Director of Catering Sales

Director of Catering Sales

Rate of Pay: $100,000-130,000 per annum 

Located in Washington’s fashionable West End and adjacent to historic Georgetown, The Fairmont Washington, D.C. welcomes guests in capital style. A sunlit urban oasis that soothes the spirit, the Fairmont, perfect for business or leisure travel, celebrates many local Washington traditions. Known for its engaging service and stylish surroundings, the Fairmont offers 413 spacious guest rooms and suites that provide our guests a welcome retreat. A relaxing visit to the Fairmont Fitness Center, indoor pool and serene courtyard garden will also provide guests with an array of rejuvenating experiences.

Position Description:

Reporting to the Regional/Director of Sales & Marketing, the Director of Catering Sales is responsible for the generation of Local Catering revenues, planning for the execution of Local Catering events, and for providing supervision, coaching and development of the Catering Team.  The areas of supervision will include revenue development and maximization, market solicitation and procedures to ensure that all events exceed client expectations.  The Director of Catering Sales is also responsible for forecasting, budget and marketing activities for the department.

Responsibilities:

• Exceed quarterly and annual revenue goals and serve as a resource to coach managers on how to achieve their goals.
• Continually develop a key client list through networking and solicitation.
• Displays the Fairmont Values and Standards and is a leader in Guest Recognition.
• Responsible for monthly forecast and yearly budget process and relate results to Catering Sales team.
• Review on a weekly basis the current Local Catering forecast for presentation in the RevPRO meeting.
• Develop new products in conjunction with the Food & Beverage operations team designed to increase the number and quality of offerings available to meeting planners and catering clients.
• Continual review and analysis of catering guidelines, core standards, procedures & policies.
• Develop, implement and enforce function space yield management guidelines. Review evening reports on a daily basis to ensure effective function space yield management.
• Ensure the integrity of the servicing of groups, weddings, and individual functions by enhancing and implementing associated core standards and booking guidelines.
• Promote the professional development of all members of the Catering Sales Department.
• Ensure proper performance management for all members of the Catering Sales team.
• Ensure that all related departments receive adequate resource support.
• Ensure and enforce the integrity of Opera Sales & Event Management system at all times.
• Further develop and maintain a constructive, harmonious and communicative working relationship with all supporting departments.
• Monitor revenue and costs of the department and assist in the development of strategies to maximize shareholder return.
• Facilitate the development of a course of action to positively impact employee satisfaction.
• Ensure strict compliance to the health and safety guidelines of the department/hotel.
• Attend leadership, business review, department head, daily operations, banquet events, and other meetings as required.

Qualifications:

• 5 years experience in Catering management. Alternately, experience as a Director of Catering in large size property.
• Hospitality or Post Secondary Degree.
• Strong culinary knowledge and event creativity is important.
• Operational Food & Beverage experience in a Hotel environment mandator
• Have a strong knowledge of the city’s social and business community or the ability to fast track in this area
• Strong relationship with area event planners or the skills and ability to develop these relationships.
• Proven ability to plan and organize events effectively, with an acute sense of detail.
• Assertive, professional and positive with a proven ability to develop and lead in a team environment.
• Proficient knowledge of Opera or other hotel sales and catering system is strongly preferred, proficient in the Microsoft Office suite—specifically Outlook and Excel—and has very good typing and computer skills.
• Must be able to work independently and maintain a positive attitude within a very busy environment with a proven ability to innovate.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) designation a strong asset.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

• We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.