Director of Catering and Convention Services (Finance)

Job Description Summary

The Director of Catering & Convention Services sets the tone for Sonesta's Culture of Caring. We expect leaders to focus on creating amazing moments for guests and team members and dig deep to find ways to create success for their team.

The Director is responsible for driving the social catering business and for managing the Catering & Convention department team members. The Director of Catering & Convention Services is responsible for coordinating, supervising and directing all aspects of the Catering & Conventions Department and for developing and implementing strategies to meet and exceed budgeted revenues. The DOCCS will be responsible for oversight of catering sellers, creating catering selling strategies as well as servicing assigned groups. Work closely with DOSM and Revenue Director to achieve annual goals, budget and targets. The DOCCS is responsible for the supervision of Catering sales managers, Convention/Event Services Managers, trainees, and administrative staff. Provide additional support when requested to the Group Coordinator and Group Sellers as directed by the DOSM. Act as a liaison between Catering & Convention Services and all departments throughout the hotel. Communication and organizational skills are of the utmost importance.

The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator both within the hotel and with an outside clientele.

Work Environment
This position works mostly in an office environment.
Physical Demands
• Standing/sitting for extended periods of time and moving about the hotel.
• Light work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Expected Hours of Work
• Ten-to-twelve-hour shifts are sometimes required.
• Must be flexible to work variable days of the week to include weekends and holidays.
Education and Experience
• High school degree or equivalent required.
• A minimum of 7+ years as a senior level Conference Services Manager in a luxury hotel or a minimum of 2 years as a Director of Catering and Conference Services in a luxury hotel with a minimum of 10,000 square feet of meeting space.
• Sales experience in a hotel is preferred.
Principle duties and responsibilities (Essential Functions) include:
Operational/Functional:
• Lead the catering sales efforts, prospect, and solicit new accounts. Ensure that inquiry calls and proposals are handled in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.
• Achieving personal, team, and hotel catering revenue goals.
• Prepare and present effective and persuasive presentations to prospective clients.
• Negotiate, prepare, write, and submit contracts in a timely manner.
• Set the agenda of the department and assign duties to all associates to ensure flawless execution of all functions and events.
• Engage with clients and collaborate with key members of the F&B team to ensure complete guest satisfaction.
• Inspect banquet and meeting space regularly and make necessary recommendations for repairs and improvements.
• Review event sheets and BEOs. Develop revenue forecasts and make revisions and adjustments as necessary.
• Create special themes and develop attractive menus.
• Prepare and distribute all Banquet Event Orders (BEO). Ensure all BEO paperwork is completed in a timely and accurate manner. Attend daily BEO meetings.
• Coordinate functions and activities with other department heads as appropriate and communicate the Meeting/Event planner's needs to the appropriate staff.
• Accurately produce and/or review all sales contracts, rate agreements, and/or banquet/catering event orders.
• Check function/Event room set ups prior to client arrival, ensuring all details agree with client's requirement and hotel standards. Ensure deficiencies are corrected by appropriate personnel.
• Arrange and conduct special events, site inspections, and off-site presentations for potential clients.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming.
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.
• Manage assigned market for catering bookings and servicing group events.
• Meet with the Executive Chef to plan special requests for clients and special event menus. Arrange introductions between the client and Chef.
Strategy and Planning:
• Develop key focus areas and markets for sales solicitation/prospecting.
• Develop personal catering sales campaigns and promotions in order to generate leads, promote hotel and increase visibility.
• Produce monthly catering sales-related reports and B&C forecasts for assigned area of responsibility.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of market trends, competition and customers.
Financial Management:
• Achieve budgeted revenues, control labor costs and expenses.
• Actively participate and advise in the budget and forecasting processes which support the overall objectives of the hotel.
• Prepare daily/weekly payroll reports, including the monitoring of team's hours in ADP.
• Review Catering and Conference Services staff's request to block space to ensure that appropriate space is blocked to accommodate the group's requirements and to maximize labor costs. Resolve any discrepancies.
Managing your Team:
• Interview, hire, train, and promote Catering department staff. Provide constructive and consistent feedback and recommend disciplinary action when appropriate.
• Ensure employees receive proper training applicable to their position and career aspirations in accordance with company policy and/or local laws.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings with staff and review all information pertinent to the day's business.
• Monitor, measure, and recognize performance of employees. Conduct the annual performance evaluations of catering department staff.
• Coach team by providing specific feedback to improve knowledge, skills and performance.
• Ensure employees are treated fairly and equitably. Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Prepare and administer timely Performance Evaluations according to hotel standards.
• Meet daily with Catering and Conference Services staff to review the status of business, schedules, priority assignments, bookings and all information pertinent to the department operation.
• Lead bi-weekly sales meetings in conjunction with the DOSM and DOGS.
• Establish a departmental manual identifying all policies relevant to booking functions with respective charges. Ensure that Catering and Conference Services staff are knowledgeable of:
• Function room capacities and various set ups
• Blocking space (definite/tentative)
• Use of all forms
• Menus and pricing
• Guarantee policy
• Cancellation policy
• Payment policy
• Room rental charges
• Corkage fees
• Food handling policy
• Service charges
• Coat room policy
• Miscellaneous pricing (floral, entertainment, etc.)
• Shipping/receiving policies
• Lost and found policy
• Ensure client files are kept organized and current with all required information.
• Monitor and handle inquiry calls on a timely basis.
• Conduct function book review as scheduled with the Director of Sales. Agree the potential dates, which pose a negative impact on the available function space. Confirm release dates
• for "hold all space". Ensure that Catering and Conference Services staff comply with restricted dates. Resolve discrepancies.
Leading with Passion:
• Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and corporate offices.
• Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect.
• Inspire your coworkers to embrace and demonstrate Sonesta's core values and the guest service standards.

