Director of Catering

What’s in it for you…

• Insurance enrollment available from DAY 1!
• Paid time off available from DAY 1!
• Holiday pay available from DAY 1!
• 401(k) enrollment after 30 days!
• Hotel and travel discounts at worldwide destinations!
• Professional development and promotion opportunities!

The impact you’ll make…

The Director of Catering will be responsible for the overall operation of a catering facility, involving not only running the catering facility during an event, but also handling all the preparation before and after the event. Works closely with clients to ensure their event is a success, andfollow up with the client to get feedback after the event itself, as well.  Not only manages client relations, but also maintains employee and vendor relations to run a successful catering facility.

What you’ll be doing…

• Meet with clients to capture catering order specifics, such as menu dishes, dates and times, logistical requirements in regards to tables and chairs
• Draft and submit the sales contract to client for review, approval and payment
• Report progress of catering sales to the Director of Sales and Marketing as applicable.
• Ensure operational compliance with health and fire regulations regarding food preparation and serving
• Coordinate with banquet and culinary departments with detailed event orders
• Investigate and resolve complaints regarding food quality or service.
• Weekly outside sales calls and site visit.
• Represent the hotel at expos, conventions and industry mixers
• Other duties as assigned.
• Supervisory Responsibilities
• Identify and resolves problems in a timely manner.
• Work well in group problem solving situations and uses reason when dealing with emotional topics. Develops alternative solutions.
• Contribute to building a positive team spirit.
• Develop team goals that are fully aligned with the company goals
• Lead and coach the team to recruit and retain high caliber staff
• Provide coaching, guidance and support, set professional development plans to assist employees to reach their full potential through the Performance Management process.
• Ensure the team delivers the highest standard of departmental, cross departmental and cross foundation teamwork and customer service
• Ensure optimal deployment of resources to achieve business goals

You should be able to…

• Analyze bids and understand budgets.
• Display orientation to profitability and aligns work with strategic goals. Develops and implements cost saving measures, conserves organizational resources and works within approved budget.
• Ability to meet deadlines with frequent change delays and unexpected events.

Requirements…

• Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel or Restaurant Management or related courses
• 2 - 3 years of experience in a similar sales management capacity is preferred. Previous hospitality industry experience preferred

About First Hospitality…

Founded in 1985 and based in Chicago, First Hospitality is a forward-thinking hotel development, investment, and management company.  First Hospitality’s strategic vision is to create value for all through excellence and an openness to doing things differently.

First Hospitality seeks to attract and retain a high-performing and diverse workforce in which employee’s differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the customers we serve.  FH fosters an inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, flexibility, and fairness.  Equal Opportunity Employer.