Director of Catering and Conference Services

M

Mecca HR Solutions

Director of Catering and Conference Services

Austin, TX
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Luxury resort in Austin, TX searching for a Director of Catering and Conference Services to join their dynamic team! 

    Oversee the Catering & Convention Services Department by ensuring a consistent product to standards, while maximizing profitability and protecting the integrity of the guest experience.

    Responsibilities

    • Supervision and overall responsibility of the Conference Services and Catering functions including maintaining and monitoring the accuracy and effectiveness of all written communication from Catering Sales Managers, BEO’s and CSM’s. These procedures include but are not limited to: Menu and Event Proposals, Contracts, Banquet Event Orders, Resumes, Daily Events Report, and company standards. 
    • Actively prospect and solicit, develop, and maintain catering accounts through telephone, personal sales calls, trade shows, and on-site entertainment.
    • Finalize the requirements of personally booked catering events while maximizing revenue potential through up selling and ensuring effective communication both written (Resumes, BEO, Daily Reports) and personal contact with all departments for the success of the event.
    • Ensure accuracy of Banquet Checks and provide bill review on completion of program or event.
    • Work closely with the Director of Sales & Marketing and Director of Sales in strategizing the assignment of meeting space for all group and catering programs.
    • Ensure satisfaction of client at the outset of all events.
    • Find solutions to the inevitable challenges and glitches that arise while groups are on property and keep the Executive Committee promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters so prompt corrective action can be taken where appropriate.
    • Maintain knowledge of hotel facilities, capacities and dimensions of meeting space and basic operational needs of all operating departments.
    • Make timely and impromptu decisions, which balance client’s needs with the financial, safety and associate goals of the hotel.
    • Plan and/or attend and/or participate in meetings with hotel staff and clients, including but not exclusive to: Morning Ops Meeting, Resume Meeting, Banquet Event Order Meeting, Daily Business Review Meeting, Pre-Convention Meetings, Menu Tastings and Planning Site Visits.
    • Conduct performance evaluations and mentor for CSM’s, Catering Sales Managers and Administrative Assistants. In addition, recommend the hiring, terminating, or disciplining of any Catering Sales and Conference Planning employees.
    • Ensure accurate and detailed information is streamlined between CS and Sales
    • Act as back-up to each CS/Catering Manager for difficult or large events.
    • Conduct daily site inspections of all outdoor venues for physical defects, cleanliness, and overall appearance.
    • Ensure all indoor meeting areas, including adjoining public space, are in good repair, clean, and appropriately maintained.
    • Annually establish/revise/review all non-food and beverage pricing structures to remain competitive and viable.
    • Maintain a monthly review of guest comments and group Medallia.
    • Develop, implement, and maintain accurate budgets and forecasts for all related departments.
    • Actively service groups to balance workloads and support CSM’s and to also maintain skill and knowledge of all meeting/service standards.
    • Ensure a smooth flow of information (communication) from Sales/Catering/CS to Banquet Services and the Food and Beverage Department
    • Create and maintain a good working relationship with the Banquet Manager and team to ensure a high level of comfort with banquet operations
    • Prospect and establish an expanding base of accounts. Exercise the 5-10-15 procedure
    • Ensure proper communication between all departments per department SOP’s
    • Monitor and evaluate, on a continual basis, the level of service maintained by the Banquet Department
    • Reforecast in-the-month revenue weekly and reforecast the 30-60-90-day report monthly
    • Participate in the annual business/budget/marketing plan
    • Prepare Catering Sales/CS Action Plans on a quarterly basis. Monitor the team’s action plans
    • Ensure that the department standards are met and that all company policies and procedures are adhered to consistently
    • Ensure that all departments meet all federal, state and local regulations related to the hotels, Food and Beverage operation, its associates and guests
    • Conduct bi-annual food and beverage competitive set analysis
    • Assign all group turns

    Qualifications

    • 3-5 years of Hotel Sales, Catering & Conference Services experience required.
    • High school diploma or equivalent.
    • College degree preferred.
    • Knowledge of the operations of the hotel industry.
    • Dynamic, enthusiastic, creative leader who thrives under pressure and is able to perform multiple functions and troubleshot when needed.
    • Must have proven selling, negotiating and presentation skills.
    • Highly developed customer service skills with strong attention to detail.
    • Must be proficient in computer operations, BEO’s, company approved spreadsheets and word processing
    • Must have knowledge of F&B preparation techniques, health department rules and regulations, liquor laws and regulations
    • Proficient computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook. Delphi experience preferred.
    • The ability to delegate, effectively train and coach.
    • Must be able to work a flexible schedule including night, weekends and holidays.