Director of Catering & Conference Services

Candidates will have an opportunity to join a team with a dynamic employee culture where you are encouraged to be your true self! At Four Seasons, we ensure that your employee experience is just as rewarding as our guest experience.

The Director of Catering & Conference Services oversees all aspects of the Catering & Conference Services Department, including selling, servicing and financial management of the events taking place at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale.  This leadership role requires vision and financial planning skills as well as excellent communication skills and people leadership.  Financial acumen is essential for success in planning for an executing upon an operating budget for sale and servicing of event spaces.

Key Competencies:

This list is not all –inclusive and should only be used as an overview of all actual responsibility.

• Supervision and overall responsibility of the Catering function including maintaining and monitoring the accuracy and effectiveness of all written communication from Catering Managers and Catering Coordinators. These procedures include but are not limited to: Menu and Event Proposals, Contracts, Banquet Event Orders, Catering Resumes, Daily Events Report, and Delphi Input Standards.
• Actively prospect and solicit, develop, and maintain local corporate catering accounts through telephone, personal sales calls, trade shows, and on-site entertainment.
• Finalize the requirements of personally booked catering events while maximizing revenue potential through up selling and ensuring effective communication both written (Resumes, BEO, Daily Reports) and personal contact with all departments for the success of the event. Ensure accuracy of Banquet Checks and provide bill review on completion of program or event.
• Supervise the execution of banquet events. Review all function space with banquet manager and when necessary head house attendant. Ensure satisfaction of client at the outset of all events.
• Find solutions to the inevitable challenges and glitches that arise while groups are on property and keep Director of Catering and Conference Services and Planning Committee promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters so prompt corrective action can be taken where appropriate.
• Maintain knowledge of hotel facilities, capacities and dimensions of meeting space and basic operational needs of all operating departments.
• Make timely and impromptu decisions, which balance client’s needs with the financial, safety and staffing goals of the hotel.
• Plan and/or attend and/or participate in meetings with hotel staff and clients, including but not exclusive to: Morning Operations Briefing, Morning CS Briefing, Resume Meeting, Banquet Event Order Meeting, Sales Meeting, Pre-Convention Meetings, Bi-Monthly Board of Operations, Menu Tastings and Planning Site Visits.
• Conduct performance evaluations and mentor for team members of the Catering & Conference Services Department. In addition, recommend the hiring, terminating, or disciplining of any Catering or Conference Services employee.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The qualified candidate will possess the following:

• Luxury Catering senior leadership experience.
• Proven track record in prospecting for new business and closing the deal.
• Requires strong revenue and budget management skills.
• Proven ability to build, develop and maintain a cohesive team. 
• Strong ability to prioritize, organize, and manage competing priorities.
• Possess well-developed leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of revenue and client management systems.
• Strong time management skills: ability to multi-task, set priorities, and adjust to changing conditions. Willing to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work closely with other departments and communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and guests.

Why Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences Fort Lauderdale?

A modern reflection of the world’s most coveted yacht clubs, Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale is an unrivaled expression of luxury and energy within this next-generation coastal city. Designed to blend seamlessly with the Atlantic Ocean waters it’s perched upon, experience a soothing oasis enlivened by vibrant social spaces and a renewed sense of Americana and possibility. Moments away from the colorful city’s most desirable outdoor activities, cultural arts, restaurants and shops, our enviable location welcomes you at the heart of this youthful South Florida Riviera.

Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world's best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveler reviews and industry awards. Our greatest asset, and the key to our success, is our people. We believe that each of us needs a sense of dignity, pride and satisfaction in what we do. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has been ranked in the Fortune '100 Best Companies to Work For’ every year since 1998…join our team and discover why.

A career with Four Seasons means working for a company where our Corporate Values are much more than a program or a policy; they define who we are and inform the decisions we make. Our benefits include inclusive and diverse employee engagement events all year-round, complimentary hotel stays, competitive wages, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, complimentary meals. We strive to have a long-lasting, positive influence on the communities where we operate and, on the people, we employ and serve around the world.

Miscellaneous

US work authorization is required.

Learn more about Four Seasons:

http://jobs.fourseasons.com

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https://twitter.com/FourSeasonsJobs

Please note that due to the large number of responses we receive only candidates being considered for the above position will be contacted for an interview.

Four Seasons is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. To access the 'EEOC is The Law' Information poster please visit this website - https://eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf