Director of Catering & Convention Services

The Dalmar•Fort Lauderdale, FL

About The Position

Wurzak Hotel Group is looking for an experienced Director of Catering and Convention Services to support the oversight of all aspects of for all aspects of conferences and social events between hotel clients and other departments of our stylish and contemporary lifestyle brand hotel, The Dalmar & Element located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida . The Director of Catering and Convention Services is responsible for all aspects of conferences and events between the clients and other departments. This position will work closely with the hotel's Sales department. The Director of Catering and Convention Services oversees the Conference Service Manager as well as manages the events effort and supports the Director of Sales & Marketing on operational functions.

Requirements

The Company may consider equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience providing the knowledge, skills and abilities cited below.
Four-year college degree in hospitality management, marketing, business or related degree or equivalent experience.
Five or more years of related experience in catering and conference services, preferably as a manager, in a luxury or lifestyle hotel property.
Familiarity with hospitality industry practices.
Ability to travel locally and overnight.
Knowledge of specific hospitality industry applications is desirable (CITY preferred).
Must have mathematical skills, computer software aptitude, and some hotel operation knowledge.
Reading, writing and oral proficiency in the English language.
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule in order to accomplish all major responsibilities and tasks.
Must be a self-motivator.
Must have the ability to handle multiple tasks at one time.
Must have superior organizational skills.
Ability to follow an appropriate course of action based on policies and procedures.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressure, while simultaneously handling competing and changing priorities.

Responsibilities

Develops Banquet Event Orders, Group Resumes, function room diagrams, and business correspondence
Utilize CITY system for accurate blocking of events, groups, traces, and generation of BEOs
Obtain guarantees for food and beverage functions
Obtains all information required to prepare Group Resumes
Check CITY Daily and Weekly reports
Obtain necessary approvals/permits/insurance certificates for functions
Leads pre-conference and post-conference meetings, leads departmental, and BEO meetings
Supervises all group information/changes to existing information and communicates to appropriate hotel colleagues in an accurate and timely manner
Entertain clients, as appropriate
Maintain an active trace system for all assigned groups
Visit all primary and secondary competition
Audit banquet checks for assigned groups
Contract business with approved vendors, as appropriate
Approve payment and provide backup for contracted vendor business
Direct all aspects of conferences to include but not limited to: - Food and beverage requirements - Timing of events - Audio visual requirements - Special attention guests - Room type allocation - Rooming list - Amenities - Function room setup - Group transportation - Type of check-in, check-out to include satellite check-in - Special meal requests - Arrival/departure manifests - Bag pulls - Luggage storage - Complimentary rooms - Billing instructions - Authorized signatures - Room deliveries - Telephone and internet requirements - Box storage and delivery - Power requirements - Security requirements - Key requirements - Expected F&B outlet usage - Group hospitality/office/registration desk requirements - Business center requirements - Entertainment - Leisure activities - Décor (to include floral) requirements - Refer business to approved suppliers of service/products, as necessary
When required support team members to coordinate all aspects of business luncheons, cocktail receptions, and professional dinner presentations including: - Answering inquiry calls - Replying to RFP’s - Actively soliciting potential clients via telephone - Confirming function space availability and quoting associated room rental fees - Verifying that there are no conflicts with existing clients who may be industry competitors - Blocking function space in CITY - Generating and Executing Contracts - Securing Deposits and Final Method of Payment - Coordinating all logistical aspects of event as outlined on #s 1-23 above - Ensuring the success of events so clients become repeat customers
Any other tasks/duties as requested by management.