Director of Catering & Events Services

Director of Catering & Events Services at InterContinental Washington DC - The Wharf

Hotel Brand: InterContinental

Location: United States, DC, Washington

Hotel: IC - Washington D.C. - The Wharf (WASHC), 801 Wharf Street SW, 20024

Job number: 170626

Salary: USD 120,000.00 - 135,000.00 YEARLY

About Us

IHG Hotels & Resorts is one of the largest hotel companies in the world and one of the world’s leading hotel and resort companies with a family of 19 brands. Our purpose – True Hospitality for Good – comes to life in every one of our collections. With luxury and lifestyle, we are taking it to new heights.

Five visionary brands - Inter Continental, Regent Hotels, Six Senses, Vignette Collection and Kimpton Hotels - make up our luxury collection. Individually, they are icons. Together, they bring unforgettable and unparalleled experiences to travelers in over 430 hotels and resorts in 100 countries around the world.

Having recently added a host of incredible properties to our portfolio, we now stand as one of the world’s leading luxury operators. Each of our hotels cultivates a distinctive style and ambience where we embrace every opportunity to give our guests unforgettable and unparalleled experiences.

About the hotel

A luxurious hotel destination at The Wharf on D.C.’s Waterfront, the InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf in the reimagined Wharf neighborhood brings sophistication to its contemporary style. Perfectly placed on the beautiful Potomac River, InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf enjoys the most incredible waterfront views of D.C. Steps away from America’s political epicenter, the hotel embraces guests with an exquisitely curated resort destination that reignites the river’s edge and a captivating sanctuary in the center of The Wharf neighborhood, paying homage to the maritime and industrial-working heritage of its setting. Featuring a relaxing seasonal rooftop pool with striking Potomac River views and the indulging full-service spa, The Spa at The Wharf, modern luxury, culture, and a rich history combine in the Wharf neighborhood to create a perfect atmosphere for guests and locals alike.

YOUR DAY TO DAY

Assists Director of Sales & Marketing in developing and implementing the total group sales and marketing strategy of the hotel to ensure that Group revenue and room night sales goals are achieved; revenue, sales and marketing strategies are set; tactical plans are created and implemented; and that results are monitored and achieved.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct the day-to-day activities of the sales team, plan, organize, and assign work, develop and communicate strategies and goals. Advise staff of formal policies and procedures.

• Recommend and/or initiate salary, disciplinary, or other staffing/human resources-related actions in accordance with Company rules and policies. Alert management of potentially serious issues.

• Create, train, and motivate the sales team that is responsible for developing new accounts, maintaining existing accounts, and implementing sales strategies to achieve revenue goals and maximize profits for the hotel, while maintaining guest satisfaction. Develop and maintain relationships with key clients in order to produce Group and/or convention business, to include room sales, food & beverage sales, and catering/banquet services.

• Achieve budgeted revenues and maximize profitability within all areas of responsibility. Drive the preparation of the annual departmental operating budget, the hotel marketing plan and business plan, and financial plans which support the overall objectives of the hotel. Produce monthly reports, sales forecasts and other required reports.

• Develop hotel-level tactical sales plans and special programs that drive measurable, incremental occupancy, increase average rates, increase business volume during off-peak periods, increase banquet and catering sales, and enhance the image of the hotel in the local community. Monitor sales activities/performance to ensure actual sales meet or exceed established revenue plan.

• Identify operational problems that impact the effectiveness of marketing activities and overall hotel sales performance and work with appropriate department heads on solutions.

• Analyze current/potential market and sales trends and coordinate all activities to maintain and increase revenue and market share through added business volume and increased rate. Create and develop special events and sales blitzes to showcase the hotel to potential clients.

• Direct the business and sales activities at the hotel and coordinate with other hotel-level departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients.

• Work closely with key contacts within the city to ensure constant, high-profile exposure of the hotel. Develop and maintain good relationships with officials and representatives of local community groups and companies, and attend out-of-town conventions to generate convention and group business.

• Attend trade shows and major market events locally and nationally to promote new business and increase sales for the hotel.

• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments. Key departmental contacts include all hotel departments, hotel Executive Committee, and corporate/regional sales group.

• Interact with outside contacts:

• Guests – to ensure their total satisfaction

• Airlines, wholesalers, corporate accounts, travel agencies, ad agencies within local, domestic and international markets – to ensure repeat business, follow up on events and generate new business

• Other contacts as needed (Professional organizations, private clubs, community groups, local media)

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• May serve as “manager on duty” as required.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or related field

EXPERIENCE

• Five (5) years total experience in a hospitality or hotel sales and marketing setting, with direct supervisory experience over a sales team, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must speak fluent English. Other languages preferred.

This job requires ability to perform the following:

• Frequently standing up or moving within and outside of the facility

• Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 25 pounds

• Handling objects

• OTHER

• Communication skills are utilized a significant amount of time when interacting with others; demonstrated ability to interact with guests, employees and third parties that reflects highly on the hotel, the brand and the Company.

• Reading and writing abilities are utilized often.

• Mathematical skills, including basic math, budgeting, profit/loss concepts, percentages, and variances are utilized frequently.

• Problem solving, reasoning, motivating, organizational and training abilities are used often.

• Ability to travel to attend workshops, tradeshows, conventions, etc.

• May require a valid Driver’s License.

• May be required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

WHAT WE OFFER

In return for your hard work, you can look forward to a highly competitive salary and benefits package. What’s more, because your career will be as unique as you are, we’ll give you all the tailored support you need to make a great start, be involved and grow.

And because the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand belongs to the IHG family of brands, you’ll also benefit from all of the opportunities that come from being part of a successful, global hospitality company with over 4800 hotels in over 100 countries around the world.

InterContinental Toronto Centre is an inclusive employer dedicated to building a diverse workforce. We are committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process for any qualified applicants under the respective provincial human rights codes. Please advise the Recruiter to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

Salary Range: $120,000-$135,000

Don't quite meet every single requirement, but still believe you'd be a great fit for the job? We'll never know unless you hit the 'Apply' button. Start your journey with us today.

What you can expect from us

We give our people everything they need to succeed. From a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work to a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life – including impressive room discounts and so