Director of Catering

DRIFTWOOD HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT•Raleigh, NC

About The Position

Driftwood Hospitality Management’s company culture empowers our associates to take initiative, be proactive, and contribute to the success of their property with well-defined strategies and objectives. Driftwood Hospitality Management is renowned for our fully integrated approach to hospitality services — all with outstanding client service. Our team is made up of the best talent in the hospitality industry, down to every employee, position, and hotel. JOB SUMMARY Responsible for maximizing catering revenue and profit for the hotel by leading the catering sales strategy for the hotel, generate revenue through his/her own account base and oversee the catering sales team. This person will be responsible for planning and creating catering programs and manage the catering services operations to assist sales and achieve customer satisfaction, quality service and compliance with corporate/franchisor policies and procedures while meeting/exceeding financial go. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS This description is a summary of primary responsibilities and qualifications. The job description is not intended to include all duties or qualifications that may be required now or in the future. The Hotel operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so operational demands require variations in shift days, starting times, and hours worked in a week.

Requirements

5+ years in Catering Sales and Convention Services required.
Must have experience at a similar size and quality hotel.
High School Diploma required; Bachelor's Degree preferred.
Must possess computer skills, including, but not limited to, use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Delphi. Knowledge of computer accounting programs, math skills, as well as budgetary analysis capabilities required.
Extensive knowledge of catering sales and convention services skills, revenue management, recruitment, supervision, training, and motivation of managers.
Strong verbal and written English communication skills
Knowledge of the Hotel and brand policies and procedures
Knowledge of the catering, food & beverage with banquet knowledge
Skills needed to manage the people and variables encountered in the development and implementation of major functions
Computer literate in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Strong communication skills (verbal, listening , writing)
Strong problem-solving skills
Strong customer and associate relations skills
Strong presentation and platform skills
Strong organizational skills
Strong “closing skills”
Strong ‘persuasion” skills
Ability to use standard software applications and hotel system
Effective decision making skills
Effective influence skills
Frequent walking, standing, sitting, hearing, talking, smiling. Lifting, pushing and pulling of objects weighing up to ten (10) pounds.

Nice To Haves

Computer literate with Delphi and CI/TY preferred systems used in hotel

Responsibilities

Understanding of pace and productivity as well as monthly forecasting and the annual budget process.
Optimize the catering mix of business and the use of historical data.
Assist in evaluating every catering business opportunity to maximize revenue and profitability while achieving customer expectations.
Interview, hire, train, develop, recommend performance evaluations, resolve problems, and recommend discipline and/or termination when appropriate of staff members.
Assist in maintaining or exceeding budgeted sales and profits in all catering areas.
Implement effective marketing plans for generating catering revenues.
Carefully review all contracted services to assure proper contribution to profits.
Identify trends, research the competition's products, services and pricing and use to develop strategic business plans.
Optimize room rental charges.
Experience selling to a variety of market segments.
Consistently book repeat business by having a track record of long term client relationships.
Actively participate in industry related organizations.
Thorough knowledge of sales techniques including strong closing skills as well as negotiating skills.
Comfortable with hotel site inspections and client presentations.
Participate in trade shows and sales blitzes.
Track record of strong prospecting efforts.
Excellent creative skills to provide innovative set-ups, menus, and functions for groups. Ability to generate creative and innovative menus while working closely with Chef on pricing specialty menus.
Work closely with Director of Sales and banquet department on operations and event execution. Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
Experience providing A/V equipment and operating A/V as a profit center.
Excellent knowledge of computers, specifically Delphi, Word and Excel. Utilization of the Delphi trace and activity tools while conducting business.
Monitor group room blocks and pick up, generate detailed resumes for the operating departments.
Ability to work with outside vendors to ensure client satisfaction for all events/groups.
Detailed execution of all banquet event orders generated by the entire Catering Department.
Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis.
Perform any other job related duties as assigned.
Follows all sales strategy as specified by the Director of Catering Sales & Director of Sales & Marketing.
Understands and achieves team and individual goals.
Possesses software knowledge (Microsoft Office, etc.).
Possesses systems knowledge (Delphi and CI/TY).
Participate in communication and professional organizations to maintain high visibility and promote sales.
Perform special projects and other responsibilities as assigned.
Due to the nature of the business the individual may be required to do other duties and special projects as assigned by the supervisor.
Ensures a high level of customer satisfaction and builds long terms mutually beneficial customer relationships to support future revenue growth.
Coordinates and communicates verbally and in writing with customer (internal and external) regarding event details. Follows up with customer post-event.
Makes presence known to customer at all times during this process, regardless of which hotel they sit at. Greets customer during the event phase and hands-off to the Convention Services department for the execution of details. Is available to solve problems and/or suggest alternatives to previous arrangements.
Displays leadership in guest hospitality and ensures consistent, high level service throughout all phases of hotel events. Ensures products and services sold to the Event Planners meet or exceed their expectations, create loyalty and leads to increased market share.
Sets a positive example for guest relations.
Interacts with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels. Effectively responds to and handles guest problems and complaints.
Reviews Guest Service Results with leaders. Participates in the development and implementation of corrective action plans.
Emphasizes guest satisfaction during all departmental meetings and focuses on continuous improvement.
Utilizes Delphi and CI/TY hotel systems to capture and manage customer information on a daily basis.
…applies broad business knowledge and balances both a short- and long-term perspective to generate strategies while leading the organization to achieve them.
Demonstrates commitment to Driftwood Hospitality operating principles and philosophies.
Holds self and others accountable for achieving results.
Addresses conflict in a timely manner.
Contributes to team results.
Deals with change effectively.
Makes decisions, including employees/team and commits to a course of action with available information.
…proactively ensures that others have the accountability, authority and resources necessary to both manage work execution and drive for results.
Approaches work with a sense of urgency and purpose.
Allocates time and resources effectively when faced with competing demands.
Overcomes obstacles to accomplish challenging objectives.
Follows through on inquiries, requests, and complaints.
…proactively identifies and develops talent within the organization.
Analyzes candidate’s job-related themes, skills and competencies to ensure each placement decision maximizes team dynamics and talent utilization.
Discusses problems immediately with others before they are forgotten or get out of control.
Actively pursues self-development.
Explains own rationale and thought processes to help employees improve their skills.
…actively pursues learning and self-development to enhance personal, professional and business growth; shares learning; demonstrates depth of knowledge in technical or specialized area
Acts independently to improve and increase skills and knowledge.
Demonstrates an awareness of personal strengths and areas for professional improvement.
Shares learning, innovations, and best practices with others.
Is willing to learn from others.
Performs all technical/procedural requirements of the job.