Conference Services & Catering Manager

Company Description

Discover the essence of Maui at Fairmont Kea Lani, Hawai‘i’s only all-suite and villa luxury resort.  Nestled on the pristine white sands of Wailea’s Polo Beach, this award-winning oceanfront paradise defines quintessential Hawaiian luxury with a state-of-the-art spa, island inspired cuisine and authentic cultural experiences. 

From full-moon staff hikes and beach clean-ups to appreciation luncheons and birthday holidays, our team provides endless opportunities to learn and grow in both your personal and professional development. Live and work in a place you love!

What is in it for you:

• Comprehensive benefits package (Medical, Vision and Dental) including extended benefits like; Basic insurance, TDI and Long-Term Disability for regular Full-time and Part-time employees 
• 401(k)
• One complimentary duty meal for all employees that work more than 6 hours per shift
• Food & Beverage discount at Fairmont Kea Lani (venue specific and discount may vary)
• Wellness Offerings
• Employee benefit card offering discounted rates in Accor worldwide
• Learning programs through our Academies
• Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world!
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities

Job Description

We are home to events that matter.  As a Conference Services & Catering Manager, you will become our event representative's guide to book, plan, and assist with the execution of their special events from pre-planning to the conclusion of each event. 

Salary Range:  $80,000-$87,000

What you will be doing:

• Organize catering and/or convention booking files and consistently maintain accurate records of communication and activities
• Obtain/confirm all event-related information including, but not limited to, meeting specifications, audio visual, rooming lists, technical needs, exhibit needs, food and beverage requirements, etc.
• Organize/distribute group resumes, conference agendas, banquet event orders, floorplans, etc. to all operating partners accurately, and in a timely manner.
• Ensure function space is optimized/maximized for guest experience and financial performance of department.
• Solicit and book Catering Events, including weddings and business through targeted activities.  Soliciting includes making sales calls, responding to inquiry calls, appointments, etc.
• Yield sleeping room block and function space, ensuring optimization of financial return/performance.
• Drive revenue growth through upselling.
• Initiate/follow up on billing procedures, ensuring deposits and/or credit applications are received within acceptable timeframes.
• Accurately forecast revenue by day, by meal period by month for each assigned Group.
• Conduct any/all site inspections as required, including ‘walk-in’ inquiries.
• Conduct pre-conference/event meetings with clients and pertinent departments to confirm all relevant details are communicated.
• Attend necessary meetings within hotel that affect/are affected by the Conference Services & Catering department (i.e. BEO, Resume, credit, pick-up, sales, leadership).
• Establish and maintain rapport with clients, prior to, during and post conference, exceeding their expectations and encouraging repeat business in order to achieve high VOG scores.
• Ensure guest/group experience while onsite, through personal interaction and attendance at functions throughout the stay.  Work closely with Operations partners to ensure smooth transition/turnover.

Qualifications

Your experience and skills include:

• Two years of leadership experience in event planning preferred
• High School diploma or equivalent or vocational training
• University/College degree in a related discipline preferred
• CMP/CPCE certification preferred
• Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process
• Must be service oriented and capable of communicating effectively with persons involved in all levels of authority, both internally and externally
• Must possess basic computational ability
• Must possess computer skills, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and e-mail functions
• Experience with Opera and SocialTables preferred
• Must be able to multi-task and be detail-oriented in a fast paced, high volume environment
• Must have ability to work independently and to prioritize or seek clarification in prioritizing work assignments
• Maintain a professional working environment and attitude
• Must have a proven ability to plan and organize events effectively with an acute sense of detail
• Strong leadership, excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, proven problem solving abilities
• Understand banquet operations and how it pertains to Catering & Conventions
• Have a good understanding of menu description, design, and pricing

Additional Information

All Candidates must be in possession of identification proving authorization to work in the United States as defined in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). This Position does not offer sponsorship of Work Visas. Resumes submitted that cannot fulfill these requirements will not be considered.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.

Join our ‘ohana today :  Visit our website to learn more about living and working for Fairmont Hawai’i. 

Why work for Accor?
We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities.

Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo!  #BELIMITLESS