Director of Catering

Overview The Director of Catering is responsible for directing, coordinating, training and supervising all Catering associates in order to solicit and book Banquet and Catering functions resulting in customer satisfaction and profitability. He/she is also responsible for coordinating, supervising and directing assigned group business after it is turned over by the sales department, throughout and through the closure of the event and subsequent financial aspects of the program, while maintaining profitable operations and high quality products and service levels. He/she is expected to market ideas to promote business; reduce employee turnover; maintain revenue and payroll budgets; and meet budgeted productivity while keeping quality consistently high. The Director of Catering is also responsible for acting as a liaison between client and operating departments to ensure a successful meeting and to generate repeat business. Responsibilities Fundamental Requirements:Manage existing accounts and follow up with client re-solicitation to capture future business.Respond to requests by Meeting Planners immediately.Interact with outside planners, vendors for event set-up.Maintain pricing integrity and propose upscale menus for , review and revise rooming lists and VIP ISAC function book and adjust space in order to ensure maximum potential visible on the floor and assist staff as needed during functions.Respond to guest complaints in a timely immediate manager fully informed of all problems or matters requiring his/her with F&B managers and keep them informed of F&B issues as they arise.Prepare and submit required reports in a timely meeting room set-ups and sleeping room configurations and comprehensive knowledge of all operational departments within the hotel; guest services, reservations, housekeeping, audiovisual, switchboard, accounting, restaurants, bars, and involved in and/or conduct departmental and hotel trainingPlan and execute holiday and special events in conjunction with the Catering feedback from Meeting Planner evaluations to improve service and quality.Coordinate all aspects of the ongoing implementation of the Highgate Hotel Enrichment philosophy of participation within department for monthly Highgate Hotel team team on their role in contributing to the Guest Service and audit scores Conduct meetings according to Highgate Hotel standards as required by management. Qualifications At least 4 years of progressive experience in a hotel or a related field; or a 2year college degree and 3 or more years of related experience; or a 4year college degree and at least 2 year of related experience.Must be proficient in Windows, Company approved spreadsheets and word processing.Proficiency in Marriott system( CI/TY) preferred.Flexible and long hours sometimes required.Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include wearing nametags.Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.Perform other duties as requested by management.