Catering & Conference Services Manager

Responsibilities

• Manage existing accounts and follow up with client re-solicitation to capture future business.
• Identify potential new business, develop a sales strategy and solicit.
• Meet/Exceed all revenue goals.
• Respond to requests by Meeting and Event Planners immediately.
• Interact with outside planners, vendors for event set-up and operational requirements.
• Maintain pricing integrity and propose upscale menus and enhancements for clients.
• Create, review and revise rooming lists, VIP lists, Banquet Event Orders and Group Resumes according to established protocols.
• Plan and manage internal and/or external Pre-Event meetings as required.
• Manage Delphi and adjust space in order to ensure maximum revenue potential.
• Be visible on the floor and assist staff as needed during functions.
• Respond to client concerns in a timely manner, provide service recovery as required.
• Work closely with operational department managers and keep them informed of event updates, requests and concerns as they arise.
• Keep immediate supervisor fully informed of all challenges or matters requiring his/her attention.
• Prepare and submit required reports in a timely manner.
• Finalize event billing and complete post-event communication, including post-event meetings as required.
• Use feedback from Meeting Planner evaluations to improve service and quality.
• Plan and execute hotel holiday and special events as requested.
• Proficient knowledge of meeting room set-ups and capabilities.
• Proficient knowledge of sleeping room configurations and types.
• Have comprehensive working knowledge of all operational departments within the hotel; culinary, stewarding, banquets, audiovisual, front office, guest services, reservations, housekeeping, engineering, purchasing, accounting.

Qualifications

• At least 3-5 years of progressive experience in a luxury hotel or a related field; or a 2-year college degree and at least 3 years of related, luxury hotel experience.
• Must be proficient in Windows, Delphi; Company approved spreadsheets and word processing.
• Must have knowledge of F&B preparation techniques, dietary restrictions, health department rules and regulations, liquor laws and regulations.
• Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
• Limited physical demands - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Extensive knowledge of all hotel departments.
• 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.
• Able to excel in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-confident, proactive, and able to prioritize and make effective decisions.
• Able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
• Attend all hotel required meetings; trainings; & MOD coverage as required.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearances and grooming and comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
• Must be a creative and effective leader, possessing a high degree of professionalism.
• Create, execute, and manage a personal plan to meet or exceed budgeted revenue goals.
• Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
• Effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
• Able to understand and evaluate complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
• Able to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Perform other duties as requested by management.
• Follow and implement property and Highgate standard operating procedures.