Wurzak Hotel Group is looking for an experienced Director of Catering and Convention Services to support the oversight of all aspects of conferences and social events between hotel clients and other departments at our stylish and contemporary lifestyle brand hotel, The Dalmar & Element located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida .
The Director of Catering and Convention Services is responsible for all aspects of conferences and events between the clients and other departments. This position will work closely with the hotel's Sales department. The Director of Catering and Convention Services oversees the Conference Service Manager as well as manages the events effort and supports the Director of Sales & Marketing on operational functions.
Responsibilities Develops Banquet Event Orders, Group Resumes, function room diagrams, and business correspondence
Utilize CITY system for accurate blocking of events, groups, traces, and generation of BEOs
Obtain guarantees for food and beverage functions
Obtains all information required to prepare Group Resumes
Check CITY Daily and Weekly reports
Obtain necessary approvals/permits/insurance certificates for functions
Leads pre-conference and post-conference meetings, leads departmental, and BEO meetings
Supervises all group information/changes to existing information and communicates to appropriate hotel colleagues in an accurate and timely manner
Entertain clients, as appropriate
Maintain an active trace system for all assigned groups
Visit all primary and secondary competition
Audit banquet checks for assigned groups
Contract business with approved vendors, as appropriate
Approve payment and provide backup for contracted vendor business
Direct all aspects of conferences to include but not limited to:
Food and beverage requirements
Timing of events
Audio visual requirements
Special attention guests
Room type allocation
Rooming list
Amenities
Function room setup
Group transportation
Type of check-in, check-out to include satellite check-in
Special meal requests
Arrival/departure manifests
Bag pulls
Luggage storage
Complimentary rooms
Billing instructions
Authorized signatures
Room deliveries
Telephone and internet requirements
Box storage and delivery
Power requirements
Security requirements
Key requirements
Expected F&B outlet usage
Group hospitality/office/registration desk requirements
Business center requirements
Entertainment
Leisure activities
Décor (to include floral) requirements
Refer business to approved suppliers of service/products, as necessary
When required support team members to coordinate all aspects of business luncheons, cocktail receptions, and professional dinner presentations including:
Answering inquiry calls
Replying to RFPs
Actively soliciting potential clients via telephone
Confirming function space availability and quoting associated room rental fees
Verifying that there are no conflicts with existing clients who may be industry competitors
Blocking function space in CITY
Generating and Executing Contracts
Securing Deposits and Final Method of Payment
Coordinating all logistical aspects of event as outlined on the above items
Ensuring the success of events so clients become repeat customers
Any other tasks/duties as requested by management.
The Company operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so operational demands require variations in shift days, starting and ending times, and hours worked in a week.
Education and Experience The Company may consider equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience providing the knowledge, skills and abilities cited below.
Four-year college degree in hospitality management, marketing, business or related degree or equivalent experience.
Five or more years of related experience in catering and conference services, preferably as a manager, in a luxury or lifestyle hotel property.
Familiarity with hospitality industry practices.
Ability to travel locally and overnight.
Knowledge of specific hospitality industry applications is desirable (CITY preferred).
Must have mathematical skills, computer software aptitude, and some hotel operation knowledge.
Reading, writing and oral proficiency in the English language.
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule in order to accomplish all major responsibilities and tasks.
Must be a self-motivator.
Must have the ability to handle multiple tasks at one time.
Must have superior organizational skills.
Ability to follow an appropriate course of action based on policies and procedures.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressure, while simultaneously handling competing and changing priorities.
Our Perks Competitive Salary
Paid Time Off
Medical, Dental, Vision health insurance
Robust supplemental insurance for Life, AD&D, Pets, legal and more
Wellness programs for mental, physical, and financial wellness
Hotel and travel discounts
Generous retirement/401k benefits
Education and professional development
Employee lunches and recognition programs
Who We Are Wurzak Hotel Group (WHG) is a Philadelphia-based owner, developer, and operator of premium branded full-service, extended stay, and focus service hotels. WHG’s core expertise is its unique ability to develop and operate hotels and food and beverage outlets in an entrepreneurial manner maximizing returns on the investment and developing long-term relationships with our guests.
WHG has earned and maintains its competitive advantage by developing talent within the organization who embody the same entrepreneurial spirit of our leadership team and who seek to create value through tireless innovation, tight focus on the operational details, and uncompromised guest satisfaction. Wurzak Hotel Group has a proven track record of developing and managing hospitality assets for over 30 years and continues to be recognized as one of the region’s top hospitality companies.
WHG is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture where all our team members can thrive. We have a zero-tolerance policy for workplace discrimination on the basis of someone’s race, gender, disability, or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local laws.
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