Director of Catering and Conference Services

Director Of Catering And Conference Services

The Director of Catering and Conference Services is responsible for soliciting new catering accounts, entertaining and sustaining relationships with existing accounts to meet and/or exceed revenue goals. They must have a strong knowledge of weddings and understand the importance of prospecting in creating new sales opportunities for the hotel. They are also responsible to coordinate and service client functions to ensure customer satisfaction while maintaining profitable operations and high quality products and service levels.

Candidates must be comfortable in problem solving with client relationships and event management.

Responsibilities include:

• Keeping immediate supervisor fully informed of all problems or matters requiring his/her attention.
• Preparing and submitting required reports in a timely manner.
• Following up on all turnovers within 24 hours via telephone and within 3 days with written correspondence.
• Knowing meeting room setups and capabilities.
• Knowing sleeping room configurations and types.
• Responding to catering inquiries immediately.
• Using the Partnership Agreement to meet client needs.
• Having comprehensive knowledge of all operational departments within the hotel; guest services, reservations, housekeeping, audio visual, switchboard, accounting, restaurants, bars, and engineering.
• Interacting with outside planners, vendors for event setup.
• Maintaining pricing integrity and proposing upscale menus for clients.
• Managing existing accounts and following up with client re-solicitation to capture future business.
• Working with other F&B managers and keeping them informed of F&B issues as they arise.
• Managing the function diary and adjusting space in order to ensure maximum potential revenue.
• Being visible on the floor and assisting staff as needed during functions.
• Being involved in and/or conducting departmental and hotel training (One-to-One Training, etc.)
• Planning and executing holiday and special events.
• Using feedback from client evaluations to improve service and quality.
• Participating in required M.O.D. program as scheduled.

Qualifications include:

• At least 4 years of progressive experience in a hotel or a related field; or a 2year college degree and 3 or more years of related experience; or a 4year college degree and at least 2 year of related experience.
• Must be proficient in Windows, company approved spreadsheets and word processing.
• Proficiency in Delphi preferred.
• Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
• Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
• Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
• Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
• Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include wearing nametags.
• Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Perform other duties as requested by management.