Job Description

A candidate for this position must possess the following applicable knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to demonstrate and provide applicable examples to support his/her competence.

• Must have a track record of success for selling and interpersonal skills.
• Must have a high level of creativity for new ideas and service upgrades to improve our guest experience.
• Resolve guest complaints ensuring guest satisfaction.
• Must have a strong knowledge of food and beverage products and current trends.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.
• Extensive knowledge of hotel and hospitality industry.
• Delphi and Opera PMS experience a plus.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

OUR MISSION

To WOW EVERY Guest, Team member, Partner and Community in which we operate by delivering quality, value and amazing hospitality.

DO THE RIGHT THING!

Living our culture of caring is central to the Sonesta way. Respect and care for all is practiced daily. Prioritizing new ideas, beliefs and background is how we create deep connections with each other.

CORE VALUES :

Treat Each Other with Respect: Seek to understand other points of view.

Commit: Actively participate, bring other along.

Be Authentic: Genuine and sincere.

Communicate Openly, Honestly and Clearly: Direct communication and feedback is offered.

GO BEYOND!

We are passionate about exceeding expectations - for our guest, our employees, and our owners. We are persistent and resilient, and constantly seek new and creative ways to succeed and win.

CORE VALUES :

Exceed Expectations: Drive for results.

Hold Yourself and others Accountable: Set clear expectations, observe deadlines.

Continuously Improve: Evaluate, take time to reflect and be open to new ideas.

Dig Deeper: Be relentless, ingenious and focused.

G.U.E.S.T. are the Sonesta People Standards

Greet or welcome everyone, warmly with a smile, including children.

Use eye and ear contact and guest's name during interactions.

Establish/anticipate needs; be knowledgeable about hotel area; offer services with enthusiasm and commitment.

Solve and own all requests/complaints and follow up to completion.

Thank everyone, establish an interest in guest's satisfaction, invite to return or offer further services.

Additional Job Information/Anticipated

Pay Range

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts
• Hospital Indemnity
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance

Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered.