Director of Catering and Conference Services

College Park, MD, United States

What we are looking for:

GET TO KNOW THE HOTEL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND:

The Hotel at the University of Maryland (The Hotel) is a AAA 4-Diamond independent property located directly across the street from the main campus of the University of Maryland. The Hotel is a market leader in service and guest experience and the team is focused on delivering highly personalized service. The Hotel has 297 rooms with 24 suites and over 45,000 sq. ft. of event space handling events from 10 to 1,500. The Hotel's focus on culture creates an environment for team members to thrive and provides opportunities to grow responsibility and advance their careers which is part of our Southern Difference!

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:

Direct and supervise activities of the catering and conference services team to establish the premiere catering sales team in the DC Metro Market

Display the ability to create and maintain a team atmosphere

Be the leader of hotel top-line banquet and catering operations creating a culture of excellence through the establishment of expectations and personal accountability

Partner with the University of Maryland wherever possible to strengthen the relationship, identify new revenue opportunities and create a positive position within the College Park and University community

Establish service and performance standards for catering, conference services and outline the level of service delivery for banquet and catering events

Lead by example, be a positive example for team in action and attitude

Actively prospect/solicit and qualify new business for the hotel

Negotiate Food Beverage rates, meeting room rental, and function space and/or hotel services within approved booking guidelines

Accurately produce and/or review all catering contracts and/or banquet event orders

Work closely with other hotel departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients

Produce monthly catering sales-related reports and forecasts for assigned area of responsibility

Arrange and conduct special events, site inspections, and off-site presentations for potential clients

Attend industry events/networking meetings to obtain new business, and also keep a pulse

industry trends, etc.

Coordinate, supervise and/or direct all banquet and catering business before after it is booked and through completion of the event or function, while maintaining profitable operations and high-quality products and service levels

Act as a liaison between client and operating departments to ensure a successful meeting and to generate repeat business

Effectively manage staff through respectful communication, clear expectations, relevant training, productive coaching, holding regular team meetings, and appropriate performance management

Interview, hire, counsel, schedule, lead, develop and supervise staff. Contribute to the team's effort by accomplishing tasks and assisting with projects as needed

Assist with completion of the Annual Marketing Plan and Budget and monthly forecasts

Familiarity with all hotel services/features and local attractions/activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately

Contribute to the team's success by accomplishing tasks and assisting with projects as needed

Maintain knowledge and compliance with departmental policies, service procedures, and standards

Availability during peak operating times, ie: Weekends, Holidays and Special Events

Work as a team member to ensure our guests have the best possible experience

Understand company's emergency procedures and be able to apply them when necessary

Attend department meetings and training sessions as necessary

Delegate work as appropriate, stating clearly objectives and time-line requirements

Monitor and evaluate employees' successful completion of work

Responsible management of department budget

Work collaboratively with others to analyze and improve work processes

Positive interaction with all levels of management and vendors

Stay abreast of industry trends

Contribute to team/company engagement efforts

Perform other duties as assigned by Manager and/or Supervisor

JOB KNOWLEDGE SKILLS:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Compute basic arithmetic and mathematical calculations

Organized and detail oriented

Excellent time management skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Sound leadership and managerial skills

Ability to work effectively in stressful, high-pressure situations while maintaining composure and guest satisfaction

Technical knowledgeable and competency in necessary systems and software:

- [Outlook, Word, Excel, Canva, Maestro, Delphi, Social Tables, etc.]

Summary of Benefits:

Your wages are only part of the employment equation. Benefits add significant dollars to your total compensation package and greatly improve your quality of life. Southern offers one of the best benefits packages in the industry.

Southern provides:

A choice of Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you, your spouse and/or eligible children at a remarkably low cost

Company paid Group Term Life and AD D Insurances

Traditional and ROTH 401(k) with Company contribution

Paid holidays, paid time off, pay for bereavement/funereal leave and jury duty

Continuing Education

You can customize your package to include: Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Long Term Care for an additional cost, at a reduced rate.

Benefit eligibility is dependent on Team Member Status. All benefits are subject to change or cancellation at any time.

What's required from you:

Minimum four-years demonstrated Director of Catering or Associate Director of Catering at comparable size Hotel

Previous supervisory experience of a similar sized team (4-6 people) is required

High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associates or Bachelor's degree in relevant field preferred

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