Director of Catering & Convention Services

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain training and retraining programs for all Catering Sales and Conference Services associates.
• Execute the personnel functions of the department by interviewing applicants, evaluating, reviewing, and disciplining current employees.
• Develop and conduct persuasive verbal sales presentations to prospective clients.
• Schedule and assign in detail, specific duties to all associates under supervision for the efficient operation of the Catering and Convention Services Department, coverage of functions in accordance with productivity standards.
• Solicit new accounts, review previous event contracts, and lost business reports to generate business.
• Formulate compelling and persuasive proposals; negotiate and prepare contracts.
• Ensure accurate and timely Banquet Event Orders.
• Schedule and facilitate Banquet Event Order meetings with catering, convention services, and operations teams.
• Ensure timely and accurate information is logged into Sales CRM in accordance with departmental SOPS.
• Formulate and make revisions to weekly, monthly, and annual forecasts.
• Assist in the development and update of beverage minimum spend expectations, room rental schedules, free sell dates, and upselling benchmarks to respond to market demands.
• Optimize revenue generation by ensuring rental, food, and beverage minimums and upselling initiatives are in place and deployed by the catering sales team.
• Create and drive the event timeline from contract negotiation to post-conference wrap-up.
• Manage post-event activities: organize and lead meetings with Hotel Operations Departments; recommend improvements.
• Create menus, special themes, and signature items in tandem with the Culinary team.
• Maintain close communication with the setup team & AV Department sales and setup.
• Maintain open communication with the Director of Sales & Marketing, the Food and Beverage Director, and the General Manager.
• Perform any reasonable request as assigned or directed by the Director of Sales & Marketing.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of DOC experience, ideally in a hotel environment.
• College degree preferred or similar experience.

About Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

A downtown Cincinnati icon since 1931, the Netherland Plaza's authentic French Art Deco architecture and design are recognized as a National Historic Landmark. We offer three unique ballrooms and a host of adjoining, bespoke spaces to meet a variety of event needs.

We are located in the heart of the city center, just steps from theaters, museums, blue-chip corporate headquarters, and stadiums. In addition, our restaurant and lounge offer an amazing ambiance to enjoy a crafted cocktail, a small bite, or a lavish meal.