Director of Catering & Conference Services

About Four Seasons

Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.

At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us.

About the location:

A lone star welcome in the country's capital of southern cool. We can’t wait to welcome you to Houston, the country’s capital of southern cool, where urban sophistication meets bold Texas hospitality. Gather where business deals get done, friends and family reconnect and celebrities and athletes make their home. After a day exploring our city, unwind at our rooftop pool oasis, enjoy the ultimate in entertainment at our Topgolf Swing Suites, indulge and pamper at The Spa and our Krigler perfumery boutique and savour flavourful dishes from Chef Partner Richard Sandoval at Toro Toro and Bayou & Bottle.

About The Role

Director of Catering and Conference Services Job Description

The Director of Catering and Conference Services oversees all aspects of a profit and service driven catering department while personally prospecting, selling, planning and servicing corporate and social business.

What You Will Do

• Promote Four Seasons Hotel Houston as the top choice in Houston for meetings, events and social events while exhibiting a strong passion for food & beverage excellence and the desire to raise the bar in the city.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the Catering and Conference Services team while being responsible for driving results within the social catering market.
• Analyze and prepare the Catering and Conference Services weekly financial forecast, month end financial summaries, and contribute to the annual Marketing Plan and Budget. Complete periodic audits of the Account and Booking Data in Golden Sales & Catering.
• Evaluate sales practices and use creativity to make recommendations resulting in maximum profitability of the Catering and Conference Services resources.
• Finalize the requirements of personally booked or assigned Catering and Conference Services bookings while maximizing revenue potential through up selling and ensuring effective communication 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.
• Ensure satisfaction of client at the outset of all events. Make timely and impromptu decisions, which balance client’s needs with the financial, safety and staffing goals of the hotel. Find solutions to the inevitable challenges and glitches that arise while groups are on property and keep Director of Marketing and Planning 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.
• Plan, attend and participate in meetings with hotel staff and clients, including but not exclusive to: Morning Operations Briefing, Morning CS Briefing, Resume Meeting, Banquet Event Order Meeting, Sales Meeting, Pre-Convention Meetings, Board of Operations, Planning Visits, and Menu Tastings.
• Conduct performance evaluations and mentor Catering Sales Managers, Conference Service Managers, Special Events Manager and Administrative Assistants to develop and prepare the team for future promotion and possible transfer within Four Seasons. Facilitate and monitor training, recommend the hiring, termination, or discipline of any Catering or Conference Services employees.
  
  

What You Bring

• Six years experience as a Catering or Conference Services Manager in a full service resort or hotel, preferably at the Assistant Director level (or higher) handling weddings and the social market.
• Proven interpersonal skills with a track record of successful client interactions, coaching and people development skills and ability to negotiate, organize, delegate & work under pressure
• Ability to work long and irregular hours, weekends, and evenings.
• Basic knowledge of audio-visual equipment, internet, telecommunication technology is helpful.
• High level of creativity with food and beverage menu proposals
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary, wages, and a comprehensive benefits package
• Excellent Training and Development opportunities
• Complimentary Accommodation at other Four Seasons Hotels and Resort
• Complimentary Dry Cleaning for Employee Uniforms
• Complimentary Employee Meals
  
  

Schedule & Hours

• This is a full-time position
• Open availability expected, with scheduled shifts including late nights, holidays and weekends
  
  

Four Seasons is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. To access the 'EEOC is The Law' Information poster please visit this website - https://eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf