Area Director Catering & Events

Job Summary

The Area Director Catering is direct oversight of attainment of assigned team catering/food and beverage sales goals tied to the overall performance of the assigned collection of hotels. The individual will be responsible for effectively managing the catering team(s). This role may also be responsible for servicing catering clients and maintaining the contracted food and beverage minimum. This role will work in conjunction with the Director of Sales or Hotel leadership to achieve the hotels' revenue meeting planner satisfaction scores and food and beverage catering sales goals for two or more assigned properties. Exempt managers must customarily and regular direct the work of at least 3 full-time associates or their equivalents. Primary duties must consist of administrative executive or professional tasks more than 50 percent of the time and job duties must also involve the use of discretion and independent judgement more than 50 percent of the time.

Responsibilities

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 6 years of progressive hotel catering sales experience preferred; or a 4-year college degree and at least 2 years of related experience; or a 2-year college degree and at least 4 years of related experience.
• Demonstrate creativity and knowledge of food and beverage/events desired.
• Must have a valid driver’s license in the applicable state.
• Must possess highly developed verbal & written communication skills to frequently negotiate convince sell and influence other managerial personnel hotel guest(s) and/or corporate clients.
• Must have thorough experience with professional selling skills: opening probing supporting closing
• Shows strong analytical skills and strategic vision in establishing appropriate sales deployment
• Must be proficient in general computer knowledge especially Microsoft Office products
• Must be able to work independently and simultaneously manage multiple tasks
• Strong organization and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact and manage people of diverse socioeconomic cultural disability and ethnic backgrounds while solving complex problems and creating a productive sales team
• Requires advanced knowledge of the principles and practices within the sales/marketing/hospitality profession.
• Must work well in stressful high pressure situations; maintain composure and objectivity under pressure.
• Must be able to work with and understand financial information and data and basic arithmetic functions.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Effectively manages assigned meeting planner satisfaction scores revenue goals as well as food and beverage catering sales goals. 
• With input and guidance from the GM and/or Corporate HR manage Human Resources in the division in order to attract retain and motivate the employees; hire train develop empower coach and counsel conduct performance and salary reviews resolve problems provide open communication vehicles discipline and terminate as appropriate. 
• Understand the content reflected in catering contracts and how to negotiate terms therein. 
• Proactively conduct solicitation calls conduct tours and entertain clients specific to needs respective to the assigned property. 
• Monitor and evaluate trends within your market segment.
• Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive friendly courteous and service-oriented manner.
• Adheres to Aimbridge Hospitality’s established regulations company standards catering/meeting standards and related catering sales metrics.
• Develop a full working knowledge of the operations and policies of the hotel and applicable departments.
• Demonstrates ability to deliver banquet event orders on a timely basis (10 days) and ensure accuracy.
• Ensure changes are communicated timely to impacted departments/operations leaders. 
• Maintain strong visibility in local community and industry organizations as applicable.
• May assist in implementing and/or participating in special promotions relating to direct sales segments i.e. sales blitzes etc.
• Attend daily/weekly/monthly meetings and any other functions required by management.
• Maintains professional working relationship and promote open lines of communication relationships to achieve initiatives with respective marketing partner(s) and other internal departments (i.e. Second Wave Aimbridge Digital or Branded field marketing) as applicable.
• Perform any other duties as requested by the General Manager or Director of Sales.

Company Overview

As the global leader in third-party hotel management, our growing portfolio represents over 1,550 hotels in all 50 states and 22 countries, from top international lodging brands to luxury hotels, destination resorts and lifestyle hotels. Our associates around the globe are passionate about serving our guests and driving exceptional results, and thrive in a culture where everyone is inspired to be the best. Join a world of possibility with Aimbridge Hospitality.

Benefits

After an initial waiting period, those hired into full time positions are eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes the following:

• Now offering Daily Pay! Ask your Recruiter for more details
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Income
• Term Life and AD&D Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401k Retirement Plan