Associate Director of Catering

About Us

We are a full-service luxury hotel committed to turning every single person who walks through our doors into a customer for life. We are proud to be named Conde Nast Readers #1 Hotel in Boston and #19 in the world. We regard our associates as customers, as well, and strive to offer the most desirable work environment in Boston. Our wages and benefits are competitive with other luxury hotels and fine restaurants. Our service culture and relationship with our associates are second to none. We are an employer taking care of its associates, who in turn take care of our guests. We are all about excellence and enabling our associates to achieve their fullest potential, to learn and grow with us in an environment in which promotion from within is considered a more desirable option to external recruitment. We are pleased to offer perks such as pre-tax commuter passes, incentive programs, pet insurance, and Marriott room discounts for friends and family.

We are looking for self-motivated, free-spirited, and capable people who love delighting our guests and patrons – people who genuinely love serving others and being an important part of a team that excels at it. If this sounds like you, come and see us. Don't meet every single requirement of this job? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At HEI, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still send in your information. You may be the perfect candidate for this or for other roles within our organization! We value U.S. military experience and invite all qualified military candidates to apply.

Overview

Assist the Director of Catering in the management, coordination, and execution of the Catering and Sales Departments.

Responsibilities

• Understanding of pace and productivity as well as monthly forecasting and the annual budget process.
• Optimize the catering mix of business and the use of historical data.
• Assist Director of Catering in evaluating every catering business opportunity to maximize revenue and profitability while achieving customer expectations.
• Interview, hire, train, develop, recommend performance evaluations, resolve problems, and recommend discipline and/or termination when appropriate of staff members.
• Assist in maintaining or exceeding budgeted sales and profits in all catering areas.
• Implement effective marketing plans for generating catering revenues.
• Carefully review all contracted services to assure proper contribution to profits.
• Identify trends, research the competition's products, services, and pricing and use to develop strategic business plans.
• Optimize room rental charges.
• Experience selling to a variety of market segments.
• Consistently book repeat business by having a track record of long-term client relationships.
• Actively participate in industry-related organizations (NACE, MPI).
• Thorough knowledge of sales techniques including strong closing skills as well as negotiating skills.
• Comfortable with hotel site inspections and client presentations.
• Participate in trade shows and sales blitzes.
• Track record of strong prospecting efforts.
• Actively participate in community/civic activities to maintain awareness within the community and to create booking opportunities.
• Excellent creative skills to provide innovative set-ups, menus, and functions for groups. Ability to generate creative and innovative menus while working closely with Chef on pricing specialty menus.
• Work closely with Director of Catering and banquet department on operations and event execution. Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Experience providing A/V equipment and operating A/V as a profit center.
• Excellent knowledge of computers, specifically Delphi, Word, and Excel. Utilization of the Delphi trace and activity tools while conducting business.
• Monitor group room blocks and pick up, generate detailed resumes for the operating departments.
• Ability to work with outside vendors to ensure client satisfaction for all events/groups.
• Detailed execution of all banquet event orders generated by the entire Catering and Convention Services Department.
• Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis.
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in the field of hospitality with specific experience in catering sales.
• Associate or Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Must possess computer skills, including, but not limited to, use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Delphi. Knowledge of computer accounting programs, math skills, as well as budgetary analysis capabilities required. Extensive knowledge of catering sales & convention services skills, revenue management, recruitment, supervision, training, and motivation of managers.
• Knowledge of hotel operations, including marketing plans, security and safety programs, personnel and labor relations, preparation of business plans, repairs, maintenance, budget forecasting, quality assurance programs, hospitality law, and long-range planning.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences, such as effectively communicating with supervisors, coworkers, public, etc.

Benefits

HEI Hotels and Resorts is committed to providing a comprehensive benefit program that offers you choices for your physical, mental, and financial wellness, creating value in your most important investment - you! For your physical and mental wellness, we offer competitive Medical and Dental programs through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as well as Vision insurance programs through EyeMed. Our Vacation, Sick, and Holiday programs are available for you to rejuvenate with time off. HEI also provides pet insurance through the ASPCA. For your financial wellness, HEI provides a wide array of coverage, including Supplemental, Spousal, and Child Life insurance as well as Short and Long-Term Disability plans. Our 401(k) Savings Plan with matching funds, and discounts through our 'YouDecide' and Hotel Room Discount programs provide additional incentives for choosing HEI as the employer of your future. Specific details and eligibility of these programs vary by location and employment status.

Work today, get paid today! We proudly partner with DailyPay, a voluntary benefit that allows our associates access to their earnings when they want them.

HEI Hotels and Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.