Director of Catering Sales - Hotel Polaris

Are you ready to help shape the future of travel and hospitality at the new Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy? Hotel Polaris is seeking an exceptional Director of Catering Sales to join our team and play a vital role in shaping the success of Hotel Polaris, an instant icon on the hospitality landscape of Colorado Springs. As the Director of Catering Sales, you will be an integral member of the team that leads the pre-opening efforts and stewards the dynamic relationships across all key stakeholders including, Ownership, CoralTree Hospitality and Asset Management to ensure strategic alignment towards the hotel opening and beyond. Your efforts significantly influence the unique and distinctive experiences we seek to deliver to our guests and team members alike. We're looking for someone who wants to be a part of something bigger and shares our passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences, nurturing a vibrant company culture, and building strong connections with our communities.

We currently have an opportunity for a well-rounded and seasoned Director of Catering Sales to join Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s opening team!

Reporting into both the Director of Sales and Marketing and the Director of Meetings & Events you will take the lead in the strategy for Catering Sales which includes the leadership of the Catering Sales team, and the opening of this incredible hotel. This role functions as the strategic business leader of the property’s Catering department. Position oversees the development and implementation of departmental strategies and ensures implementation of the brand service strategy and brand initiatives. The position ensures the Catering Services operation meets the brand’s target customer needs, ensures employee satisfaction, and focuses on growing revenues and maximizing the financial performance of the department.

Responsibilities

The Director of Catering Sales oversees all aspects of Catering and the overall strategy for catering sales. This includes the selling of day meetings, weddings, and gala events, servicing and financial management of the events taking place at the Hotel Polaris. This leadership role requires vision and financial planning skills as well as excellent communication skills and people leadership. Financial acumen is essential for success in planning for an executing upon an operating budget for sale and servicing of event spaces.

Key Competencies:

Supervision and overall responsibility of the Catering Sales function including maintaining and monitoring the accuracy and effectiveness of all written communication from Catering Managers and Coordinators. These procedures include but are not limited to: Menu and Event Proposals, Contracts, Banquet Event Orders, Catering Resumes, Daily Events Report, and Delphi Input Standards.

• Take a lead role in the creation and implementation of the annual and monthly direct-sales action plans for catering sales including collecting industry trending information, data analytics and assisting with goal setting in alignment with business objectives.
• Dedicate at least 50% of time towards Individual direct selling efforts to a designated market segment, strategic accounts or region balanced with an overarching focus on leading the catering sales managers towards achieving individual and team objectives.
• Lead the catering sales team to achieve catering budget and booking pace productivity by executing a well-rounded strategic selling direct sales effort.
• Finalize the requirements of catering events 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.
• Participate in the preparation and analysis of the Banquet and Catering weekly financial forecast.
• Maintain knowledge of hotel facilities, capacities and dimensions of meeting space and basic operational needs of all operating departments.
• Make timely and impromptu decisions, which balance client’s needs with the financial, safety and staffing goals of the hotel.
• 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, Menu Tastings and Site Visits.
• Conduct performance evaluations and mentor for team members of the Catering Department. In addition, recommend the hiring, terminating, or disciplining of any Catering employee.
  
  

Qualifications

• Experience in a Luxury Catering services department with senior leadership experience required.
• Must have experience in the sales and operations of weddings, social events, day meetings, and gala events.
• Must have experience in the process of creating and implementing new concepts in a resort/hotel environment.
• Pre-opening experience in an operations role preferred
• Should possess well developed leadership skills.
• Proven track record in upselling and savvy at closing the deal.
• Requires strong revenue and budget management skills.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.
  
  

As a valued member of the CoralTree team, you'll receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits.
• Participation in a pre-tax flexible benefit plan for healthcare and dependent care reimbursement.
• An employee assistance program.
• Paid time off/sick time..
• Participation in a 401(k) plan with a company match
• Complimentary team member meals.
• Complimentary room nights at CoralTree Hospitality managed properties.
  
  

Salary range: $95,000 - $110,000/yr. + bonus

Application deadline: 6/30/24

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