Director of Catering

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-and growing fast. An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta's uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect.

Together We Thrive – bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting.

The Director of Catering is a key staff position responsible for the administration, analysis, development and communication needed to service customers and develop revenues. DOC must be an enthusiastic, aggressive, and results driven, professional individual who possesses the ability and passion for guest service and booking business. The Director of Catering will be responsible for selling catering events as well as servicing all group rooms related conventions/meetings and Catering events.

Work closely with DOSM to achieve annual goals, budget and targets. The DOC is responsible for the supervision of Catering sales managers, trainees, and administrative staff. Collaborate with the Asst. Director of Convention Services and act as a liaison between Catering & Convention Services and all departments throughout the hotel. Communication and organizational skills are of the utmost importance.

• Consistently offer professional, friendly and engaging service
• Assist in the recruitment and hiring of team, training, managing and coaching managers to meet company goals and maximize hotel revenues.
• Work closely with DOSM to increase Team Engagement and Development in their Sales and/or Management Roles.
• Direct, train and manage all activity related to the Catering and Convention Services office, ensuring all service standards are followed.
• Responsible for all catering, from booking to execution and conference services from the time a contract becomes definite to execution
• Must be proficient in general computer knowledge and able to train and monitor the Event contractual agreement process, quoting pricing, setting traces, and the management of accounts.
• Prepare an annual budget for approval and administer that budget in a fiscally responsible manner. Develop annual goals for Catering and Convention Services Team
• Monitor and review Catering Sales Managers' sales achievement as it relates to productivity
• Keep the DOSM informed of all activities related to the Catering & Convention Services Department with regular meetings and daily communication
• Work closely with DOSM and DORM on revenue strategies.
• To assist the DOSM in establishing and maintaining the annual Sales & Marketing Plan
• Establish and maintain rapport with clients, prior to, during and post conference, exceeding their expectations and encouraging repeat business
• Conduct site inspections as required
• Develop banquet menu pricing, rental fees and revenue minimums, using current competitive data and as directed.
• Negotiate/achieve maximum revenue/profit while satisfying clients' needs
• Participate in daily business review meeting, weekly Catering prospecting review, sales meetings and management meetings.
• Coordinate sales efforts between hotel sales department and catering sales to ensure proper utilization of function space to yield maximum revenues.
• Ensure that function bookings, group resumes and event contracts are prepared and distributed accurately and efficiently
• Work towards providing efficient processes and updating/creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)
• Ensure Team is well trained on Delphi, monitor Delphi and enforce SOP's for its use with audits as needed. Work with Delphi Manager on month end reports, maintaining and meeting deadlines
• Help to answer questions daily from Staff as needed and maintain a good morale in the office-alerting DOSM to any concerns as needed.
• Maintain a harmonious working relationship with other departments in the hotel, other hotels, convention bureau and regional offices, as well as constant knowledge of…