Area Associate Director of Catering

** Job Description Summary
** The Area Associate Director of Catering sets the tone for Sonesta’s Culture of Caring. We expect leaders to focus on creating amazing moments for guests and team members and dig deep to find ways to create success for their team.
The Area Associate Director of Catering is responsible for driving the catering business and for managing the Catering department sellers. The Area Associate Director of Catering is responsible for coordinating, supervising and directing all aspects of our selling strategies in conjunction with the Area DOCCS to meet and exceed budgeted revenues. The Area Associate Director of Catering will be a selling leadership position for the three Royal Sonesta Hotels in Chicago, in conjunction with other duties.
The ideal candidate be an excellent communicator both within the hotel and with outside clientele.
** Job Description
**** Principle duties and responsibilities (Essential Functions) include:
**** Operational/Functional:
*** Lead the catering sales efforts, prospect and solicit new accounts. Ensure that inquiry calls, and proposals are handled in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.
* Achieve personal, team, and hotel catering revenue goals.
* Prepare and present effective and persuasive presentations to prospective clients.
* Negotiate, prepare, write and submit contracts in a timely manner.
* Set the agenda of the department and assign duties to all associates to ensure flawless execution of all functions and events.
* Engage with clients and collaborate with key members of the F&B team to ensure complete guest satisfaction.
* Inspect banquet and meeting space regularly and make necessary recommendations for repairs and improvements.
* Create special themes and develop attractive menus.
* Arrange and conduct special events, site inspections, and off-site presentations for potential clients.
* Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming.
* Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.
** Strategy and Planning:
*** Develop key focus areas and markets for sales solicitation/prospecting.
* Develop personal sales campaigns and promotions in order to generate leads, promote hotel and increase visibility.
* Produce monthly sales-related reports and sales forecasts for assigned area of responsibility.
* Develop and maintain knowledge of market trends, competition and customers.
* Create custom offers to drive business to our 3 properties and create loyalty with planners.
** Financial Management:
*** Participates in the management of the department’s operating budget
* Achieve budgeted revenues, control labor costs and expenses.
* Manage staffing levels to ensure that guest service, operational needs and financial objectives are met.
* Actively participate and advise in the budget and forecasting processes which support the overall objectives of the hotel.
** Managing your Team:
*** Interview, hire, train, and promote Catering department staff. Provide constructive and consistent feedback for all direct reports.
* Ensure employees receive proper training applicable to their position and career aspirations in accordance with company policy and/or local laws.
* Monitor, measure, and recognize performance of employees. Conduct the annual performance evaluations of catering department staff.
* Coach team by providing specific feedback to improve knowledge, skills and performance.
* Ensure employees are treated fairly and equitably. Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner.
** Leading with Passion:
*** Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and corporate office.
* Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect.
* Inspire your coworkers to embrace and demonstrate Sonesta’s core values and the guest service standards.
** Qualifications and Skills
** A candidate for this position must possess the following applicable knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to demonstrate and provide applicable examples to support his/her competency.
* Ability to prepare signage for catering functions.  Ability to create special themes and menus.
* Must have a track record of success for selling and…