Associate Director Of Guest Services & Hospitality

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes commercial and intellectual property litigation; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,500 lawyers) operating from 20 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

The Associate Director of Guest Services will report directly to the Director of Administration and will be responsible for ensuring successful operation of Guest Services functions in the New York office, including catering and outsourced food services, cafeteria and coffee bar, pantry operations, and conference center services. This role is also responsible for directing the implementation of operations policies and initiatives for Guest Services departments. The Associate Director role requires an extreme degree of independent thinking, judgment, and decision-making and the ability to collaborate with various teams to ensure a seamless and high-quality experience for clients, guests, and all Kirkland personnel. Qualified candidates will have demonstrated strengths in leadership, performance management, and project management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Manage and provide direction to the Guest Services Managers through goal setting, coaching, and development planning.
• Participate in the recruiting, hiring, and when necessary, disciplinary processes of employees.
• In partnership with the Director of Administration, establish clear expectations and work priorities for team members within Guest Services.
• Collaborate with Firmwide Guest Services to develop standard best practices and training to develop team members and ensure operational excellence, as well as to develop and implement process improvements to enhance the client experience.
• Work with Guest Services Managers in overseeing all catering and food services and conference center operations in the NY office, ensuring successful day-to-day functioning and event/meeting execution.
• Serve as a point of contact for internal and external client inquiries, providing timely and accurate responses to questions and requests.
• Review, analyze, and forecast budgets; seek opportunities to improve department efficiency and reduce expenses.
• Collaborate with Operations teams on short- and long-term projects.
• Develop and/or lead change management efforts across all phases of projects and initiatives to drive the Firm’s culture of continuous improvement.

OTHER FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Performs any other tasks assigned by management.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of catering/cafe management and hospitality/event planning experience.
• Minimum of ten years of management/supervisor experience including oversight of vendors.
• Superior client service and leadership abilities as well as a high degree of independent judgment and discretion.
• Exceptional communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with key stakeholders, and all levels of management and staff.
• Strong budgeting, analytical, and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize multiple assignments, and use judgment and initiative to accomplish results in an accurate and timely matter.
• Proven change management skills.

Technologies/Software

• Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, EMS, or similar conference room reservation software.
• Must have proficient computer skills and knowledge of Firm software including email, time and attendance and departmental software applications.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

For applicants who are based in New York City, visit the following link for pay range information: http://staffjobsus.kirkland.com/pages/JOBID7587

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm. #LI-Onsite #LINK1