Director of Conference Services

Compass Group•Weehawken, NJ

1d•$75,000 - $87,500

About The Position

The Director of Conference Services oversees the dining and hospitality experience for a premier conference center in Weehawken, New Jersey. The role leads conference dining operations and service teams while collaborating with Conference Services, Culinary, Facilities, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless meetings, events, and daily dining programs. It focuses on guest satisfaction, operational excellence, financial performance, and proactive service delivery.

Requirements

At least five years of progressive experience in conference center dining, hotel food and beverage, catering, or high-end hospitality operations.
Strong financial, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and foodservice or hospitality management systems.
Ability to lead teams, manage multiple events, and prioritize competing operational demands.
Proactive ability to anticipate client and guest needs.
Commitment to integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
Exceptional customer service and relationship-management skills.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience leading dining operations within a conference center, hotel, corporate dining, or premier hospitality environment.

Responsibilities

Lead conference center dining operations, including meeting breaks, receptions, catered events, executive dining, and specialty functions.
Manage, coach, and develop dining managers, supervisors, coordinators, and hourly service teams.
Partner with Conference Services and Culinary leadership to plan menus, service styles, timelines, room setups, and event logistics.
Ensure dining services meet high standards of quality, professionalism, consistency, and attention to detail.
Anticipate client and guest needs and provide proactive solutions throughout events.
Build and maintain relationships with clients, vendors, purveyors, and internal stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety standards, sanitation requirements, and conference center procedures.
Forecast and manage department revenue, labor, payroll, operating expenses, meeting covers, and event-related dining costs.
Analyze business trends and develop strategies to improve service, efficiency, profitability, and client satisfaction.
Oversee staffing plans, scheduling, training, performance management, and departmental communications.
Support the development and implementation of dining programs that enhance the conference center experience.
Monitor guest feedback and lead service recovery efforts.