Director of Catering & Conference Services (Temporary)

Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.

At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us.

About the location:
A luxury Oahu resort on the island’s sunny Western Coast. Join us in Ko Olina and find your very own place of joy. Our beachfront island Resort sits on Oahu’s wild and rugged western coast, where vast ocean views and lively pools and lagoons provide the setting for an unforgettable adventure. Take the family for a ride on an outrigger canoe, splash around in the turquoise waters of our white-sand beach, play a round of golf as you weave through waterfalls at Ko Olina Golf Club, or spend the day reconnecting with your inner self at Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre.

About the role:

The Temporary Director of Catering & Conference Services is responsible for coordinating arrangements for group meetings, conventions, and incentive trip programs, while working closely with the Catering Management Team. They plan, coordinate, and implement special events, meetings, conferences, and other projects by collaborating with the sales team on initial contract negotiations, managing group expectations, overseeing pre- and post-conference meetings with clients and the hotel team, and communicating with the hotel team and vendors regarding service agreements.

The ideal candidate will have experience in Conference Services and an understanding of the Catering Manager (Social Sales Role) to ensure the team works cohesively as one unit. We are looking for someone creative who will play an integral role in innovating new ways to improve catering operations while consistently meeting Four Seasons’ legendary service standards.

If you are passionate about event management and possess Catering and Hospitality experience, we encourage you to apply and join our Four Seasons ‘Ohana. This position will report directly to the Commercial Director.

What you will do:

• Supervision of the Directors/Assistant Directors and administrative staff in their day-to-day roles. Including maintaining and monitoring the accuracy and effectiveness of all written communications. These include but are not limited to: Banquet Event Orders, Resumes, Daily Events Report, Delphi Input Standards, and Guest at Leisure Reports.
• Review for accuracy and assign to the Conference Services Managers and Assistant Director all booking turnovers from the Sales Department.
• Prepare with analysis the Catering and Conference Services weekly 3-Month financial forecast, month end financial summaries, and contribute to the annual Marketing Plan and Budget.
• Complete periodic audits of the Account and Booking Data in Delphi, to include but not exclusive to Conflict Report, Account Traces, Post Conference Reports.
• Evaluate current sales practices and make recommendations to maximize the profitability of the Catering and Conference Services resources.
• Oversee the quarterly administration and seek new ways to motivate and maximize revenues with the Catering and Conference Services Incentive plans
• Finalize the requirements of personally booked or assigned Catering and Conference Services bookings while maximizing revenue potential through up selling and ensuring effective communication both written (Resumes, BEO, Daily Reports) and personal contact with all departments for the success of the event. Ensure accuracy of Banquet Checks and provide bill review on completion of program or event.
• Supervise the execution of banquet events. Review all function space with banquet manager and when necessary head house attendant. Ensure satisfaction of client at the outset of all events. Make timely and impromptu decisions, which balance client’s needs with the financial, safety and staffing goals of the hotel.
• Find solutions to the inevitable challenges and glitches that arise while groups are on property and keep Director of Marketing and Planning Committee promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters so prompt corrective action can be taken where appropriate.
• Maintain knowledge of hotel facilities, capacities and dimensions of meeting space and basic operational needs of all operating departments.
• Plan and/or attend and/or participate in meetings with hotel staff and clients, including but not exclusive to: Morning Operations Briefing, Morning CS Briefing, Resume Meeting, Banquet Event Order Meeting, Sales Meeting, Pre-Convention Meetings, Bi-Monthly Board of Operations, Planning Visits, and Menu Tastings.
• Conduct performance evaluations and mentor Assistant Directors, Conference Service Managers, and Administrative Assistants to develop and prepare Managers and Staff for future promotion and possible transfer within Four Seasons. Facilitate and monitor training, recommend the hiring, terminating, or disciplining of any Catering or Conference Services employee.
• Respond according to the crisis management plan to any resort emergency or safety situation.
• Comply with Four Seasons standards for sales and marketing, while working harmoniously and professionally with co-workers and planning committee.
• Comply with Four Seasons Category One and Two Work Rules and Standards of Conduct as set forth in EmPact.

Supportive Functions:

• Assist with all inquires within the sales, marketing and catering department, including assistance with high telephone volume and walk-in site inspections.
• Maintain an active and visible role in the local business and social community to generate new business, recruit future employees and managers, and support the public relations efforts of the resort.
• Act as the liaison for all vendor/supplier related client needs, (i.e. Audio Visual, Florists, Entertainment, Transportation, DMC, Off-site Locations etc).
• Periodically host and ensure maximum effectiveness of Banquet Event Order Meetings, and Resume meetings.
• Perform other tasks or projects as assigned by hotel management.

What you bring:

• College degree preferred
• 6 years experience as a Catering or Conference Services Manager in a full service resort or hotel, preferably at the Assistant Director level (or higher) handling weddings and the social market.
• Excellent reading, writing and oral proficiency in the English language.
• Proven interpersonal skills with a track record of successful client interactions, coaching and people development skills and ability to negotiate, organize, delegate & work under pressure
• Basic knowledge of audio-visual equipment, internet, telecommunication technology is helpful.
• High level of creativity with food and beverage menu proposals
• Computer literacy to include MS Word, Excel, and ability to use e-mail and Internet.
• Flexible Workdays and Hours.
• Successful candidates must possess legal work authorization in the United States.

What we offer:

• Annual Salary Range: $135,000.00 – 145,000.00 USD
• Competitive and comprehensive benefits package
• Excellent Training and Development opportunities
• Complimentary Accommodation at other Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
• Complimentary Dry Cleaning
• Complimentary Employee Meals

Four Seasons is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. To access the ‘EEOC is The Law’ Information poster please visit this website – https://eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf

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