Director of Catering and Events - Hilton Columbus Downtown

Hilton•Columbus, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At Hilton Columbus Downtown, we don’t just host events—we create experiences that leave a lasting impression. We’re searching for a strategic and hands-on Director of Catering & Events to lead, inspire, and elevate our dynamic team. As Director of Catering and Events you will provide continuous leadership in creating and delivering an exceptional team member experience and best place to work. The Director of Catering & Events will be directly responsible for contributing to the achievement of superior business results in the areas of ensuring outstanding guest service, team member engagement, favorable financial outcomes, strategic leadership and talent development, culture, innovation, and event operations.

Requirements

Minimum Years of Experience: Two (2) years of leadership experience in catering and/or events.
Travel percentage: 10%

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the hotel property management systems (Delphi.fdc)
Significant experience in revenue management or a similar analytical role
Relevant degree, in business development or other relevant business field, from an academic institution (CMP, CPCE)

Responsibilities

Successfully, innovatively, and timely implement Commercial strategic initiatives and monitor for best-in-class results
Drive innovation and creativity within event delivery
Partner with the General Manager/Executive Committee to deliver on Hilton’s values by creating high-impact event experiences
Ensure that high quality service standards are maintained through continuous reviews of processes and procedures
Provide owner relations guidance in key areas of Events expertise, as needed (Banquet Capital Expenditures, Staffing Models)
Actively support the sales process.
Provide overall leadership and direction in all Events matters.
Serve as the hotel’s credible Subject Matter Expert on all matters relating to event experience
Serve as a highly visible, participatory leader who proactively and consistently engages with their General Manager/Executive Committee, Sales, Catering and Events team members, external guests, and suppliers
Remain current on event trends to evaluate innovative ways for process/practice improvements and shares best practices
Participate or represent Hilton in industry social/meeting/events professional associations
Inspire high-performing multi-cultural, multi-generational teams that build Hilton’s Catering and Events talent pipeline
Integrate Hilton’s Values/Mission/Purpose when implementing Catering & Event initiatives and support Team Member-centric and guest-centric programs
Lead with Hilton culture engaging with Team Members through direct and meaningful interactions
Be an ambassador for customer service.
Motivate and provide a work environment in which team members are productive
Ensure all Catering and Event manager roles have career development plans in place that are actively supported by leadership and profiles are current for succession planning
Listen and respond to team members needs while having an open-door policy
Manage group and interpersonal conflict effectively
Ensure the proper use of all function space, exhibit hall, and event spaces
Manage supplier and vendor relationships
Possess subject matter expertise and ensure standards/practices
Development and management of departmental budgets
Responsible for the overseeing short, medium, and long-term forecasting and actual cost reporting for events
Ensure proper staffing for the needs of the business
Integrate current trends in event management and design
Participate in customer site inspections and assists with the sales process as necessary

Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage – for you and your family
Mental health resources including Employee Assistance Program
Best-in-Class Paid Time Off (PTO)
Go Hilton travel program: 100 nights of discounted travel
Parental leave to support new parents
401K plan and company match to help save for your retirement
Employee stock purchase program (ESPP) - purchase Hilton shares at 15% discount
Debt-free education: Team Members will have access to a wide variety of educational credentials through our partnership with Guild Education, including: college degrees and professional certifications
Career growth and development
Recognition and rewards programs