Director of Conference Services and Catering

Enrich Your Career. Celebrate Creativity.

We welcome enthusiastic individuals to join our team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing a personalized coastal luxury experience to our guests. Our team members are empowered to craft unforgettable moments and create enduring memories with every interaction.

Since 1948, Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach has been an iconic oceanfront landmark in the community. As an integral part of JC Resorts, a family-owned company and distinguished leader in managing and operating premier golf and resort destinations, we provide competitive and progressive benefits including complimentary meals, hotel/golf/spa discounts, employee recognition programs and more!

To complete an APPLICATION please click on the following website: https://apply.jobappnetwork.com/surf-sand-careers/en

Or contact the Human Resources office direct line 949-376-2764 for additional information.

ESSENTIAL PURPOSE: To produce all aspects of a profit and service driven Conference Services & Catering department while personally planning and servicing corporate and social business through discretion and independent judgment.

The expected base wage range for this position is: $110,000 to $125,000 per year. This position may be eligible for additional compensation according to the Company's policies, as they may be amended from time to time.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

• To embody the values and culture of Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach as a member of the EOC (Executive Operational Committee), and to exhibit highest and genuine level of hospitality for external and internal guests
• To attend/lead Conference Services and Catering weekly meeting, BEO review meeting, and resume review meeting.
• To assist in monthly Catering & Banquet revenue forecasting.
• To plan and/or attend and/or participate in meetings with hotel staff and clients, including but not exclusive to: Daily Line Up, Resume, Banquet Event Order, Sales, Pre-Conference, Staff, F&B Meetings, Menu Tastings, and Site Visits.
• To annually research and present a comp set of Banquet and Catering menus and pricing.
• To collaborate with the Executive Chef and Director of Operations in food and beverage banquet and catering menus, planning, preparation, and pricing.
• To collaborate with the Marketing team for edits and visual appeal of the Banquet and Catering menus in accordance with Resort’s branding.
• To annually visit comp set for reference of event presentation.
• To develop relationships with vendors for best ratio of quality, pricing and service for Resort’s respective clients and guests.
• To provide creative ideas in strategic promotion of Catering for the hotel.
• To assist in the hiring, training and leading of the Senior Catering Sales Manager, Catering Sales Manager, Assistant Conference Services Manager and Event Coordinators.
• To maintain a high level of accuracy and effectiveness of all written communication. These procedures include but are not limited to: Menu and Event Proposals, Contracts, Banquet Event Orders, Resumes, Daily Events Report, and Delphi/FDC Input Standards.
• To finalize the requirements of all events while maximizing revenue potential through up selling and ensuring effective communication, both written (Resumes, BEO, Daily Reports) and personal contact, with all departments for the success of the event.
• To ensure accuracy of Banquet Checks and provide bill review on completion of program or event.
• To supervise the execution of banquet events, review all function space with banquet manager, and ensure satisfaction of client at the outset of all events.
• To find solutions to the inevitable challenges and glitches that arise while groups are on property.
• To maintain knowledge of hotel facilities, capacities and dimensions of meeting space and basic operational needs of all operating departments.
• To make timely and impromptu decisions, which balance clients’ needs with the financial, safety and staffing goals of the hotel.
• To act as the liaison for when working with client vendors (i.e. audio visual, florist, transportation, DMC, etc.)
• To conduct performance evaluations for Managers and Coordinators.
• To respond according to the crisis management plan to any resort emergency or safety situation.
• To be responsible for identifying and attending professional events and trade shows throughout the year to target new business for the hotel and monitor best practices and trends.
• To perform additional duties as requested by the Director of Operations.
• To work sometimes long and irregular hours, weekends, and evenings.

QUALIFICATIONS: College education preferred. 3 years of experience as a Catering & Conference Services Manager in a full-service resort or hotel. English fluency required. Excellent reading, writing and oral proficiency in the English language. Comprehensive knowledge of F&B operations, guest relations and luxury level service standards. Knowledge and proficiency of Microsoft Office applications. Knowledge of all applicable federal, state and local health and safety regulations. Basic knowledge of audio-visual equipment, internet, telecommunication technology. Knowledge and proficiency of Salesforce FDC Sales and Catering Software preferred. Valid California driver’s license required. Proof of personal automobile insurance coverage required.

SKILLS AND APTITUDES: Highly motivated leader and self-starter. Innate ability to take the initiative to identify and take on projects to continuously improve the guest experience sales mindset. Proven interpersonal skills with a track record of successful client interactions. Coaching and people development skills. Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and a positive attitude toward all guests and co-workers. Excellent organization skills, strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task. Able to negotiate, organize, and delegate. Strong efficiency in utilizing the Internet as a resource and promotion of hotel offering on Wedding Websites (The Knot, Wedding Wire, etc.). Excellent conflict resolution skills. Must be able to make decisions quickly. High level of creativity with food and beverage menu proposals.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS: Sits at desk approximately 70% of shift. Stands/walks approximately 30% of shift. Bends, stoops, reaches, and lifts to perform routine job tasks. Must be able to work well under pressure. Moderate use of stairs, daily. Requires extensive periods of reading and computer focus to perform routine job tasks. Fast-paced work environment and must be able to work well under pressure. Guest facing position that may handle conflict and/or encounter individuals who may be upset and emotional at times.

TRAVEL: This position is subject to travel for work in relation to attending professional events and/or trade shows throughout the year.

REMOTE WORK: This position is not eligible to work remotely. The candidate must be able to work in-person during normal business hours.

If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law and you wish to discuss potential accommodation related to applying for employment at our company, please contact us at 855-318-8947 and/or email us at accessibility@jcresorts.com

JC Resorts is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and maintaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach proudly holds accolades such as being named one of Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards' Top Resorts in Southern California, recognized by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best, and is a distinguished member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts, boasting an esteemed AAA Four Diamond rating for over two decades.

Surf & Sand Resort | 1555 South Coast Highway | Laguna Beach, CA 92651
www.surfandsandresort.com HR direct line: (949) 376-2764