Director of Catering & Convention Services - InterContinental Houston

JOB OVERVIEW:

Oversee all functions of the Catering/Conference/Convention Services Department. Ensure that all conferences, meetings and group activities are coordinated and managed within client expectations. Upsell client events and manage function space and room block inventory to maximize hotel profit. Ensure hotel and client fulfill group contract commitments.

At InterContinental Hotels & Resorts we want our guests to feel special, cosmopolitan and In the Know which means we need you to:

• Be charming by being approachable, having confidence and showing respect.
• Stay in the moment by understanding and anticipating guests' needs, being attentive and taking ownership of getting things done.
• Make it memorable by being knowledgeable, sharing stories and showing your style to create moments that make people feel special.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

FINANCIAL RETURNS

• Assist management in the preparation of the annual departmental operating budget, and financial plans which support the overall objectives of the hotel.
• Negotiate food and beverage prices, function space, and hotel services within approved departmental booking guidelines.

PEOPLE

• Recommend and/or initiate salary, disciplinary, or other staffing/human resources-related actions in accordance with Company rules and policies. Alert management of potentially serious issues.
• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments. Key departmental contacts include Sales Staff, Executive Chef, Banquet Manager and convention services staff and hotel Executive Committee.
• Interact with outside contacts:
  • Guests - to ensure their total satisfaction
  • Vendors - to arrange services
  • Other contacts as needed (Professional organizations, community groups)

GUEST EXPERIENCE

• Conduct banquet and catering facility tours and entertain clients in accordance with company and property policy.
• Assist clients with menu planning, food and beverage coordination, table arrangements, decoration options, etc. arrange all details of conventions to include room set-ups, staging, lighting, audiovisual, traffic flow, menus, dcor, entertainment, group room blocks, VIP services and approved method of payment. Review daily posting of charges, resolve any discrepancies in a timely manner. Follow up to ensure client satisfaction

RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

• Direct the day-to-day activities of the conference/convention service team, plan, organize, and assign work and communicate goals. Advise staff of formal policies and procedures.
• Ensure all staff is properly trained and have the tools and equipment needed to effectively carry out their job functions.
• Schedule conventions and business group activities and coordinate with other hotel-level departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients
• Plan and conduct pre-event and post-event meetings with clients and catering staff. Complete forecasts, plans, and sales production reports for management.
• Monitor and ensure all functions are set-up refreshed and broken down in compliance with scheduled times and department procedures.
• May serve as manager on duty when required.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Typically the top job responsible for the coordination and servicing of hotel's convention and/or conference space. Typically managers both professional level and administrative support employees in a full service hotel with high volume catering, banquet, and/or convention facilities.

QUALIFICATION AND REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree in marketing or related field or equivalent, and 5+ years total experience in a catering setting or related field, with direct supervisory experience over a sales/catering team, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Must speak fluent English

This job requires ability to perform the following:

• Frequently standing up or moving within and outside of the facility
• Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 25 pounds
• Handling objects

Other:

• Communication skills are utilized a significant amount of time when interacting with others; demonstrated ability to interact with guests, employees and third parties that reflect highly on the hotel, the brand and the Company.
• Reading and writing abilities are utilized often when completing paperwork and management reports, interpreting results, giving and receiving instructions, and training
• Mathematical skills, including basic math, budgeting, profit/loss concepts, percentages, and variances are utilized frequently.
• Problem solving, reasoning, motivating, organizational, and training abilities are used often.
• Ability to travel to attend workshops, tradeshows, conventions, etc..
• May require a valid Driver's License
• May be required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

At IHG, we've made a promise. As one of the world's leading hotel groups, we're here to deliver True Hospitality for Good. Making our guests and colleagues feel welcome, cared for, recognised and respected - wherever they are in the world. Want to be part of the journey?

As the world's first and most global luxury hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has pioneered international travel since the 1940s, we are passionate about sharing our renowned international know-how and cultural wisdom in truly impressive surroundings. We all take great pride in being genuine ambassadors of the InterContinental brand and to be part of the brand you will have a thirst for travel, passion for culture and appreciation for diversity. We create inspiring experiences for those seeking a richer perspective on the world. If you'd like to embrace a world of opportunities, we'd like to welcome you to the world's most international luxury hotel brand.

Don't quite meet every single requirement, but still believe you'd be a great fit for the job? We'll never know unless you hit the 'Apply' button. Start your journey with us today.