Area Director of Catering and Conference Services

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Area Director of Sales and Marketing, the Director of Catering and Conference Services is responsible to develop and implement 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.

Sonesta leaders are charged with providing strategic vision, ensuring tactical execution, and actively managing their department to achieve the company’s revenue and profitability goals and objectives. The idea candidate has a passion for building and motivating teams that achieve results.

Job Description

Job Description: 

• Achieve 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, tentatives, 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 rise
• 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 to overcome operational challenges
• Review daily posting of charges, 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 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 initiative, 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

Specific Job Knowledge & Skills:

• 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 organization 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.

Physical Abilities:

• Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 15 pounds without assistance
• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening, and hearing ability and visual acuity
• Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period or for an entire work shift
• Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping
• Must be flexible to work variable days of the week to include weekends and holidays

The statements in this job description are intended to represent the key duties and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be ALL responsibilities or qualifications of the job. This job description is subject to change at any time

Additional Job Information/Anticipated

Pay Range

Pay range is $108,000 - $120,000 and are eligible for bonus.

The base pay offered may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and specific/overall experience.

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 Day

• 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

Go Beyond @SonestaHotels

WHO WE ARE

We are an organization made up of people, thoughts and ideas – all working towards fulfilling our simple mission: To wow every guest, team member, partner & community we operate in by delivering quality, value & amazing hospitality.

We will achieve our mission by being passionate about exceeding expectations - by being persistent, resilient, and constantly seeking new and creative ways to succeed. Doing the Right Thing and Going Beyond are our principles that guide everything we do.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

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

Salary : $108,000 - $120,000