Director of Catering and Convention Services at Sonesta Hotels

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

15 May, 26

Salary

105000.0

Posted On

14 Feb, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Catering Sales, Convention Services, Sales Strategy, Account Management, Profit Maximization, Client Relations, Contract Review, Menu Planning, Event Coordination, Budgeting, Team Leadership, Upselling, Function Space Management, Inventory Management, Financial Reporting, Negotiation

Industry

Hospitality

Description

We’re Sonesta International Hotels. The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast. An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect. Together We Thrive—bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting. Job Description Summary Develop and implement the total sales and marketing strategies of the catering department, including securing new accounts, maintaining existing accounts, and executing sales and marketing tactical plans to maximize the profitability of the hotel while maintaining guest satisfaction. Oversee all functions of the Conference/Conventions 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. Job Description Principle duties and responsibilities (Essential Functions) include: Operational/Functional: Direct the day-to-day activities of the catering and conference services team. Advise staff of formal policies and procedures. Develop and maintain relationships with key clients in support of food & beverage sales, and catering/banquet services. Establish client base of organizations, associations and commercial business through direct outside sales efforts for the purpose of securing business for the hotel. Accurately produce and/or review all sales contracts, rate agreements, and/or banquet/catering event orders. Identify operational problems that impact the effectiveness of overall catering sales performance and work closely with appropriate departments on solutions. 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 and or catering events to include room set-ups, staging, lighting, audiovisual, traffic flow, menus, décor, entertainment, group room blocks, VIP services, and approved method of payment. Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments. Key departmental contacts include Executive Chef, other sales staff, Banquet Department and/or convention services staff, and other hotel Executive Committee members.Interact with outside contacts: Guests – to ensure their total satisfaction Vendors – to arrange services Other contacts as needed (Professional organizations, community groups) 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. Monitor and ensure all functions are set-up, refreshed and broken down in compliance with scheduled times and department procedures. Perform other duties as assigned. May serve as manager on duty when required. Strategy and Planning: Negotiate food and beverage prices, function space, and hotel services within approved departmental booking guidelines. Work closely with Executive Chef on menu design and concepts pricing for catering events. Plan and conduct pre-event and post-event meeting with clients and catering staff. Financial Management:Assist management in the preparation of the annual departmental operating budget, and financial plans which support the overall objectives of the hotel. Review daily posting of charges, resolve any discrepancies in a timely manner. Follow-up to ensure guest satisfaction. Achieve budgeted revenues and personal sales goals. Complete forecasts, plans, and sales production reports. Managing your Team - Attract and retain the best talent Develop and motivate a catering team that is responsible for developing new accounts, maintaining existing accounts, and implementing catering strategies to achieve catering revenue goals and maximize profits for the hotel, while maintaining guest satisfaction. 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. Ensure team members receive proper training applicable to their position and career aspirations and in accordance with company policy and/or local laws Responsible for monitoring, measuring, and recognizing performance of team members who directly report to the role and indirect reports Support, comply and promote company initiative, policies and guidelines. Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner Leading with Passion Responsible for ensuring success through the eyes of employees, guests, and owners Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and corporate office Capable of influencing employees to perform to their highest standard and establishing a trusting environment to enrich the culture Focus on the mission and well-being of the department, hotel, and company as a whole Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect Bachelor's Degree in marketing or related field or equivalent 3+ years’ 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 Other languages preferred Demonstrable expertise in analysis and action taking Excellent oral and written communication Excellent organization skills Appropriate professional appearance and demeanor Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint 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. Additional Job Information/Anticipated Pay Range * Pay range $95,000 to $105,000 Non-Union: The base pay offered may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and specific/overall experience. Minimum Wage: Base pay offered is reflective of minimum wage requirement. Sonesta Recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. Employees are offered a variety of benefits including: * Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance * Paid Vacation and Sick Days * Holidays and Personal Days (Floaters) All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. * 401(k) Retirement Plan Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered.

Responsibilities

The Director will develop and execute sales and marketing strategies for the catering department to maximize hotel profitability while overseeing all functions of the Conference/Conventions Services Department to ensure client expectations are met. Key duties involve directing the daily activities of the team, securing new business, managing contracts, and coordinating all logistical details for group activities and events.