Overview: The Director of Catering and Conference Services is responsible for the creation and maintenance of a hotel-wide catering culture contributing to the top-line growth of the property and integral part of the hotel's relationship with the community. Through leadership of the catering and conference service team, the Director establishes standards of performance, acquisition of business and helps set pricing levels to exceed the budgeted goals of the property. As the catering leader for the property, the Director actively participates in the development of the annual strategic and tactical plans and partners with other departments to ensure the execution and sales positioning for catering and banquets is in-line with the overall marketing and sales position for the property. Duties and Responsibilities * Be the leader of hotel top-line banquet and catering operations creating a culture of excellence through the establishment of expectations and personal accountability * Direct and supervise activities of the catering and conference services team to establish the premiere catering sales team in the DC Metro Market * Partner with the University of Maryland wherever possible to strengthen the relationship, identify new revenue opportunities and create a positive position within the College Park and University community * Establish service and performance standards for catering, conference services and outline level of service delivery for banquet and catering events * Actively prospect/solicit and qualify new business for the hotel * Negotiate Food Beverage rates, meeting room rental, and function space and/or hotel services within approved booking guidelines * Accurately produce and/or review all catering contracts and/or banquet event orders * Work closely with other hotel departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients * Produce monthly catering sales-related reports and forecasts for assigned area of responsibility * Arrange and conduct special events, site inspections, and off-site presentations for potential clients * Attend industry events/networking meetings to obtain new business, and also keep a pulse on industry trends, etc. * Coordinate, supervise and\or direct all banquet and catering business before after it is booked and through completion of the event or function, while maintaining profitable operations and high quality products and service levels * Act as a liaison between client and operating departments to ensure a successful meeting and to generate repeat business * Effectively manage staff through respectful communication, clear expectations, relevant training, productive coaching, holding regular team meetings, and appropriate performance management * Interview, hire, counsel, schedule, lead, develop and supervise staff. Contribute to the team's effort by accomplishing tasks and assisting with projects as needed * Assist with completion of the Annual Marketing Plan and Budget * Familiarity with all hotel services/features and local attractions/activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately * Contribute to the team's success by accomplishing tasks and assisting with projects as needed * Maintain knowledge and compliance with departmental policies, service procedures, and standards * Availability during peak operating times, ie: Weekends, Holidays and Special Events * Work as a team member to ensure our guests have the best possible experience * Understand company's emergency procedures and be able to apply them when necessary * Attend department meetings and training sessions as necessary * Other duties as assigned by Manager and/or Supervisor * Support Southern Management's Mission, Vision, and Values * Comply with Southern Management's policies and procedures * Lead by example, be a positive example for team in action and attitude * Delegate work as appropriate, stating clearly objectives and time-line requirements * Monitor and evaluate employees' successful completion of work * Encourage effective teamwork * Responsible management of department budget * Work collaboratively with others to analyze and improve work processes * Positive interaction with all levels of management and vendors Skills Required * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Compute basic arithmetic and mathematical calculations * Organized and detail oriented * Excellent time management skills * Excellent interpersonal skills * Sound leadership and managerial skills * Ability to work effectively in stressful, high-pressure situations while maintaining composure and guest satisfaction * Technical knowledgeable and competency in necessary systems and software: * [Outlook, Word, Excel, accounting software, Maestro, Delphi, Social Tables, etc.] Key Performance Indicators * * * Exhibits the following performance expectations: * Teamwork * Dependability * Communication * Understands Role, Responsibilities and Job Skills * Time Management and Planning * Quality of Work * Safety * Adhere to response time policy * Adhere to schedule/work hours * Cooperate professionally with other departments to accomplish the goals of the department * Resolve concerns in a timely, courteous, professional manner. Communicate solutions to involved parties and follow up [as appropriate, within 24 or 48 hours] * Work is completed in a timely, professional manner, based on expectations and deadlines * Performance Appraisals, including Development Plans, for all team members are completed by due date * Hold periodic, monthly, weekly and daily department meetings based on property policy * Maintain controlled expenses to budget * Menus are created and managed successfully, resulting in positive feedback and repeat business from clients and appropriate profits that increase at a pre-determined rate by specific points in the fiscal year * High Guest satisfaction and meeting attendees feedback per Meeting Scope surveys * Organizational Awareness / Civic Social Responsibility * * Have and embrace a thorough understanding and knowledge of Southern Management Corporation's Strategic Foundation -- it's Mission, Vision, and Values. Promote awareness of how work performance has an impact on community, hospitality, commercial and corporate team measures, as well as Southern Management Corporation as a whole. * Promote Southern Management Corporation's Strategic Foundation and ensures goals are aligned with the company's Mission, Vision, and Values; taking innovative approaches to foster performance excellence and continuous improvement. * Communicate, encourage and support social responsibility and participation in company events and special projects which impact the greater community, region, state or cause. * Act as a positive role model of organizational awareness by promoting the success of Southern Management Corporation and its diverse communities, hotels, and office buildings.