Director of Catering and Convention Services

Overview

Montelucia Resort and Spa

Nestled at the foot of the picturesque Camelback Mountain in the exclusive enclave of Paradise Valley, the Montelucia Resort & Spa features 253 luxurious guestrooms, 38 suites and two presidential suites.

The property’s distinctive architecture is inspired by the rich history, white-washed villages and sun-drenched hills of Spain’s Andalusia region.

The property also includes the award-winning Moroccan inspired Joya Spa, three resort pools and five dining options including the critically acclaimed restaurant, Prado.

The resort, which is adjacent to the cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale, offers easy access to golf, recreation, nightlife and entertainment.

Job Description

Lead and oversee the Catering and Conference Services Team to provide successful and memorable events to brand standards, while maximizing profitability, and ensuring the integrity of the guest experience.

Responsibilities

Overall Strategy :

• Successfully, innovatively, and timely implement the strategic initiatives and monitor for best-in-class results set forth by Omni Hotels and Resorts and the Executive Committee at Omni Montelucia
• Drive innovation, creativity and create high-impact event experiences in partnership with the banquets team and culinary team
• Ensure that high quality service standards are maintained through continuous reviews of processes and procedures
• Actively support the sales process, both Group and Catering.
• Responsible for monthly banquets and catering forecasting.
• Responsible for yearly budget building, implementation and achieving goals.

Leadership :

• Oversee, lead and guide team consisting of Catering Sales Managers, Catering Service Managers, Conference Service Managers, and Catering Coordinator.
• Provide overall leadership and direction in all Events matters.
• Serve as the hotel’s credible Subject Matter Expert on all matters relating to event experience
• Serve as a highly visible, participatory leader who proactively and consistently engages with their General Manager / Executive Committee, Sales, Catering and Events team members, external guests, and suppliers
• Remain current on event trends to evaluate innovative ways for process / practice improvements and shares best practices
• Participate or represent in industry social / meeting / events professional associations
• Motivate and provide a work environment in which team members are productive
• Ensure all Event manager roles have career development plans in place that are actively supported by leadership and profiles are current for succession planning
• Listen and respond to team members needs while having an open-door policy
• Manage group and interpersonal conflict effectively
• Create and maintain a good working relationship with fellow department heads and Executive Committee members.

Essential Functions & Job Description :

• Responsible for planning, evaluating, organizing, and directing the activities of Conference Coordinators, Conference Services Managers, Catering Sales Managers and Catering Service Managers.
• Responsible for ensuring that all policies, procedures and guidelines are followed by department personnel.
• Responsible for taking on group business and / or catering events when in season to support the team and operation from start to finish.
• Responsible for anticipating needs, forecasting results, analyzing and arranging work processes for personnel in the departments.
• Participates in the final interview process and is responsible for hiring all departmental personnel.
• Ensures that all procedures, policies, and guidelines, as established by Omni Hotels and Resorts, are being followed by department personnel.
• Establishes and maintains efficient office procedures to facilitate the smooth operation of the department.
• Attends weekly meetings assigned by the GM and / or DOSM.
• Approve all catering contracts and all group meeting space prior to being sent to the client.
• Ensures that all file turnover requirements (from Sales to Conference Services) are fulfilled.
• Advises hotel department heads of special requirements of groups coming into the hotel.
• Ensure catering sales meet budgeted levels and quarterly production goals.
• Set yearly catering goals with DOSM.
• Ensure smooth flow of information (communication) from Sales to Banquet Services and the Food & Beverage Department.
• Has a high-level working knowledge of Food & Beverage product offerings.
• Assist managers with high demand times which includes nights and weekends and support them and the operation in the success of their events.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in luxury catering sales along with Hotel Convention Services background in a dynamic environment.
• Previous Director level experience strongly preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• College degree preferred.
• Knowledge of the operations of the hotel industry.
• Dynamic, enthusiastic, creative leader who thrives under pressure and is able to perform multiple functions and troubleshot when needed.
• Must have proven selling, negotiating and presentation skills.
• Highly developed customer service skills with strong attention to detail.
• Proficient computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook. Delphi experience preferred.
• The ability to delegate, effectively train and coach.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including night, weekends and holidays.

Omni Hotels & Resorts is an equal opportunity employer - vets / disability.