Director of Catering and Conference Services - College Park, United States - Southern Management Companies, LLC.

Description

What we are looking for:

GET TO KNOW THE HOTEL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND:
The Hotel at the University of Maryland (The Hotel) is a AAA 4-Diamond independent property located directly across the street from the main campus of the University of Maryland. The Hotel is a market leader in service and guest experience and the team is focused on delivering highly personalized service. The Hotel has 297 rooms with 24 suites and over 45,000 sq. ft. of event space handling events from 10 to 1,500. The Hotel's focus on culture creates an environment for team members to thrive and provides opportunities to grow responsibility and advance their careers which is part of our Southern Difference

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:

• Direct and supervise activities of the catering and conference services team to establish the premiere catering sales team in the DC Metro Market
• Display the ability to create and maintain a team atmosphere
• Be the leader of hotel top-line banquet and catering operations creating a culture of excellence through the establishment of expectations and personal accountability
• 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 the level of service delivery for banquet and catering events
• Lead by example, be a positive example for team in action and attitude
• 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
• 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 and monthly forecasts
• 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
• 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
• Stay abreast of industry trends
• Contribute to team/company engagement efforts
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager and/or Supervisor

JOB KNOWLEDGE SKILLS:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Compute basic arithmetic and mathematical calculations
• Organized and detail oriented
• Excellent time management skills
• 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:
  - [Outlook, Word, Excel, Canva, Maestro, Delphi, Social Tables, etc.]

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 four-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