Director of Catering

Job Details

Job Location
: 687 - Raleigh North Hills Hilton - Raleigh, NC 27609

Position Type
:
Full Time

Driftwood Hospitality Management’s company culture empowers our associates to take initiative, be proactive, and contribute to the success of their property with well-defined strategies and objectives. Driftwood Hospitality Management is renowned for our fully integrated approach to hospitality services — all with outstanding client service. Our team is made up of the best talent in the hospitality industry, down to every employee, position, and hotel.

Responsible for maximizing catering revenue and profit for the hotel by leading the catering sales strategy for the hotel, generate revenue through his/her own account base and oversee the catering sales team. This person will be responsible for planning and creating catering programs and manage the catering services operations to assist sales and achieve customer satisfaction, quality service and compliance with corporate/franchisor policies and procedures while meeting/exceeding financial go.

This description is a summary of primary responsibilities and qualifications. The job description is not intended to include all duties or qualifications that may be required now or in the future. The Hotel operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so operational demands require variations in shift days, starting times, and hours worked in a week.

• Understanding of pace and productivity as well as monthly forecasting and the annual budget process.
• Optimize the catering mix of business and the use of historical data.
• Assist in evaluating every catering business opportunity to maximize revenue and profitability while achieving customer expectations.
• Interview, hire, train, develop, recommend performance evaluations, resolve problems, and recommend discipline and/or termination when appropriate of staff members.
• Assist in maintaining or exceeding budgeted sales and profits in all catering areas.
• Implement effective marketing plans for generating catering revenues.
• Carefully review all contracted services to assure proper contribution to profits.
• Identify trends, research the competition's products, services and pricing and use to develop strategic business plans.
• Optimize room rental charges.
• Experience selling to a variety of market segments.
• Consistently book repeat business by having a track record of long term client relationships.
• Actively participate in industry related organizations.
• Thorough knowledge of sales techniques including strong closing skills as well as negotiating skills.
• Comfortable with hotel site inspections and client presentations.
• Participate in trade shows and sales blitzes.
• Track record of strong prospecting efforts.
• Excellent creative skills to provide innovative set-ups, menus, and functions for groups. Ability to generate creative and innovative menus while working closely with Chef on pricing specialty menus.
• Work closely with Director of Sales and banquet department on operations and event execution. Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Experience providing A/V equipment and operating A/V as a profit center.
• Excellent knowledge of computers, specifically Delphi, Word and Excel. Utilization of the Delphi trace and activity tools while conducting business.
• Monitor group room blocks and pick up, generate detailed resumes for the operating departments.
• Ability to work with outside vendors to ensure client satisfaction for all events/groups.
• Detailed execution of all banquet event orders generated by the entire Catering Department.
• Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis.
• Perform any other job related duties as assigned.
• Follows all sales strategy as specified by the Director of Catering Sales & Director of Sales & Marketing.
• Understands and achieves team and individual goals.
• Possesses software knowledge (Microsoft Office, etc.).
• Possesses systems knowledge (Delphi and CI/TY).
• Participate in communication and professional organizations to maintain high visibility and promote sales.
• Perform special projects and other responsibilities as…