Director of Catering & Conference Services

Wurzak Hotel Group is looking for an experienced Director of Catering and Conference Services to support the oversight of all aspects of for all aspects of conferences and social events between hotel clients and other departments of our stylish and contemporary lifestyle brand hotel, The Dalmar & Element located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

General Requirements

• Develops Banquet Event Orders, Group Resumes, function room diagrams, and business correspondence
• Utilize CITY system for accurate blocking of events, groups, traces, and generation of BEOs
• Obtain guarantees for food and beverage functions
• Obtains all information required to prepare Group Resumes
• Check CITY Daily and Weekly reports
• Obtain necessary approvals/permits/insurance certificates for functions
• Leads pre-conference and post-conference meetings, leads departmental, and BEO meetings
• Supervises all group information/changes to existing information and communicates to appropriate hotel colleagues in an accurate and timely manner
• Entertain clients, as appropriate
• Maintain an active trace system for all assigned groups
• Visit all primary and secondary competition
• Audit banquet checks for assigned groups
• Contract business with approved vendors, as appropriate
• Approve payment and provide backup for contracted vendor business
   
• Direct all aspects of conferences to include but not limited to:

- Food and beverage requirements

- Timing of events

- Audio visual requirements

- Special attention guests

- Room type allocation

- Rooming list

- Amenities

- Function room setup

- Group transportation

- Type of check-in, check-out to include satellite check-in

- Special meal requests

- Arrival/departure manifests

- Bag pulls

- Luggage storage

- Complimentary rooms

- Billing instructions

- Authorized signatures

- Room deliveries

- Telephone and internet requirements

- Box storage and delivery

- Power requirements

- Security requirements

- Key requirements

- Expected F&B outlet usage

- Group hospitality/office/registration desk requirements

- Business center requirements

- Entertainment

- Leisure activities

- Décor (to include floral) requirements

- Refer business to approved suppliers of service/products, as necessary

• When required support team members to coordinate all aspects of “One Day Meetings”, business luncheons, cocktail receptions and professional dinner presentations including:

- Answering inquiry calls

- Replying to RFP’s

- Actively soliciting potential clients via telephone

- Confirming function space availability and quoting associated room rental fees

- Verifying that there are no conflicts with existing clients who may be industry competitors

- Blocking function space in CITY

- Generating and Executing Contracts

- Securing Deposits and Final Method of Payment

- Coordinating all logistical aspects of event as outlined on #s 1-23 above

- Ensuring the success of events so clients become repeat customers

• Any other tasks/duties as requested by management.

The Company operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so operational demands require variations in shift days, starting and ending times, and hours worked in a week.

Education and Experience

The Company may consider equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience providing the knowledge, skills and abilities cited below.

• Four-year college degree in hospitality management, marketing, business or related degree or equivalent experience.
• Five or more years of related experience in catering and conference services, preferably as a manager, in a luxury or lifestyle hotel property.
• Familiarity with hospitality industry practices.
• Ability to travel locally and overnight.
• Knowledge of specific hospitality industry applications is desirable (CITY preferred).
• Must have mathematical skills, computer software aptitude, and some hotel operation knowledge.
• Reading, writing and oral proficiency in the English language.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule in order to accomplish all major responsibilities and tasks.
•  Must be a self-motivator.
• Must have the ability to handle multiple tasks at one time.
• Must have superior organizational skills.
• Ability to follow an appropriate course of action based on policies and procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressure, while simultaneously handling competing and changing priorities.

Our Perks

• Competitive Salary
• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental, Vision health insurance
• Robust supplemental insurance for Life, AD&D, Pets, legal and more
• Wellness programs for mental, physical, and financial wellness
• Hotel and travel discounts
• Generous retirement/401k benefits
• Education and professional development
• Employee lunches and recognition programs

Who We Are

Wurzak Hotel Group (WHG) is a Philadelphia-based owner, developer, and operator of premium branded full-service, extended stay, and focus service hotels.  WHG’s core expertise is its unique ability to develop and operate hotels and food and beverage outlets in an entrepreneurial manner maximizing returns on the investment and developing long-term relationships with our guests.  

WHG has earned and maintains its competitive advantage by developing talent within the organization who embody the same entrepreneurial spirit of our leadership team and who seek to create value through tireless innovation, tight focus on the operational details, and uncompromised guest satisfaction.  Wurzak Hotel Group has a proven track record of developing and managing hospitality assets for over 30 years and continues to be recognized as one of the region’s top hospitality companies.  

WHG is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture where all our team members can thrive. We have a zero-tolerance policy for workplace discrimination on the basis of someone’s race, gender, disability, or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local laws.

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