Director of Events

Human Resources•Huntington Beach, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Creates an environment and culture of leaders with dynamic selling skills and a sense of customer urgency that meets the financial needs of the organization and surpasses customer expectations. Directs the day-to-day Event Services Department to achieve the property mission and goals. Actively defines, refines, and continuously improves processes, systems, and performances to foster an environment of leadership, innovation, education, and growth of each individual team member.

Requirements

High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Five or more years of related and progressive Catering, Conference/Event Services, Banquet, Culinary, or other similar experience.
Possess solid knowledge of catering management, luxury hotel service standards, guest relations and etiquette.
Ability and experience in successfully leading and coordinating staff in a high volume, time sensitive environment.
Requires ability to lead others in the department by mentoring and providing training that results in staff that meets/exceeds guest expectations and provides a high level of guest satisfaction.
Ability to develop and maintain effective operating and control processes designed to attain maximum operating efficiency while ensuring adherence to established operating criteria.
Completes required training as scheduled.
Strong knowledge of sales techniques with strong skills and ability to negotiate and close sales.
Requires ability to determine needs of customers and persuasively present sales options through verbal face-to-face and telephone interactions.
Must be able to create and effectively provide sales presentations and materials to potential customers.
Contacts sometimes contain confidential/sensitive information so requires ability to use discretion.
Must demonstrate positive attitude and professional demeanor.
Requires strong communication and interpersonal skills and commitment to a high level of guest satisfaction.
Requires working knowledge of MS Office applications and ability to learn and use telephone and computer systems used at the hotel.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple tasks.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, team members, guests and the general public.
Must be able to speak, read, write and understand English to communicate with management, team members and guests.
Must maintain a clean appearance and professional demeanor.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management desired.
Two years as a supervisor/manager in similar setting desired.

Responsibilities

Provides guidance and direction to ensure overall departmental success. Manages subordinate Event Services staff. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training team members; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining team members; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Responsible for planning department goals and directing team members to achieve results.
Actively solicits new business opportunities through prospecting new customers and using network channels to open new doors to new customers. Seeks methods to penetrate key business activities within the catering and conference marketplace and finds profitable ways to bring this business to the hotel. Researches information on market and trends and the clients supporting those markets locally. Develops and implements individual and department marketing plan to successfully identify and close new/additional catering business. Participates in community and industry events to market the social catering department.
Creates and maintains each event's banquet event order (BEO) outlining all of the event's details, including instructions for the evening and the menu and wine choices. Maintains appropriate contact with customer contact to ensure accuracy and work out any details. Generates detailed resumes for the operating departments.
Participates in the hiring process by interviewing potential team members and selecting those that best meet staffing needs. Participates in management training. Follows all Human Resources policies. Ensures staff receives any required training or attends mandatory meetings.
Prepares annual budget. Achieves budgeted revenues, controls expenses and maximizes profitability within assigned areas. Utilizes computer programs to analyze forecasts, cost and revenue reports. Makes decisions and takes action based on that information to maximize profitability.
Ensures guests receive outstanding, consistent, exceptional service by working with other departments to communicate guest expectations and ensure expectations are met or exceeded. Seeks opportunities to improve satisfaction and immediately handles any guest concerns or complaints.
Must wear slip-resistant shoes. Follows all safety policies and procedures. Acts on reports of potential safety issues or whenever observed and takes immediate action to resolve in emergency situations. OSHA laws require the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when performing work duties that have the potential of risk to your health or safety. Team members will be trained in the proper use and care of assigned PPE if applicable. The hotel provides the required PPE. Team member has responsibility to report defective, damaged or lost PPE or equipment that does not fit properly to their Manager. Maintains strict compliance with hotel's Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) program and familiarizes self with current MSDS.
Reporting to work as scheduled (on time and on regular basis) is an essential function of the job.
Makes merit decisions within budget or established guidelines. Determines promotions or reclassifications within company policy.
Approves leave and time away from work within company policy.
Responds to guest inquiries and coordinates special arrangements and requests.
Resolves guest complaints within scope of authority, otherwise refers the matter to upper management. Notifies supervisor and/or Security of all unusual events or circumstances.