Director of Catering

Job Description

A Pearl Director of Catering reports to the Director of Sales & Marketing and is responsible for creating leaders and fostering the Pearl culture within the sales, catering, event management and revenue management departments for Pearl Hospitality. A Pearl Director of Catering must ignite the human spirit by creating unrivaled hospitality experiences fueled by fun, enthusiasm and compassion that challenge each person to unlock their own potential.

The Director of Catering manages overall Catering Sales Standards including supervision of Catering and Conference Services Manager, and administrative staff. Areas of emphasis include on going training to staff and other administrative duties. Achieve individual booking goals and has overall responsibility for achieving Banquet & Catering goals.

Responsibilities – (not limited to)

• Solicit new and existing accounts to meet/exceed revenue goals through telephone solicitation, outside sales calls, reader board prospecting, site inspections and written communication.
• Prepare, implement, and compile data for strategic sales plans, complete monthly Banquet & Catering Forecast, and other reports as directed and/or required.
• Develop banquet menu pricing and revenue minimums using current competitive data, implement new menus based on the needs of the hotel.
• Direct, manage, train and counsel catering sales and convention services team.
• Participate in daily business review meetings, sales meetings, and management meetings.
• Tour, inspect and monitor banquet rooms and presentations.
• Develop and implement effective marketing plans for generating catering revenues.
• Experience evaluating each piece of catering business to ensure profitability.
• Monitor sales performance of Catering Sales Manager and Convention Service Manager.
• Leads Catering team to build long-term, value-based customer relationships that enable achievement of hotel Catering Sales Objectives.
• Assist with Menu Planning and pricing for the Sales Team.
• Participate in Manager on Duty Shifts as Required.
• Participate as a team player with all departments.
• Foster the Pearl culture & teamwork
• Passion and commitment to the business at an ownership level
• Oversee clients to inspire the guest’s loyalty
• Participate in catering sales presentations, property tours and customer meetings. Solicit affiliate business.
• Maintain strong client relations and ensure that catering and convention specifications are communicated and executed for a successful meeting experience for the meeting planner and attendees.
• Administer all phases of the banquet department, including, but not limited to, sales, planning, marketing, servicing, and administrative procedures.
• Review sales contract as well as other important information, i.e., room block, cut-off date, special concessions and attrition clauses and validate with client via turnover letter.
• Monitor and enforce program deadline dates and work with client to release meeting space not needed to maximize hotel revenues.
• Monitor convention activities on-site to ensure accurate and timely execution of convention arrangements.
• Produce and distribute convention resume and communicate any changes updating information to hotel departments.
• Reach individual booking revenue goal by selling and detailing events including space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes, decorations, etc. complete the contracts, prepare the appropriate paperwork, coordinate with the appropriate areas in the hotel, resolve any issues, complaints and problems to ensure quality product delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Responsible for the efficient and professional coordination of all meetings and social events.
• Plan and create catering programs and manage the banquet/convention services operations to assist sales and achieve customer satisfaction, quality service and compliance with corporate/franchisor policies and procedures while meeting/exceeding financial goals.
• Represents the Hotel positively and effectively in the marketplace.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of corporate/ hotel procedures and products and the competitor’s product, strengths and weaknesses to continually improve sales strategies and the achievement of goals.
• Participate in community and industry organizations representing the hotel
• Manage guest relations
• Ensure compliance with brand standards as well as Pearl standards and procedures
• Maintain effective and open communication
• Increase hotel revenue by conducting specified weekly sales calls and ensure goal compliance
• Must fully document each sales call
• Fully network and saturate new hotel contacts as well as existing clients
• Sell function space to maximize revenue potential
• Sell F&B to maximize revenue potential
• Work with AV Director to maximize revenue potential
• Achieve monthly catering, banquet & ESS goals
• Must possess high energy, professionalism and confidence every day and in every way
• Be a highly motivated and enthusiastic leader
• Participate in Pearl required daily and weekly meetings with enthusiasm and commitment to success
• Always deliver your highest performance

Physical Requirements - (not limited to)

• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 75 lbs.
• Must be able to stand, stoop, bend, crawl, reach above and below shoulders, repetitive arm and wrist use, climb ladders and stairs, and walk on uneven surfaces.
• Must be able to operate motor vehicle using safety precautions.
• Must be able to recognize, register, and respond visually to color and depth perception.
• Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to work indoor, outdoor, in extreme heat and cold.
• Must be able to work around moderate noise level.