Assistant Director, Catering & Events

Job Description

• Lead and supervise Catering, Conference Services & Event Management functions, ensuring accuracy and effectiveness of all written communication and procedures.
• Demonstrate strong financial acumen by preparing accurate forecasts, establishing annual Strategic Plans and Financial Budgets, and maximizing revenue potential.
• Plan, execute, and oversee high-profile events, providing innovative solutions to challenges while balancing client needs with hotel goals.
• Manage client relationships throughout the event process, ensuring satisfaction and maintaining effective communication with all departments.
• Oversee and develop team members, including conducting performance evaluations, mentoring, and facilitating training for Catering Managers and Event Managers.
• Responsible for maximizing catering revenues through direct sales efforts, telephone solicitation and prospecting.
• Develop Individual Sales SMART Plan
• Develop accounts (new and existing) by mapping specific business and buying tendencies. Include group profile for each event; maintain organized and professional plan for correspondence and follow up.
• Perform daily telephone solicitations to new and existing accounts/customers in defined markets
• Work with the Sales team on an active Reader Board solicitation program under the direction of the Director of Sales and Marketing.
• Conduct tours of property to event planners and potential customers while informing of all hotel services available. Entertainment of customers on property, during site visits, pre-planning visits, and program operation when appropriate.
• Host “Familiarization Mixers” on property with new and existing clients.
• Strong negotiation skills - Negotiate contract specifics to achieve maximum profitability while satisfying customer needs.
• Network with other similar hotels to maximize business opportunities
• Actively participate in industry related organizations and local community events to develop and maintain business.
• Attend local events, familiarization trips, and make presentations to potential customers.
• Maintain efficient and detailed notes in Opera Cloud SEM
• Complete monthly and weekly sales reports as necessary
• Work closely with client through execution of the event; keep all parties fully informed of all problems or unusual matters so prompt corrective action can be taken where appropriate.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in Catering and Event Management in a luxury hotel, with experience handling incentives, weddings, and the social market.
• Must have solid selling and interpersonal skills and demonstrate the energy and commitment to meet and exceed personal goals.
• Must be persistent and not afraid of rejection- Work with an air of confidence
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, work under pressure and manage stress while maintaining a flexible attitude and schedule.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of MS Office Suite Programs, Excel, Opera Cloud SEM knowledge required.
• Responsible for taking independent action, developing strategies, and making quick decisions in a proactive and competent manner.
• Strong management, organizational, and presentation skills required.
• Strong sense of professional appearance.
• Working well with others: Support a constructive work environment. Clearly demonstrates respect for others. Easily engage and interacts with co-workers/employees.