Director of Catering

Status Salaried, Exempt

Reports to Complex Director of Group Sales

GENERAL PURPOSE

This leadership position trains, supervises, and works closely with our catering associates to solicit and book Banquet and Catering functions resulting in stellar planning, smooth execution, happy and loyal customers which brings profitability!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and conduct persuasive verbal sales presentations to prospective clients.

Solicit new accounts and review previous banquet files to generate new business.

Negotiate, prepare, and write contracts and enter information in the automated sales system.

Write banquet menus, memos, and send out amenities for VIP guests.

Create special theme and menus.

Review and revise Catering Department weekly event sheets and Banquet Event Orders.

Oversee service of group functions once they are in house.

Formulate and revise annual and monthly forecasts.

Interview, hire, train, recommend performance evaluations, resolve problems, provide open communication and recommend discipline and/or termination when appropriate.

Schedule and assign in detail specific duties to all associates under supervision for the efficient operation of the Catering Department, coverage of functions in accordance with productivity standards.

Interact with clients to determine needs and direct staff accordingly.

Respond to telephone and walk-in inquiries of potential guests.

Tour and inspect banquet and meeting space daily, reporting necessary repairs.

Local travel required. Own vehicle required for sales calls.

Hours: days and times may vary based on need, must be available when personal accounts are in house.

OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform special projects and other responsibilities as assigned.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES - 3-4 employees

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Previous Catering and Sales experience is required.

Knowledge

High School Degree required.

4 year College Degree preferred.

Knowledge of Twin Cities catering market is highly desirable.

Skills

Exceptional organizational and administrative skills.

Demonstrated knowledge of guest room sales required.

Excellent communication skills including speaking, listening, reading and writing, all required to engage with both clients and associates.

Proficient vision skills required for viewing set-ups.

Outstanding comprehension skills required to develop marketing plans, create menus and programs, etc.

Abilities

Able to perform the essential functions as outlined with or without reasonable accommodation.

Lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying - tables, chairs, boxes (50 pound maximum) occasionally.

Bending, kneeling - taping down cords, skirting tables, picking up floor after function, occasionally.

Mobility - ability to service clients on moment's notice, variable distances.

Continuous standing - function observation, client site inspections (one hour minimum to four hours maximum).

Environment

Working primarily with office equipment such as phones, computers, fax machines, copies and printers.

Driving distances varies for sales calls (approximately 20%)

Inside approximately 90%, outside approximately 10%, which could include abnormal temperatures - extreme summer heat and extreme winter cold.

Benefits
Benefits including Medical, Dental, Disability and vision insurance;
401(k) including 401(k) match;
Paid Time Off (both paid sick time and vacation);
Employee Discount

Pay Range: $80,000 - $83,000 per year