Director of Celebrations

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is where the intimate equally coexists with the infinite – an unrivaled portfolio of more than 90 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. Since 1907, Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – places such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,400 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

Job Description

Summary of Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director of Sales & Marketing, responsibilities and essential job functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Consistently offer professional, engaging and proactive guest service while supporting fellow colleagues.
• To manage and effectively run the Catering & Conference Services activities of the hotel.
• Responsible for all catering, from booking to execution and conference services from the time a contract becomes definite to execution
• Continued development of strategic action plans to enhance the operation of the Conference Services & Catering department.
• Prepare an annual budget for approval and administer that budget in a fiscally responsible manner. Ensure that the department operational budget is strictly adhered to and that all costs are controlled.
• Work closely with the Director of Sales, to monitor group pick-up and contractual attrition clauses and hotel room blocks.
• Work closely with the Director of Sales to prepare monthly forecasts.
• Monitor revenue and costs of the department and assist in the development of strategies to maximize shareholder return.
• Review all definite sales bookings and assign them among the Conference Services Managers.
• Continual review and analysis of conference services/catering guidelines, core standards, procedures & policies.
• Ensure the integrity of the servicing of groups, weddings, catering only and individual functions by enhancing & implementing associated core standards & booking guidelines.
• Establish and maintain rapport with clients, prior to, during and post conference, exceeding their expectations and encouraging repeat business.
• Promote and support the professional development of all members of the Conference Services and Catering Department.
• Ensuring adherence to all Fairmont Hotel and Resorts core standards for Conference Services and Banquets.
• Strict adherence to all Health & Safety training, guidelines and work practices previous, during and following an epidemic (whether local or global) that are established by Accor, local government, international bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for disease control (CDC)
• Perform any other duties on a day to day basis as assigned by the Director of Catering & Conference Services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Hotel Management and/or equivalent experience working in the hospitality industry is a definite asset
• Five (5) years' experience as a Senior Leader in Conference Services and Catering in luxury and mid-level to large properties.
• Two (2) years' experience in banquet operations/restaurant operations a strong asset.
• Proven ability to plan and organize events effectively, with an acute sense of detail.
• Assertive, professional and positive with a proven ability to develop and lead in a team environment.
• Understanding of computers and applications with a working knowledge of Opera Sales & Catering, Word, Excel and FHR Opera PMS.
• Must be able to work independently and maintain environment with a proven ability to innovate.
• Ability to maintain flexibility in a positive attitude within very busy working hours.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Previous knowledge and experience and a strong understanding of food and beverage is required.
• Ability to understand and interpret financial data.