Director of Catering

Who You Are

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is diverse, inspiring and vibrant. As Director ofCatering, you will be part of a team that prides itself on excellent service, driving inclusion & belonging, working collaboratively, demonstrating mutual respect and having a passion for providing exceptional client experiences. Your role is vital to the success of Four Seasons New York Downtown.

You will be able to shape your work environment by contributing to new ideas, offer solutions and find ways to collaborate with all departments being at the heart of the operation. In return you will be provided with the same level of care that we expect to be shared with our employees and all backed by our impressive Employee Value Proposition.

• You are enthusiastic, optimistic and passionate.
• You are self-driven and solution oriented.
• You are invested in your team, you listen, care about their development and celebrate your team's success.
• You set expectations and know to 'inspect what you expect'.
• You foster inclusion and embrace diversity.
• You take feedback as an opportunity to help you grow.
• You work smart, you are organized and have a strategy to achieve your goals.

• You plan your tasks carefully, you are pro-active and organized ensuring you're effective.
• You are client obsessed and create opportunities to connect in meaningful ways, building lasting relationships.
• You have integrity and your actions match your words.

Basic Purpose

To oversee all aspects of a profit and service driven Catering and Conference Services Department.

Essential Functions

• Achieve assigned Sales Goals for Catering F&B, Room Rental and Banquets Miscellaneous
• Responsible for the achievement of the Departmental Budget and Department sales goals
• Maintain strong Catering booking pace
• Create networks of suppliers that mirror Four Seasons standards who we will work with on events
• In addition, Supervision of the Managers and administrative staff in their day-to-day roles
• Review for accuracy and assign to the Conference Services Managers all booking turnovers from the Sales Department.
• Prepare with analysis the Catering and Conference Services weekly 3-Month financial forecast, month end financial summaries, and contribute to the annual Marketing Plan and Budget.
• Complete periodic audits of the Account and Booking Data in Delphi, to include but not exclusive to Conflict Report, Account Traces, Post Conference Reports.
• Evaluate current sales practices and make recommendations to maximize the profitability of the Catering and Conference Services resources.
• Oversee the quarterly administration and seek new ways to motivate and maximize revenues with the Catering and Conference Services Incentive plans
• Finalize the requirements of assigned Conference Services bookings while maximizing revenue potential through up selling and ensuring effective communication both written (Resumes, BEO, Daily Reports) Ensure accuracy on completion of program or event.
• Supervise the execution of banquet events.. Ensure satisfaction of client at the outset of all events. Make timely and impromptu decisions, which balance client's needs with the financial, safety and staffing goals of the hotel.
• Find solutions to the inevitable challenges and glitches that arise while groups are on property and keep Director of Marketing and Planning Committee promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters so prompt corrective action can be taken where appropriate.
• Maintain knowledge of hotel facilities, capacities and dimensions of meeting space and basic operational needs of all operating departments.
• Plan and/or attend and/or participate in meetings with hotel staff and clients
• Conduct performance evaluations and mentor Conference Service Managers, and Administrative Assistants to develop and prepare for future promotion within Four Seasons. Facilitate and monitor training, terminating, or disciplining underperforming employee.
• Respond according to the crisis management plan to any resort emergency or safety situation.
• Comply with Four Seasons standards for sales and marketing, while working harmoniously and professionally with co-workers and planning committee.
• Comply with Four Seasons Category One and Two Work Rules and Standards of Conduct as set forth in EmPact.

Non-essential Functions

• Assist with all inquires within the sales and catering department, including assistance with high telephone volume and walk-in site inspections.
• Recruit future employees and managers, and support the public relations efforts of the resort.
• Act as the liaison for all vendor/supplier related client needs, (i.e. Audio Visual, Florists, Entertainment, Transportation, DMC, Off-site Locations etc).
• Periodically host and ensure maximum effectiveness of Banquet Event Order Meetings, and Resume meetings.
• Perform other tasks or projects as assigned by hotel management.

Knowledge and Skills

• Education: College Preferred
• Experience: 5 Years experience as a Catering or Conference Services Manager in a full service resort or hotel, 3 of which at the Assistant Director level or higher.
• Skills and Abilities: Excellent reading, writing & oral proficiency in the English Language. Proven interpersonal skills with a track record of successful client interactions. Coaching and People Development Skills. Good organizational skills.Ability to multitask. Attention to detail. High level of creativity. Able to negotiate, organize, delegate & work under pressureBasic knowledge of audio-visual equipment, telecommunication technology - helpful.Knowledge of Delphi Sales and Catering SoftwareComputer literacy to include MS Word, Excel, and ability to use e-mail and Internet

Schedule

• Ability to work long and irregular hours, weekends, and evenings.
• Travel required: None
• Hours required: Since your position is at a managerial level, you will be expected to work the hours necessary for the successful completion of your objectives, without receiving overtime pay.

What to Expect: You Will

• Be part of a cohesive team with opportunities to build a successful career with global potential
• Have access to a robust benefit plan
• Have the opportunity to engage in diverse and challenging work
• Derive a sense of pride in work well done
• Be recognized for excellence

Learn more about what it is like to work at Four Seasons - visit us:

• We look forward to receiving your application
• Please note that due to the large number of responses we receive, only candidates being considered for the above position will be contacted for an interview.