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SalaryWho we are:
We love what we do and what we do is important! We believe that everyone should leave feeling better – this means not just our guests, but also our teammates. Everyone should go home feeling better because they learned something new, or had fun working that day. Therefore, we hire unique individuals who work together to create amazing experiences for our guests. We recognize that every member of the team contributes to the success of the whole hotel. No-one is more important than anyone else, and unless we are in it together, we can’t create that special experience for our guest.
Your mission:
Should you choose to accept it…
Unique hybrid, just like celebrities before you…
The Director of Events knows having many talents within the same industry leave naysayers envious. Part people manager, part catering and events salesperson, they put the M in multi-tasking.
Using their tenured experience the Director of Events will sell and coordinate events in the hotel’s restaurants and dedicated event space to meet revenue goals. They are the leader of the pack with client relationships and community involvement and an exceptional collaborator within all hotel departments.
The Director of Events leads, trains and manages the Event Services Manager(s) and/or Catering & Events Coordinator(s). They are the “partner in crime” to the Director of Sales & Marketing building revenue goals and budgets, establishing service standards, food and beverage minimums and focusing the sales and catering team to book the most profitable hotel events.
The Nitty-Gritty:
What exactly you will be doing…
In helping you understand your role in working for a world class organization, the following is a list of your essential job responsibilities. Please keep in mind that this list is not all inclusive and that you may be asked to perform other job tasks by your manager not listed below in the constant quest to provide “out of this world” customer service experience for our guests:
- Through the usual functions (planning, site inspections, selling, up-selling and detailing) the Director of Catering is responsible for booking and detailing events and meeting revenue goals. They set a high bar for the team by booking the highest quality business and motivate all to do the same.
- The Director of Events is cool under pressure and specializes in problem solving (especially when it comes to people management). As a titan of the industry, they are involved in networking organizations and a proud representative of Virgin Hotels. Through untouched relationships they know what is happening with supply, demand and market fluctuations.
- On behalf of the catering team, they will gather data and prepare strategic plans to meet annual revenue goals. Monthly forecasting preparation, development of banquet menus pricing and establishing revenue minimums will be the focus. Participation and co-facilitation in daily business review meetings as well as sales & catering meetings. Extensive knowledge of food and beverage, proper preparation and presentation of food and service standards are a must.
- Organizing and leading pre & post-convention meetings with the hotel team (and sometimes the clients too) the Director of Catering & Events will anticipate client needs and special requests.
- With the assistance of an Event Services Manager and/or Catering & Events Coordinator they manage catering event execution. They are the first line of communication and can’t fanny around when they see potential problems, compliments or complaints. Our guest’s satisfaction is on top.
- We live to learn. The Director of Catering & Events is open to developing their professional skills through Virgin Hotels organized training programs. They also assist in weekly training refreshers and are a role model for the up and comers.
What qualities are we looking for?
You got skills? If you are able to perform the following, then you have come to the right place…
- Great team player with the ability create excellent working relationships across the group. Collaborative approach with all departments, particularly food & beverage and of course, the sales & marketing and events team.
- Ability to break down barriers and resolving potential conflicts swiftly and effortlessly
- Strong communication and presentation skills to all levels of management
- Creativity and innovation are essential!
- Ability to think outside the box and approach all issues with a completely fresh approach
- Ability to anticipate needs and over deliver wherever possible
- Candidates must think on their feet and use their initiative to solve problems and deliver solutions
- Excellent customer relations, communication, presentation and organization skills of utmost importance
- Comply with all safety and health department procedures, as well as, all state and federal liquor laws
- Able to change direction and work on multiple project aspects at once
- Enthusiastic, passionate, able to enthuse and motivate others
- Leadership ability and behavior consistent with Virgin Hotels Core Values: Fun, innovative, original and personable, and striving to deliver high quality and brilliant customer service
Background must-have:
- Current, legal and unrestricted ability to work in the United States
- Candidates must have previous hospitality experience. Hospitality could encompass; hotels, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other event spaces
- Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required
- Minimum 3-5 years of previous catering events and sales experience
- Ability to clearly and pleasantly communicate in English with clients, guests, vendors, teammates/management, in person, in writing and on the telephone
- Proficient MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
