GET TO KNOW THE HOTEL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND:

The Hotel at the University of Maryland (The Hotel) is a AAA 4-Diamond independent property located directly across the street from the main campus of the University of Maryland. The Hotel is a market leader in service and guest experience and the team is focused on delivering highly personalized service. The Hotel has 297 rooms with 24 suites and over 45,000 sq. ft. of event space handling events from 10 to 1,500. The Hotel’s focus on culture creates an environment for team members to thrive and provides opportunities to grow responsibility and advance their careers which is part of our Southern Difference

GET TO KNOW SOUTHERN:

Southern Management is the largest privately owned property management company in the Mid-Atlantic region. We own and manage apartment communities, hotels, mixed-use and commercial properties, but our business is people. We empower our team members to do the right things, in the right ways, for the right reasons. Be part of something worthwhile. Be part of the Southern Difference. Join our team!

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

The Hotel at The University of Maryland is seeking a dynamic, engaging, experienced Catering Sales leader that has the ability and desire to work for an exceptional independent property supported by a terrific team. The Director of Catering and Conference Services is responsible for the creation and maintenance of a hotel-wide catering culture contributing to the top-line growth of the property and integral part of the hotel’s relationship with the community. Through leadership of the catering and conference service team, the Director establishes and exemplifies the standards of performance and the acquisition of business while furthering the positive team-focused culture of the Hotel and Sales and Catering team.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:

• Be the leader of hotel top-line banquet and catering sales operations creating a culture of excellence through the establishment of expectations and personal accountability
• Direct and supervise activities of the catering and conference services team to establish the premiere catering sales team in the greater DC Metro Market
• Actively pursue and increase partnerships with the University of Maryland wherever possible to strengthen the relationship, identify new revenue opportunities and create a positive position within the College Park and University community
• Establish service and performance standards for catering, conference services and outline level of service delivery for banquet and catering events
• Actively prospect/solicit and qualify new business for the hotel and leads by example in demonstrating exemplary prospecting, negotiation and closing skills
• Negotiate Food Beverage rates, meeting room rental, and function space and/or hotel services within approved booking guidelines
• Accurately produce and/or review all catering contracts and/or banquet event orders
• Work closely with other hotel departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients
• Produce monthly catering sales-related reports and forecasts for assigned area of responsibility
• Arrange and conduct special events, site inspections, and off-site presentations for potential clients
• Attend industry events/networking meetings to obtain new business, and also keep a pulse on industry trends, etc.
• Coordinate, supervise and\or direct all banquet and catering business before after it is booked and through completion of the event or function, while maintaining profitable operations and high quality products and service levels
• Act as a liaison between client and operating departments to ensure a successful meeting and to generate repeat business
• Effectively manage staff through respectful communication, clear expectations, relevant training, productive coaching, holding regular team meetings, and appropriate performance management
• Interview, hire, counsel, schedule, lead, develop and supervise staff. Contribute to the team’s effort by accomplishing tasks and assisting with projects as needed
• Assist with completion of the Annual Marketing Plan and Budget
• Familiarity with all hotel services/features and local attractions/activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately
• Contribute to the team’s success by accomplishing tasks and assisting with projects as needed
• Maintain knowledge and compliance with departmental policies, service procedures, and standards
• Availability during peak operating times, i.e.: Weekends, Holidays and Special Events
• Work as a team member to ensure our guests have the best possible experience
• Understand company’s emergency procedures and be able to apply them when necessary
• Attend department meetings and training sessions as necessary
• Lead by example, be a positive example for team in action and attitude
• Delegate work as appropriate, stating clearly objectives and time-line requirements
• Monitor and evaluate employees' successful completion of work
• Encourage effective teamwork
• Responsible management of department budget
• Work collaboratively with others to analyze and improve work processes
• Positive interaction with all levels of management and vendors
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager and/or Supervisor

JOB KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Compute basic arithmetic and mathematical calculations
• Organized and detail oriented
• Excellent time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Sound leadership and managerial skills
• Ability to work effectively in stressful, high-pressure situations while maintaining composure and guest satisfaction
• Technical knowledgeable and competency in necessary systems and software:

• [Outlook, Word, Excel, accounting software, Maestro, Delphi, Social Tables, etc.]

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum two-years demonstrated Director of Catering at comparable size Hotel
• Previous supervisory experience of a similar sized team (4-6 people) is required
• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associates or Bachelor’s degree in relevant field preferred

LIMITATIONS and DISCLAIMER:

The above job description only describes the general nature and illustrative level of work performed; it is not intended as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, and required skills for the position. Team members will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with federal and state laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities necessary to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.