Director of Catering and Conference Services
, MD, United States
Director of Catering and Conference Services #6765
College Park , MD
Published Job Title
Director of Catering and Conference Services
City for Career Center
College Park
Location State
MD
Date Opened:
Mar 26, 2024
What we are looking for:
Overview:
The Director of Catering and Conference Services is responsible for the creation and maintenance of a hotel-wide catering culture contributing to the top-line growth of the property and integral part of the hotel's relationship with the community. Through leadership of the catering and conference service team, the Director establishes standards of performance, acquisition of business and helps set pricing levels to exceed the budgeted goals of the property. As the catering leader for the property, the Director actively participates in the development of the annual strategic and tactical plans and partners with other departments to ensure the execution and sales positioning for catering and banquets is in-line with the overall marketing and sales position for the property.
Duties and Responsibilities
Be the leader of hotel top-line banquet and catering operations creating a culture of excellence through the establishment of expectations and personal accountability
Direct and supervise activities of the catering and conference services team to establish the premiere catering sales team in the DC Metro Market
Partner with the University of Maryland wherever possible to strengthen the relationship, identify new revenue opportunities and create a positive position within the College Park and University community
Establish service and performance standards for catering, conference services and outline level of service delivery for banquet and catering events
Actively prospect/solicit and qualify new business for the hotel
Negotiate Food Beverage rates, meeting room rental, and function space and/or hotel services within approved booking guidelines
Accurately produce and/or review all catering contracts and/or banquet event orders
Work closely with other hotel departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients
Produce monthly catering sales-related reports and forecasts for assigned area of responsibility
Arrange and conduct special events, site inspections, and off-site presentations for potential clients
Attend industry events/networking meetings to obtain new business, and also keep a pulse on industry trends, etc.
Coordinate, supervise and\or direct all banquet and catering business before after it is booked and through completion of the event or function, while maintaining profitable operations and high quality products and service levels
Act as a liaison between client and operating departments to ensure a successful meeting and to generate repeat business
Effectively manage staff through respectful communication, clear expectations, relevant training, productive coaching, holding regular team meetings, and appropriate performance management
Interview, hire, counsel, schedule, lead, develop and supervise staff. Contribute to the team's effort by accomplishing tasks and assisting with projects as needed
Assist with completion of the Annual Marketing Plan and Budget
Familiarity with all hotel services/features and local attractions/activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately
Contribute to the team's success by accomplishing tasks and assisting with projects as needed
Maintain knowledge and compliance with departmental policies, service procedures, and standards
Availability during peak operating times, ie: Weekends, Holidays and Special Events
Work as a team member to ensure our guests have the best possible experience
Understand company's emergency procedures and be able to apply them when necessary
Attend department meetings and training sessions as necessary
Other duties as assigned by Manager and/or Supervisor
Support Southern Management's Mission, Vision, and Values
Comply with Southern Management's policies and procedures
Lead by example, be a positive example for team in action and attitude
Delegate work as appropriate, stating clearly objectives and time-line requirements
Monitor and evaluate employees' successful completion of work
Responsible management of department budget
Work collaboratively with others to analyze and improve work processes
Positive interaction with all levels of management and vendors
Skills Required
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Compute basic arithmetic and mathematical calculations
Organized and detail oriented
Excellent interpersonal skills
Sound leadership and managerial skills
Ability to work effectively in stressful, high-pressure situations while maintaining composure and guest satisfaction
Technical knowledgeable and competency in necessary systems and software:
Key Performance Indicators Exhibits the following performance expectations:
Teamwork
Communication
Understands Role, Responsibilities and Job Skills
Time Management and Planning
Quality of Work
Safety
Adhere to response time policy
Adhere to schedule/work hours
Cooperate professionally with other departments to accomplish the goals of the department
Resolve concerns in a timely, courteous, professional manner. Communicate solutions to involved parties and follow up [as appropriate, within 24 or 48 hours]
Work is completed in a timely, professional manner, based on expectations and deadlines
Performance Appraisals, including Development Plans, for all team members are completed by due date
Hold periodic, monthly, weekly and daily department meetings based on property policy
Maintain controlled expenses to budget
Menus are created and managed successfully, resulting in positive feedback and repeat business from clients and appropriate profits that increase at a pre-determined rate by specific points in the fiscal year
High Guest satisfaction and meeting attendees feedback per Meeting Scope surveys
Position Type: Regular Full Time
Pay Rate:
Summary of Benefits:
Your wages are only part of the employment equation. Benefits add significant dollars to your total compensation package and greatly improve your quality of life. Southern offers one of the best benefits packages in the industry.
Southern provides:
A choice of Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you, your spouse and/or eligible children at a remarkably low cost
Company paid Group Term Life and AD&D Insurances
Traditional and ROTH 401(k) with Company contribution
Paid holidays, paid time off, pay for bereavement/funereal leave and jury duty
Continuing Education
You can customize your package to include: Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Long Term Care for an additional cost, at a reduced rate.
Benefit eligibility is dependent on Team Member Status. All benefits are subject to change or cancellation at any time.
What's required from you:
Minimum two-years demonstrated Director of Catering or Associate Director of Catering at comparable size Hotel
Previous supervisory experience of a similar sized team (4-6 people) is required
High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associates or Bachelor's degree in relevant field preferred
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