Director of Catering

HEI Hotels & Resorts

109d • $130,000 - $140,000

About The Position

Supervise the daily operations of the Banquet area to achieve customer satisfaction, quality service and compliance with local and corporate standard operating procedures. Skilled at both monthly forecasting and the annual budget process. Understanding of pace and productivity. Interview, recommend hiring, schedule, train, develop, empower, coach and counsel, resolve problems, provide open communication, recommend, and conduct performance and salary reviews, recommend discipline and termination, as appropriate. Strong yield management skills with an understanding of optimizing the catering mix of business and the use of historical data. Experience evaluating every catering business opportunity to maximize revenue and profitability while achieving customer expectations. Maintain or exceed budgeted sales and profits in all catering areas. Develop and implement effective marketing plans for generating catering revenues. Carefully review all contracted services to ensure proper contribution to profits. Identify trends, research the competition’s products, services and pricing and use it 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 (NACE, MPI). Thorough knowledge of sales techniques including strong closing skills as well as negotiating skills. Track record of strong prospecting efforts. Comfortable with hotel site inspections and client presentations. Participate in trade shows and sales blitzes. Actively participate in community/civic activities to maintain awareness within community and to create booking opportunities. 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 banquet department on operations and event execution, ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action. Provide overall direction, coordination, and ongoing evaluation of operations. Experience providing Audio/Visual equipment and operating Audio/Visual as a profit center. Utilization of the Delphi trace and activity tools while conducting business Monitor sales performance of Catering Sales Managers and coach and council towards success. Maintain ongoing training program for Catering and Convention Services Managers. 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. Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis. Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 5+ years in Catering Sales and Convention Services required.
• Experience at a similar size and quality hotel.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Delphi.
• Knowledge of catering sales and convention services skills.
• Ability to work effectively under time constraints and deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Extensive knowledge of revenue management.
• Experience with hotel operations and marketing plans.
• Ability to adapt communication style to different audiences.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily operations of the Banquet area.
• Achieve customer satisfaction and quality service.
• Conduct monthly forecasting and annual budget process.
• Interview, hire, schedule, train, and develop staff.
• Maintain or exceed budgeted sales and profits in catering areas.
• Develop and implement marketing plans for catering revenues.
• Review contracted services for profit contribution.
• Identify trends and research competition.
• Optimize room rental charges.
• Book repeat business and maintain long-term client relationships.
• Participate in industry organizations and community activities.
• Provide innovative set-ups, menus, and functions for groups.
• Monitor sales performance of Catering Sales Managers.
• Maintain ongoing training program for Catering and Convention Services Managers.

Benefits

• Competitive Medical and Dental programs through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.
• Vision insurance programs through EyeMed.
• Vacation, Sick and Holiday programs.
• Pet insurance through the ASPCA.
• 401(k) Savings Plan with matching funds.
• Discounts through 'YouDecide' and Hotel Room Discount programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees