Director of Catering - Convention Services Job Listing at Transwestern in Houston, TX (Job ID R0005497)

Description

Four dynamic, integrated companies make up the Transwestern enterprise, giving us the perspective to think broadly, deeply and creatively about commercial real estate. Clients and investors rely on us for expertise that spans institutional and opportunistic investment, development, hospitality, and brokerage and asset services. Our award-winning, collaborative culture empowers team members with resources and independence to work across boundaries in pursuit of innovative solutions, reinforcing a reputation for service excellence that translates to measurable results. Through offices nationwide and alliance partners around the globe, we positively impact the built environment and our communities while fostering a work climate that champions career vitality for all. Learn more at transwestern.com and @Transwestern.

Transwestern Hospitality Group (THG), a full-service hospitality investment, development, and operating company, specializes in the full-service luxury boutique hotel sector. Part of the Transwestern companies and nationally recognized for venue activations and placemaking capabilities, THG brings forward-thinking ideas and applications to hospitality which enhance property performance, and harness the power of Transwestern's diverse, integrated platform to execute at the highest level.

Transwestern is built on a common purpose - Empowering Good People to do Extraordinary Things Together.  We are committed to the hiring of smart, passionate, hard-working people who understand the benefits of both collaboration and independence.

POSITION SUMMARY:

POSITION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Business Results

• Oversees all day-to-day operations for the Banquet/Catering sales effort.

• Provides positive and aggressive leadership to ensure maximum revenue potential; sets example with personal booking goals.

• Creates and maintains an office environment conducive to effective selling and customer advocacy.

• Participates in the development and management of the Banquet/Catering sales revenue and operating budgets. Provides input for developing forecasts.

• Effectively develops and manages relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external.

• Assist the Director of Sales to analyze market information through Delphi and implement catering strategy to achieve the hotel's financial catering goals.

• Assists Revenue Management and the Group Sales Manager with completing accurate projections.

• Assists the Director of Sales (DOS) to approve space release for catering to maximize revenue.

• Develops, implements, and sustains an aggressive solicitation program focused on increasing local catering business.

• Works with management team to create and implement a catering sales marketing plan addressing revenue, customers and the market.

• Assists with the development and implementation of catering promotions, both internal and external.

• Works collaboratively with off-property sales channels to ensure the property needs are being achieved and the sales efforts are complementary, not duplicative.

• Conducts outside catering sales calls based upon set individual monthly goals.

• Conducts prospecting and solicitation goals based upon set individual monthly goals.

• Completes Catering/Sales components of the Marketing Plan (updated quarterly) including strategic action plans for all relevant market segments, booking channels and revenue streams.

• Sets Banquet/Catering goals and objectives with DOS, utilizing goal-setting models and market knowledge. Ensures strategies and tactics are in place to achieve RPOGR (revenue per occupied group room) goals.

• Develop working menu with the Executive Chef to ensure profitability and customer satisfaction.

• Establishes Banquet/Catering booking guidelines with the DOS, based on historical data and forecasts to maximize revenue.

• Prepares and presents catering information for property reviews with owner representatives and corporate executives.

• Reviews Banquet/Catering pace reports with DOS and reforecast Weekly 30/60/90-Day Budget with the DOS and the Director of Revenue Management.

• Evaluates new and incremental business opportunities/promotions to maximize revenue for the hotel.

• Completes Banquet/Catering Sales Activity Critiques (weekly/monthly/quarterly) with information that explains productivity, provides insights into opportunities and threats, and updates the stakeholders with market news.   

• Continuously looks for ways to improve guest experience at all touchpoints in the banquet and catering experience

• Works closely with the chef and culinary team on ways to improve food presentations, execution, service and average checks.

• Other duties as assigned (The Hotel operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so operational demands require variations in shift days, starting times, and hours worked in a week)

Guest Satisfaction

• Ensures a high level of customer satisfaction and builds long-term, mutually beneficial customer relationships to support future revenue growth. 

• Coordinates and communicates verbally and in writing with customers (internal and external) regarding event details. Follows up with the customer post-event.

• Makes presence known to customer at all times.

• Greets customer during the event phase and hands-off to the Convention Services department for the execution of details. Is available to solve problems and/or suggest alternatives to previous arrangements.

• Displays leadership in guest hospitality and ensures consistent, high-level service throughout all phases of hotel events.  Ensures products and services sold to the Event Planners meet or exceed their expectations, create loyalty, and lead to increased market share.

• Sets a positive example for guest relations.

• Interact with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.  Effectively responds to and handles guest problems and complaints.

• Reviews Guest Service Results with leaders.  Participates in the development and implementation of corrective action plans.

• Utilizes Delphi or other hotel system to capture and manage customer information on a daily basis.

Leadership

• Demonstrates commitment to Transwestern Hospitality operating principles and philosophies.

• Holds self and others accountable for achieving results.

• Addresses conflict in a timely manner.

• Contributes to team results.

• Deals with change effectively.

• Makes decisions, including employees/team and commits to a course of action with available information.

Building Relationships

• Manages lead processes to ensure prompt and thorough response to inquiries.

• Promotes and tracks lead referrals from NSOs, and Scout leads.

• Administers Banquet/Catering Sales Smart Goals.

• Uses opportunities to promote individual and team successes.

• Always applies the principles of trust, honesty, respect, integrity and commitment.

• Attends Morning, Daily BEO and Departmental Meetings, representing Catering and Convention Services.

• Recognizes and celebrates team successes.

• Balances the interest of one's own group with the interests of the organization.

• Facilitates beneficial resolution of team conflict.

• Uses team member diversity to its fullest extent to achieve business success.

• Encourages others to share their points of view even if different from his/her own.

• Shares relevant information to help others understand and support business objectives.

• Uses technology effectively to communicate and influence throughout the organization.

• Demonstrates business ethics and personal integrity.

Managing Work Execution

• Consistently meets/exceeds personal revenue production goals.

• Approves Local Catering space releases in accordance with the stated policies.

• Completes ROIs on new projects/ expenditures not forecasted .

• Manages completion of new projects as they arise.

• Audits Delphi and creates follow-up action plans as needed.

• Seeks out others for information, support, guidance and assistance.

• Develops and uses systems to organize and keep track of information.

Organizational Learner

• Attends different departmental line-up meetings and communicates information.

• Supports Public Relations' initiatives.

• Review catering sales strategies and provides feedback.

• Updates SOP's as needed with DOS.

• Acts independently to improve and increase skills and knowledge.

• Demonstrates an awareness of personal strengths and areas for professional improvement.

• Shares learning, innovations, and best practices with others.

• Is willing to learn from others.

• Performs all technical/procedural requirements of the job.

• Uses current best methodologies to manage smaller scale projects.

• Understands revenue management functions and account profitability.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a minimum of (5+) year of progressive Banquet and Catering sales experience in a luxury environment.

• Proven track record of a consistent ability to exceed sales goals.

• Previous sales leadership experience preferred.

• Knows how to conduct research on the Internet.

• Weekly prospecting and soliciting goals.

• Effective sales skills to up-sell products and services.

• Strong presentation and platform skills.

• Knowledge of menu planning, food presentation, banquet and event service operations.

• Ability to manage guest room and meeting space inventories.

• Broad understanding of facility management (sanitation, maintenance, operations).

• Knowledge of overall hotel operations as they affect department.

• Knowledge of event technology products and services.

• Knowledge of contract management and legalities.

• Financial management skills, e.g., ability to understand P&L statements, manage operating budgets, forecasting and scheduling.

• Ability to use standard software applications and hotel system.

• Aggressive negotiating skills and creative selling abilities to close on business with a high conversion ratio.

• Must be able to “knock on doors” to get the business.

• Uncovering new customers (local and social).

• Strong customer development and relationship management skills.

• Strong communication skills (verbal, listening , writing).

• Strong problem-solving skills.

• Strong customer and associate relations skills.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Effective decision-making skills.

• Effective influence skills.

• Frequent walking, standing, sitting, hearing, talking, smiling.  Lifting, pushing and pulling of objects weighing up to ten (10) pounds

WORK SHIFT:

LOCATION:

ABOUT US

Transwestern's Guiding Principles are woven into the fabric of our firm and underscore the value of each individual team member. We embrace inclusion – not only as the right thing to do, but as a reflection of who we are. It is our responsibility and heartfelt desire to create an environment that elevates the human spirit and brings out the best in everyone.

Different backgrounds, life experiences and cultures shape our individual perspectives and ultimately generate the best results for our clients. Strategic human capital planning combined with development initiatives foster a work environment that celebrates uniqueness and champions the achievements attained through collaboration.

Please note that all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification. In addition, your employment with Transwestern is subject to successfully passing a drug screen check prior to your starting with the Company along with satisfactory references.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have your story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you may become a part of the Transwestern story.