Parkhurst - Director Of Retail Operations

The Director of Retail- Conference Services plans, organizes, and manages the day-to-day operation of Retail Operations within the Conference and Event spaces and provides critical support for event sales and management.  He/she is responsible for generating new business and sales and following established Parkhurst policies and procedures, including budget compliance, upholding safety & sanitation, food preparation, and guest service standards. The Director of Retail- Conference Services will partner with other leaders and departments to meet business needs and is responsible for leading a team of managers, supervisors, and hourly team member and ensures all perform competently in their roles and achieve department goals.  They have significant interaction with team members, guests, clients, potential clients, and other members of the campus community and is responsible for resolving complaints.

Client, Customer and Guest Relations

• Oversees all campus event venue scheduling
• Performs services to market and “sell” event time/space at conference facilities
• Oversees events to assess service and guest satisfaction levels.  Evaluates guest suggestions and implements changes as needed.
• Provides management oversight for all Retail Operations within the Conference and Event Spaces
• Plans and executes special events based upon guest preferences, budget, and expectations. 
• Addresses guests’ concerns regarding functions and consults with supervisor to resolve issues.

• Models the Smile Plus hospitality imperatives.
• Develops meaningful relationships with key client personnel and special events contacts.
• “Sells Parkhurst” to clients and customers and keeps them informed on unit and Parkhurst activities/accomplishments.
• Provides financial and other data to supervisor for review with clients

Financial Results

• Works with client contact to develop costs for functions that meet company and client goals.
• Maintains documentation to support agreed-upon financial arrangements for events.
• In conjunction with the Chef, determines pricing of event using company guidelines.

• Properly bills for catered events per policy.

Operational Execution

• Manages retail inventory control, including purchasing and monitoring product levels in store and in storage.
• Completes all required reporting on a timely basis to meet all prescribed deadlines.
• Increase sales by ensuring merchandising and marketing materials are timely and adhere to Parkhurst brand standards.
• Handle cash appropriately and operate and troubleshoot the POS system as needed; train others to operate the system and learn how to navigate the POS system
• Monitor operating procedures, supervise team, and quickly addresses issues.
• Coordinates all conference functions.  May work directly with the client/guests in setting up and following through on all details of the event.
• Reiterates, in contract form, all specified details concerning upcoming catered events.
• Assists Chef in planning menus and makes suggestions for specialty menus and theme functions.
• Establishes and maintains accurate event planning documents. 
• Provides management support for team in absence of other management.

• Supervises and monitors all conference events.  Makes any necessary changes as needed to meet guest needs, improve efficiency, capitalize on revenue opportunities, and increase satisfaction.
• Enforces safety and sanitation standards with team members.  Ensures safety problems are corrected to prevent staff injuries.

Human Resource Practices

• Directs and trains staff for excellence.
• May interview and hire team members.
• Institutes programs for orientation and training of staff to ensure job competence and adherence to service standards.
• Adheres to Parkhurst human resource policies and procedures.  Treats team members with fairness and respect.
• Communicates to staff regularly, both formally and informally; holds team meetings frequently to ensure staff awareness.
• Serves as a role model for team members by maintaining standards for appearance, dress, attendance, and professional behavior.  Maintains a plan for self-development and growth.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Lifting objects up to 40 lbs.
• Bending, reaching, and grasping.
• Walking long distances.
• Exposure to high noise levels.
• Exposure to high heat and humidity levels.

Parkhurst Dining, part of the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, is a family owned, family run company that provides culinary, dining and catering services to over 65 organizations and universities east of the Mississippi. We believe that food is best when made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients, prepared with heart, & served with a smile. This culinary experience is uniquely and authentically Parkhurst. If you’ve been searching for a place where you can do what you love, love what you do and have room to grow, consider Parkhurst!

As part of the management team, the Director of Retail Operations works under the direction of the general manager to plan, organize, direct and lead all retail dining operations. This position assumes responsibility for some or all of the following: budget compliance, sanitation, safety, health regulation compliance, food preparation, service of food, and staff training and development; follows all systems and established procedures. The Director of Retail Operations interacts with staff, customers, guests and other facility department personnel. This position coaches management direct reports who ensure that hourly team members perform competently in their roles and achieve department goals. Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Two or more years progressive work experience in food service management, preferably in a retail environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food service systems.
• Proven ability to lead other managers or supervisors.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and leadership skills.
• Strong planning and organizational skills to consistently meet deadlines. 
• Proficient in Microsoft software programs. 
• Basic skills in math and financial management.
• Associate's Degree in Culinary, Hotel and Restaurant Management or related field preferred, or equivalent job-related experience.

Eat’n Park Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We focus on valuing our individual and group differences, making our teams stronger and more engaged.  Diversity and inclusion have been a core value of ours for over 70 years.