Director of Convention Services

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Director of Catering & Convention Services will be responsible for effectively managing the Catering & Convention Services team. This leader will foster a collaborative, guest-centric culture focused on operational excellence, team development, and exceptional event execution. This role serves as the liaison between multiple departments to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our clients. This role will work in conjunction with the Director of Sales and Director of Food & Beverage & Banquets to achieve the hotel’s revenue, meeting planner satisfaction scores, and banquet/food and beverage goals for the Rio Las Vegas.

ROLE EXPECTATIONS

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Lead all aspects of the Catering & Convention Services Department in accordance with company and brand standards.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure operational direction and the smooth planning and execution of group events.
• Contribute to the preparation and analysis of the Catering and Convention Services reporting forecast and pace; monitor financial performance; provide strategic direction in the development and management of the department budget.
• Engage in sales and upsell strategies to maximize revenue through strategic utilization of meeting space and off-peak opportunities.
• Effectively manage assigned meeting planner satisfaction scores and revenue goals.
• Lead hiring, development, engagement, and retention efforts within the department.
• Understand and negotiate the content reflected in group contracts and terms therein.
• Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous, and service-oriented manner.
• Ensure that the team is communicating timely to impacted departments/operations leaders.
• Attend daily/weekly/monthly meetings and any other functions required by management.
• Perform other duties as requested by Hotel Leadership.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Director of Catering & Convention Services will supervise Catering & Convention Services Managers, Meetings Concierge and Catering & Convention Services Coordinators.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel or Business Administration and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least six (6) years of experience in Hotel Catering and Convention Services at a convention-focused, resort property or related experience in the hospitality industry, preferably in a leadership role.
• Knowledge of Delphi or the Envision Sales & Catering system.
• Demonstrate creativity and knowledge of food & beverage and event operations.
• Must possess highly developed verbal & written communication skills to frequently negotiate, sell, and influence other managerial personnel, hotel guest(s) and/or meeting planner clients.
• Strong analytical skills and strategic vision.
• Must be proficient in general computer knowledge especially Microsoft Office products.
• Must be able to work independently and simultaneously manage multiple tasks.
• Strong organization and presentation skills.
• Ability to effectively interact and manage people of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds while solving complex problems and foster a productive, service-oriented team environment.
• Must work well in stressful, high-pressure situations; maintain composure and objectivity under pressure.
• Must be able to work with and understand financial information and data.

PREFERRED

• Basic understanding of audio-visual systems and event technology, preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must be able to qualify for licenses and permits required by federal, state, and local regulations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work under time constraints and within established deadlines.
• Must regularly lift and/move up to 10 pounds, and must have the ability to push, pull, reach, bend, twist, kneel and balance when performing job duties in varying work areas such as confined spaces.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed primarily indoors in a climate-controlled environment and may include exposure to various environmental factors including, but not limited to, heat, cold, noise, dust, and smoke.

Rio Las Vegas is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Rio Las Vegas makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.