A luxurious Chicago hotel nestled in the heart of the bustling downtown area is seeking an innovative, engaging, and experienced professional to serve as the new Area Director of Catering and Conference Services.

Reporting to the Area Director of Sales and Marketing, the Area Director of Catering and Conference Services is responsible for developing and implementing catering strategies and tactics for the catering team, including securing new business, maintaining existing relationships, managing the Conference Services team, and executing tactical plans to maximize the profitability of the three hotels. The DOC is responsible for the execution of the day-to-day operations of the catering/conference services team as defined by the Area Director of Sales and Marketing. In addition to leading the catering team, this is a selling role with booking and servicing goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Achieve the department’s budgeted revenues and personal sales goals.
• Ensure that both you and your sales team consistently exceed booking goals.
• Conduct regular one-on-ones with Catering Sales Managers to review sales funnels, prospects, and tentative, ensuring hotel communications on each event arrives, lost business, conversion of business, and proactive plan traction.
• Conduct regular one-on-ones with the Conference Services team ensuring hotel communications on each event is clear and concise.
• Must be proficient in event contractual agreements, quoting pricing, setting traces, and the management of accounts.
• Responsible for monitoring, measuring, and recognizing performance of team members who directly report to the role.
• Recruit, hire, and train to fill open catering department positions.
• Implement and train on existing policies and procedures and develop new processes as needs arise.
• Ensure that function bookings, group resumes, and event contracts are prepared and distributed accurately and efficiently.
• Work closely with appropriate departments to enhance service delivery and overcome operational challenges.
• Review daily posting of charges and resolve any discrepancies in a timely manner.  Follow-up to ensure guest satisfaction.
• With direction and guidance from the Area Director of Sales and Marketing and Market Director of Revenue, develop banquet menu pricing, rental fees, and revenue minimums using current competitive data.
• Working with the Area Director of Sales to ensure proper utilization of function space to yield maximum revenues.
• Assist Area Director of Sales and Marketing in the preparation of the annual departmental operating budget, and financial plans.
• Establish monthly forecasting of banquets and catering revenues.
• Own/manage audio vision and third-party vendor relationships.
• Support, comply, and promote company initiatives, policies, and guidelines.
• Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Act as a “floater” servicing leader when & where necessary.
• Conduct banquet and catering facility tours and entertain clients in accordance with company and property policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and a minimum of three years of catering and/or convention services leadership experience.
• Experience managing a catering sales team and/or multi-unit operation is a plus.
• Ability to analyze reports and develop and implement strategies to improve outcomes.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.
• Ability to speak effectively to groups, including customers and employees.
• Proficient in Delphi FDC, including system setup, menu and items, BEOS, and Banquet Checks.
• Must speak fluent English.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• May require a valid Driver’s License.
• May be required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

If interested in learning more about this great opportunity, please use the link to apply. 

Reference #4154

Salary Range: $135,000 – $150,000 + Bonus

Location: Chicago, IL

Contact: Kathryn Millard, Executive Recruiter, info@searchwideglobal.com