Director of Catering

Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago•Chicago, IL

11h•$100,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Catering is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of all catering and conference events within the hotel. This role combines leadership, customer service, and event management expertise to deliver exceptional service and ensure the smooth operation of events. The Director works closely with clients, internal teams, and vendors to achieve the highest standards of event quality, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

Strong analytical skills, with experience in data-driven decision-making and KPI tracking.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in content creation and storytelling.
Words Per Minute typing of 60
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Leadership and team-building abilities
Return all phone calls on the same day and demonstrate timeliness in getting proposals to client.
Always maintain a professional image in appearance/attire and conduct when dealing with meeting planner and hotel employees.
Basic mathematical skills to complete reports and working knowledge of financial statements and forecasting techniques.
Strong computer skills including Excel, PowerPoint, Word.
Ability to work under pressure and deal with stressful situations during busy periods.
Interpersonal skills to provide overall guest satisfaction.
Delphi expertise
General Opera knowledge
A minimum 7 year of previous experience in a hotel sales office, preferably in a 4-5 star hotel.

Responsibilities

Develop market segments and solicit new customer relationships while maintaining and enhancing existing relationships with corporate and social accounts.
Develop proposals, menus, and pricing packages.
Oversee day-to-day catering operations.
Maximize revenue and promote relationships through effective negotiation of services and control of expenses.
Oversee the selection, training, and assessment of the Catering staff.
Organize and conduct staff meetings to coordinate successful functions.
Develop business plans, budgets, revenue goals, and forecasts for food and beverage items, menus, and room rentals.
Create reports to monitor progress against business plans, budgets, and revenue goals.
Participate in meetings to ensure communication between departments and to ensure clients' needs are met.
Meet with customers and ensure other customers are communicated with pertaining to the success of Catering events.
Lead, train, and motivate the Catering team to deliver high-quality events.
Supervise all aspects of event operations, ensuring flawless execution.
Develop team members through coaching, performance evaluations, and training.
Coordinate weekly meetings with staff to troubleshoot and review events.
Ensure adherence to service standards and guest satisfaction metrics.
Actively solicit and secure new business, including corporate, social, and group events.
Optimize space utilization and manage function space allocation to maximize revenue.
Work with Sales & Marketing and Revenue teams to develop event pricing strategies for related market segments and forecasting.
Lead sales activities, including responding to inquiries, managing leads, and driving event conversions.
Build and maintain relationships with key accounts, event planners, and stakeholders.
Work with Director of Banquet Operations and Executive Chef to monitor and manage Banquet and Food & Beverage expenses and revenues.
Formulate catering sales manager goals and budget setting.
Liaise with department heads such as Chefs, Banquet Managers, and Front Office Manager to ensure smooth execution of all Catering and Group events.
Oversee audio-visual requirements and ensure all logistical aspects of the event are handled efficiently.
Prepare reports on booking pace, forecasting, month-end analysis, and other relevant metrics.
Ensure team and relevant operating departments are kept up to date with competitor activities and provide insights on the market when required.
Ensure all event documentation is accurate and up-to-date, including contracts, proposals, and function sheets.
Maintain an effective trace and follow-up system for client communication.
Prepare and monitor budgets, forecasts, and pacing reports.
Implement standards for space management to avoid conflicts in event setup and breakdown times.
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with clients to ensure repeat business.
Address and resolve any complaints or issues arising from events.
Conduct pre-event and post-event meetings with clients to ensure satisfaction and opportunities for future bookings.