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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