Director of Catering

DIRECTOR OF CATERINGReports To: Hotel General Manager Department: Catering/SalesClassification: Full Time Division: Hotel SalesJOB SUMMARY:Oversees the operation of the Catering department of the hotel and convention center.POSITION AUTHORITY:The incumbent is authorized to take reasonable action necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities, provided such action is consistent with position guidelines as outlined below.POSITION GUIDELINES:Position guidelines include, but are not limited to, established company and department policies and procedures and all supervisory directives. The incumbent is expected to exercise sound, reasonable judgment and initiative, and give high priority to accuracy and details in the performance of job responsibilities.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Hire, train and manage the catering sales managers and staffCollaborate with clients and the Banquet Staff regarding proper set-up, event execution, and proper menu itemsOversee all events that include catering in the Convention CenterCoordinate with the Executive Chef for revisions and updates of the catering menu regularly, reflecting culinary trends and member/client needsCommunicate directly with the accounting department on budget issues and/or inconsistenciesWork with the Director of Sales in the preparation of performance objectives and evaluation of service staff and managersConduct site tours and discuss booking logistics, room options and menus with potential clientsGreet guests in a kind and courteous mannerConduct BEO meetings to ensure that all events are being correctly servicedComplete the annual budget reportWork closely with the sales department, and communicate with other department directorsAny and all other duties as assigned; duties are subject to change as management deems necessary to best serve the needs of Moody GardensEDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:College degree preferredAt least 5 years of prior Catering experience in a hotel or similar institution requiredREQUIRED SKILLS:Must be reliable and responsibleAbility to read, listen, and communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writingAbility to effectively deal with internal and external customers and staff, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact, and diplomacy to diffuse anger, collect accurate information, and resolve conflictsKnowledge of the travel industry, current market trends, and economic factorsAbility to access understand, and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system - knowledge of Dephi a strong plus.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Ability to remain on feet moving about the hotel for entire shiftAbility to perform tasks that require bending, stooping and reachingAbility to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds