Director of Catering and Conference Services

Summary

This position is responsible for managing the solicitation and growth of Weddings and Social Catering events at Lanier Islands. In addition, supervise service & catering managers as they organize and coordinate the execution of conferences and social events, providing guidance as needed.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Sales

• Coordinate the booking of food/beverage events by managing outside solicitation and incoming inquiries
• Identify new wedding markets and prospecting resources, in conjunction with the wedding sales team.
• Coordinate market development activities.
• Monitor sales staff productivity and procedural efficiencies as it relates to annual budgets and goals.
• Assist with the development, implementation and management of promotions for weddings and social catering in conjunction with the overall sales and marketing plan of the company.
• Supervise the weekly updating of the monthly wedding sales forecast
• Maintain daily communication with the Director of Sales in regard to potential new business, lost business, customer and operational issues, discounted events, specialized room sets, etc.
• Use creative planning in the design and structure of weddings and catered events.
• Oversee preparation of weekly activity and wedding pacing reports.
  
  
  

Financial

• Supervises the Catering Sales Department in achieving budgeted revenue goals
• Assist in control of marketing budget and entertainment expenses related to weddings and social catering food and beverage sales.
• Maintain awareness of local and regional key competitors and price point trends.
  
  
  

Client Related

• Supervises and develops contracts, proposals, and customized menus to meet client needs, as well as financial goals.
• Coordinate catering events with clients to include handling inquiries related to food and beverage.
• Coordinate with food & beverage staff and Event Coordinators as needed to ensure proper execution of catered functions.
• Conduct facility tours and “tastings” for clients as necessary to secure business.
• Attend pre-con and post-con meetings as needed.
  
  
  

Operations

• Conduct weekly BEO & Resume Meetings to review and have a thorough understanding of all events.
• Post all changes to service order confirmations on change log daily and follow up as needed.
• Secures and monitors pertinent information requirements related to catered events and maintains strict timelines for information exchange between the Clients, Catering Sales, Culinary department and Catering department and Operations.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and legal regulations.
  
  
  

Other Duties

• Supervise the Wedding & Social Catering Sales Managers, Weddings Conference Services Managers and the Wedding Administrative Assistant in a manner consistent with Human Resource Policies and Procedures.
• Document all department employee-relations issues and provide corrective action as necessary. Submit documentation to Human Resources in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties, projects and reports as assigned by the Director of Sales and deemed necessary for the growth of the business.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Strong management skills and the proven ability to motivate monitor and develop sales leaders
• Excellent sales skills including the ability to up-sell negotiate with and guide clients.
• Strong organization, multitasking and time management skills a must.
• Must be able to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Diverse understanding of food and service functions and logistics within a banquet facility.
• Strong computer skills to include Word, Excel, Outlook, Amadeus/Delphi Sales & Catering software.
• Excellent communication skills
  
  
  

Education and Work Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 5 years catering sales experience, preferably with high volume property.
• Minimum of 5 years in event planning or related roles
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in business or related field preferred.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation (requested).