Director of Catering and Conference Services

About the location

In a vibrant urban community right on the water, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island welcomes guests with bright, open spaces, embracing expansive views of the city skyline and the sparkling waves of the Arabian Gulf. On dynamic, upscale Al Maryah Island – Abu Dhabi’s business and lifestyle destination – Four Seasons is located within a 34-storey glass tower, both high‑tech and environmentally advanced.

Sophisticated new concepts throughout the Hotel define Four Seasons as Abu Dhabi’s most exciting waterfront location. Blending urban chic and understated luxury, we offer 200 light‑filled accommodations, including 38 suites – all with water views. With six creative restaurants and lounges, this is Al Maryah Island’s premier location for stylish entertaining. Every moment is elevated by thoughtful Four Seasons service, anticipating each guest’s unique personal needs – whether the goal is relaxing on vacation or staying efficient for business.

The Director of Catering and Conference Services will oversee all aspects of a profit and service driven Catering Sales Department.

• To oversee all aspects of a profit and service driven Catering and Conference Services Department.
• Supervision of the conference services, catering sales and administrative staff in their day‑to‑day roles. Including maintaining and monitoring the accuracy and effectiveness of all written communications. These include but are not limited to Banquet Event Orders, Resumes, Daily Events Report, Golden Sales & Catering Input Standards, and Guest at Leisure Reports.
• Review for accuracy and assign to the Conference Services Managers all booking turnovers from the Sales Department.
• Prepare with analysis the Catering and Conference Services weekly 3‑Month financial forecast, month end financial summaries, and contribute to the annual Marketing Plan and Budget.
• The ability to assist in developing and executing projects for assigned market areas to increase catering activity, volume and profit.
• Act as the liaison for all vendor/supplier related clients’ needs, (i.e. Audio Visual, Florists, Entertainment, Transportation, DMC, and Off‑site Locations etc.).
• Complete periodic audits of the Account and Booking Data in Golden Sales & Catering to include but not exclusive to Conflict Report, Account Traces, Post Conference Reports.
• Evaluate current sales practices and make recommendations to maximize the profitability of the Catering and Conference Services resources.
• Oversee the quarterly administration and seek new ways to motivate and maximize revenues with the Catering and Conference Services Incentive plans.
• Finalize the requirements of personally booked or assigned Catering and Conference Services bookings while maximizing revenue potential through up Selling and ensuring effective communication both written (Resumes, BEO, Daily Reports) and personal contact with all departments for the success of the event. Ensure accuracy of Banquet Checks and provide bill review on completion of program or event.
• Supervise the execution of banquet events. Review all function space with banquet manager and when necessary head house attendant. Ensure satisfaction of client at the outset of all events. Make timely and impromptu decisions, which balance client’s needs with the financial, safety and staffing goals of the hotel.
• Find solutions to the inevitable challenges and glitches that arise while groups are on property and keep Commercial Director and Planning Committee promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters so prompt corrective action can be taken where appropriate.
• Maintain knowledge of hotel facilities, capacities and dimensions of meeting space and basic operational needs of all operating departments.
• Plan and/or attend and/or participate in meetings with hotel staff and clients, including but not exclusive to Morning Operations Briefing, Morning CS Briefing, Resume Meeting, Banquet Event Order Meeting, Sales Meeting, Pre‑Convention Meetings, Bi‑Monthly Board of Operations, Planning Visits, and Menu Tastings.
• Conduct performance evaluations and mentor Conference Service…