Director of Catering Sales

Loews Hotels•Philadelphia, PA

39d•Hybrid

About The Position

Located in the nation's first skyscraper, Loews Philadelphia Hotel combines living history with warm sophistication. The city's expanding skyline, vibrant arts scene and diverse atmosphere have transformed our neighborhood into a cultural destination. Welcome to Where History Meets Modern Day. Who We Are: Founded in 1960, Loews Hotels & Co-operates iconic hotels and resorts across the U.S. Together, our diverse and welcoming teams craft exceptional experiences in iconic destinations. Growth and belonging start here; you'll be valued for who you are and the goals you have. Whether your next career chapter involves making memories for guests or supporting our properties in our Corporate Office, every role-from Guest Services to Finance, Culinary to IT-offers opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact. Creating a Team Member experience where you belong no matter what race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status that makes you, you is a daily focus for us. What We're Looking For: Loews Hotels & Co seeks a Catering expert who can lead the charge on actively selling and servicing Catering business as well as developing best in class strategies to effectively grow Catering business in the market and increase exposure. The Director of Catering is an experienced senior level, highly visible role that is integral to the success of the Meetings & Events team. Who You Are: A Catering champion who is comfortable taking the lead and thinking outside of the box Relationship builder with a dynamic approach to developing connections Collaborator who excels in an exciting, ever-evolving environment Forward thinker with an analytical approach to drive positive results An entrepreneur at heart who excels in an exciting, ever-evolving environment Effective communicator, collaborator and team player

Requirements

Minimum six years Catering Sales experience in a full-service hotel environment with proven success
Extensive knowledge of all hotel support departments
Delphi experience preferred
Diagram Writing Software experience, such as Social Tables, preferred
Property Management System knowledge preferred
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Able to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays

Nice To Haves

Certified Meeting Planner, Certified Professional in Catering and Events, or similar Designation strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Promptly reply to incoming leads
Personally prospect and sell local Catering business and coordinate the sales efforts of all Catering Sales Managers
Develop a customized Site Visit experience to support in converting business
Plan, coordinate and service all booked Catering events
Implement training for all Catering Managers
Develop annual Catering Sales strategy to retain and grow Catering business which may include special promotions to grow specific segments, sales blitzes, etc.
Host, or participate, in local events to attract new business
Analyze Catering sales performance and financial results to further refine the hotel's Catering sales strategy
Work with the Loews Hotels Brand team and Corporate Catering Director to develop creative Sales and Marketing opportunities
Collaborate with F&B Team to establish creative Wedding Packages, Catering specialty menus, etc.
Research the competitive catering environment to define potential sources of Catering business and to determine strengths and weaknesses of competitors
Partners with Brand and PR Team to maintain and optimize 3rd party website presence
Assist with research and preparation of yearly Catering budget
Direct and assist Catering Managers in setting annual personal objectives and goals
Block space effectively in Delphi to maximize potential revenues, following business review and space release policies on property
Distribute all necessary documents, including Banquet Event Orders and resumes, to all appropriate hotel departments to facilitate efficient operations
Accurately forecast group's anticipated revenue spend
Schedules and coordinates pre-convention and post-convention meetings when required
Discuss group's plans for future events, encouraging rebooking
Responsible for soliciting client's for feedback on Meeting Planner Survey and developing a plan to increase return of Surveys
Partners with Financial Service Center to ensure all aspects of credit and billing process are fulfilled
Attend all meetings as appropriate: Staff, Department, Resume Review and BEO Meeting, etc.
Works on special projects as assigned by Director of Meetings and Events
All other duties as assigned