated cycling trails.
Every detail at The Compton has been thoughtfully crafted to connect you with the region’s heritage and future. From our locally-inspired cuisine to curated adventures through the hollows and glades of the Ozarks, we offer experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in Northwest Arkansas. Whether you’re here for Crystal Bridges’ latest exhibition, to explore the trail network, or to get down to business, you’ll find yourself at the heart of Bentonville’s vibrant community.
We can’t wait to show you the Ozarks through a local lens. Your adventure begins here.
Training we provide
Every journey begins with a first step. Maybe yours is focused on growing your career in hospitality – climbing the ladder to management, executive team, corporate or beyond. Maybe you want a stable, fulfilling role where you can thrive or, just maybe, you need a gig for now while you complete your education or audition for your big break. No matter where your path takes you, Practice Hospitality respects your journey and has customized our employee experience to support your goals and ambitions.
About the management team
At Practice Hospitality, we’re driven by a singular purpose: to create experiences travelers seek out and return to, time and time again. To us, that starts by being human – building an environment that balances emotional intelligence, tradition, ritual, and creativity. Because when that happens, hospitality comes alive – and results follow.