Director of Catering and Events - Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club at Hilton Global in Dana Point, California

Job Description:

TheCatering Sales and Events Department with the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is responsible for the management of contracted groups and local/social banquets & catering (B&C) revenues and experiences, room block management, forecasting rooms and B&C food/beverage, and negotiation of supplier services. Ensuring event planner satisfaction while meeting and/or exceeding department and individual revenue goals for catering sales and events.

JOB DESCRIPTION

As Director of Catering Sales and Events, you will provide continuous leadership in creating and delivering an exceptional team member experience and best place to work. The Director of Catering Sales & Events will be directly responsible for contributing to the achievement of superior business results in the areas of ensuring favorable financial outcomes related to B&C Sales and Forecasting, Strategic Leadership, Outstanding Guest Service, Team Member Engagement, and Talent Development, Building Culture, Proactively Driving Innovation, and Luxury Event Operations.

As a Team Member your essential functions in this role include such things as:

• Strategy - Be globally aligned with the Americas Commercial Operations function while locally supporting superior business results

• Leadership - Develop innovative, forward-thinking Team Members

• Culture - Ensure a best-in-class workplace that delivers on Hilton's values, mission, and purpose

• Talent - Hire, engage and develop the world's best hospitality Team Members

• Operations Excellence - Embrace and lead implementation of all Americas Catering Sales & Events initiatives and objectives with a consistent commitment to excellence in execution, comprehensiveness, and timeliness

STRATEGY:

• Successfully, innovatively, and timely implement Commercial strategic initiatives and monitor for best-in-class results
• Drive innovation and creativity within event offerings and delivery
• Partner with Executive Committee to deliver on Hilton's values by creating high-impact event experiences
• Ensure that high quality service standards are maintained through continuous reviews of processes and procedures
• Provide owner relations guidance in key areas of Events expertise, as needed (Banquet Capital Expenditures, Staffing Models)
• Actively support the B&C sales process

LEADERSHIP:

• Provide overall leadership and direction in all B&C and Events matters
• Serve as a subject matter expert on all matters relating to event experience
• Serve as a highly visible, participatory leader who proactively and consistently engages with their General Manager, Executive Committee, Group Sales, Catering Sales and Events Team Members, external guests, and suppliers
• Remain current on event trends to evaluate innovative ways for process/practice improvements and shares best practices
• Participate or represent Hilton in industry social/meeting/events professional associations

CULTURE:

• Inspire high-performing multi-cultural, multi-generational teams that build Hilton's Catering Sales and Events talent pipeline
• Integrate Hilton's Values/Mission/Purpose when implementing Catering Sales & Events initiatives and support Team Member-centric and guest-centric programs
• Lead with Hilton culture engaging with Team Members through direct and meaningful interactions
• Be an ambassador for customer service

TALENT:

• Motivate and provide a work environment in which Team Members are productive
• Ensure all Catering Sales and Event Manager roles have career development plans in place that are actively supported by leadership and profiles are current for succession planning
• Listen and respond to team members needs while having an open-door policy
• Manages group and interpersonal conflict effectively

EVENTS OPERATIONS EXCELLENCE:

• Ensure the proper use of all meeting and event spaces
• Manage supplier and vendor relationships
• Possess subject matter expertise and ensure standards/practices
• Development and management of departmental budgets
• Responsible for the overseeing short, medium, and long-term forecasting and actual cost reporting for events
• Ensure proper staffing for the needs of the business
• Integrate current trends in event management and design

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Education: High School Degree/GED
• Minimum Years of Experience: five (5) years Hospitality related experience at manager level. Minimum of one (1) year of leadership experience in hotel management.
• Management Experience: Proven excellence in leading teams of 5+ people
• Additional Requirements: 5% travel
• Leadership Competencies including but not limited to:

o Technical / Professional Knowledge and Skills - Demonstrates a proficient level of position-related technical knowledge and skills: Strong Sales and Forecasting abilities required

o Adaptability - Ability to effectively adjust to changes in work tasks and environment

o Building Trust - Ability to interact with others in an honest, fair and respectful way, giving others confidence in one's intentions and those of the organization

o Communication - Skilled at clearly conveying information and ideas

o Customer focus - Ability to develop and sustain productive customer relationships; actively seeking information to understand and address customers' needs.

o Empathy - Ability to engage with Team Members through direct and meaningful interactions, leading by example

o High Work Standards - Sets high standards of performance for self and others; assumes responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks

o Planning and Organizing - Skilled at establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure work is completed efficiently.

o Decision Making/Problem Solving - Ability to identify and understand issues, and opportunities; using effective approaches for developing solutions

o Stress Tolerance - Ability to maintain stable performance and positive relationships with others while under pressure or opposition

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• CMP certification

• Bachelor's Degree

What are we looking for?

• Minimum Years of Experience: five (5) years Hospitality related experience at manager level.
• Minimum of 1 year of leadership experience in hotel management.
• Other requirements: Travel percentage: 10%

It would be advantageous in this position for you to demonstrate the following capabilities and distinctions:
• Knowledge of the hotel property management systems (Delphi.fdc)
• Significant experience in revenue management or a similar analytical role
• Relevant degree, in business development or other relevant business field, from an academic institution (CMP, CPCE)

Since being founded in 1919, Hilton has been a leader in the hospitality industry. Today, Hilton remains a beacon of innovation, quality, and success. This continued leadership is the result of our Team Members staying true to our Vision, Mission, and Values. Specifically, we look for demonstration of these Values:

• Hospitality - We're passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Integrity - We do the right thing, all the time.
• Leadership - We're leaders in our industry and in our communities.
• Teamwork - We're team players in everything we do.
• Ownership - We're the owners of our actions and decisions.
• Now - We operate with a sense of urgency and discipline

In addition, we look for the demonstration of the following key attributes:

• Quality
• Productivity
• Dependability
• Customer Focus
• Adaptability

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands . Our vision "to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality" unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!

The annual salary range for this role is $130,000 -$155,000 and is based on applicable and specialized experience and location.

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