Assistant Director of Catering - Hilton Chicago

Job description

Exciting news! The Hilton Chicago is expanding its team with the addition of an Assistant Director of Catering role. This opportunity offers a chance to lead catering sales, oversee a team, and develop strategies for our catering department. Join us at the largest hotel in the city of Chicago and contribute to our award-winning brand!

What will I be doing?

As Assistant Director of Catering you will be responsible for the development of market segment(s) including solicitation of new customer relationships, negotiation of business through proposals and contracts to close business. Creative design of menus and events to maximize revenue and event experience.  Maintain existing relationships with corporate and social accounts.  As ADOC you will be assisting the Director of Catering & Events to achieve superior results in the areas of ensuring outstanding guest service, team member engagement, favorable financial outcomes, strategic leadership and talent development, culture, innovation and event operations.  

Specifically, your essential functions will be to perform the following tasks to the highest standards:

STRATEGY:
•    Drive innovation and creativity within event delivery 
•    Ensure that high quality service standards are maintained through continuous reviews of processes and procedures 
•    Actively support the sales process. 

LEADERSHIP:
•    Support leadership and direction in all Catering matters. 
•    Serve as a highly visible, participatory leader who proactively and consistently engages with their General Manager/Executive Committee, Sales, Catering and Events team members, external guests, and suppliers 
•    Remain current on event trends to evaluate innovative ways for process/practice improvements and shares best practices
•    Participate or represent Hilton in industry social/meeting/events professional associations

CULTURE:
•    Inspire high-performing multi-cultural, multi-generational teams that build Hilton’s Events talent pipeline 
•    Integrate Hilton’s Values/Mission/Purpose when implementing Event initiatives and support Team Member-centric and guest-centric programs
•    Lead with Hilton culture engaging with Team Members through direct and meaningful interactions 
•    Be an ambassador for customer service.  

TALENT:
•    Motivate and provide a work environment in which team members are productive 
•    Listen and respond to team members needs while having an open-door policy
•    Manage group and interpersonal conflict effectively 

CATERING OPERATIONS EXCELLENCE:
•    Assist to ensure the proper use of all function space, exhibit hall, and event spaces 
•    Assist to manage supplier and vendor relationships 
•    Possess subject matter expertise and ensure standards/practices
•    Assist in the development and management of departmental budgets 
•    Assist in short, medium, and long-term forecasting and actual cost reporting for events 
•    Assist to ensure proper staffing for the needs of the business 
•    Assist to integrate current trends in event management and design 
•    Participate in customer site inspections and assists with the sales process as necessary 

What are we looking for?

•    Minimum Years of Experience: 2+ years Catering Management experience, supervisory experience, social selling experience

It would be advantageous in this position for you to demonstrate the following capabilities and distinctions:
•    Knowledge of the hotel property management systems (Delphi.fdc)
•    Hotel industry experience 
•    Relevant degree, in business development or other relevant business field, from an academic institution (CMP, CPCE)

Since being founded in 1919, Hilton has been a leader in the hospitality industry. Today, Hilton remains a beacon of innovation, quality, and success. This continued leadership is the result of our Team Members staying true to our Vision, Mission, and Values. Specifically, we look for demonstration of these Values:

·  Hospitality - We're passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences.
·  Integrity - We do the right thing, all the time.
·  Leadership - We're leaders in our industry and in our communities.
·  Teamwork - We're team players in everything we do.
·  Ownership - We're the owners of our actions and decisions.
·  Now - We operate with a sense of urgency and discipline

In addition, we look for the demonstration of the following key attributes:

·  Quality
·  Productivity
·  Dependability
·  Customer Focus
·  Adaptability

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands .  Our vision “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality” unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day.  And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!