Catering & Conference Services Manager

Highgate is a premier real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in U.S. gateway markets including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu, with a rapidly expanding presence in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Highgate’s portfolio of global properties represents an aggregate asset value exceeding $20B and generates over $5B in cumulative revenues. The company provides expert guidance through all stages of the hospitality property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate also has the creativity and bandwidth to develop bespoke hotel brands and utilizes industry-leading proprietary revenue management tools that identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive out performance and maximize asset value. With an executive team consisting of some of the industry’s most experienced hotel management leaders, the company is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. Highgate maintains corporate offices in London, New York, Dallas, and Seattle. Overview:

The Catering & Conference Services Manager is responsible for selling and servicing catered events after it is booked . This is achieved through establishing and building strong client relationships; negotiating and finalizing through to contract; planning all event catering and operations; maintaining service and regular contact during the program; subsequent client follow up, billing and financial closure. The Catering Sales Manager serves as the property liaison between client and operating departments to ensure a successful meeting and to generate repeat business.

• At least 5 years of progressive experience in hotel or a related field including catering, conference services, or hospitality experience; or a 2-year college degree and at least 3 years of related, hotel experience.
• Strong knowledge of banquet operations and event planning.
• Experience with hotel systems such as PMS, Delphi, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Must have knowledge of F&B preparation techniques, health department rules and regulations, liquor laws and regulations.
• Must have knowledge of F&B preparation techniques, dietary restrictions, health department rules and regulations, liquor laws and regulations.
• Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
• Light work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Extensive knowledge of all hotel departments
• Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
• Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment
• Self-confident, proactive, and able to prioritize and make effective decisions
• Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines
• Attend all hotel required meetings; trainings; & MOD coverage as required
• Maintain high standards of personal appearances and grooming and comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations
• Must be a creative and effective leader, possessing a high degree of professionalism
• Create, execute, and manage a personal plan to meet or exceed budgeted revenue goals.
• Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
• Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
• Must be able to understand and evaluate complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Perform other duties as requested by management.
• Follow and implement property and Highgate standard operating procedures.

• Manage existing accounts and follow up with client re-solicitation to capture future business.
• Identify potential new business, develop a sales strategy and solicit.
• Meet/Exceed all revenue goals.
• Respond to requests by Meeting and Event Planners immediately.
• Interact with outside planners, vendors for event set-up and operational requirements.
• Maintain pricing integrity and propose upscale menus and enhancements for clients.
• Create, review and revise rooming lists, VIP lists, Banquet Event Orders and Group Resumes according to established protocols.
• Plan and manage internal and/or external Pre-Event meetings as required.
• Manage Delphi and adjust space in order to ensure maximum revenue potential.
• Be visible on the floor and assist staff as needed during functions.
• Respond to client concerns in a timely manner, provide service recovery as required.
• Work closely with operational department managers and keep them informed of event updates, requests and concerns as they arise.
• Keep immediate supervisor fully informed of all challenges or matters requiring his/her attention.
• Prepare and submit required reports in a timely manner.
• Finalize event billing and complete post-event communication, including post-event meetings as required.
• Use feedback from Meeting Planner evaluations to improve service and quality.
• Plan and execute hotel holiday and special events as requested.
• Proficient knowledge of meeting room set-ups and capabilities.
• Proficient knowledge of sleeping room configurations and types.
• Have comprehensive working knowledge of all operational departments within the hotel; culinary, stewarding, banquets, audiovisual, front office, guest services, reservations, housekeeping, engineering, purchasing, accounting.
• Participate in all required hotel meetings and training (One to One Customer Service Training, etc.)
• Ongoing conduct which embraces Highgate’s philosophy of service.