Director of Catering and Events - The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

Job description

Nestled in the vibrant heart of New Orleans, The Roosevelt New Orleans is a true iconic symbol of elegance and grandeur. Boasting over 500 opulent guest rooms and suites, along with 60,000 square feet of exquisite event space the Roosevelt offers a canvas for creating unforgettable moments from intimate gatherings to grand galas.

As Director of Catering & Events, you'll have the privilege of orchestrating unforgettable experiences within the stunning backdrop of our legendary property. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of hotel catering and/or events experience, preferably in luxury hotel events. Lead this amazing team in the Big Easy!

What will I be doing?

As Director of Catering & Events you will provide continuous leadership in creating and delivering an exceptional team member experience and best place to work. The Director of Catering & Events will be directly responsible for contributing to the achievement of superior business 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:
•    Successfully, innovatively, and timely implement Commercial strategic initiatives and monitor for best-in-class results
•    Drive innovation and creativity within event delivery 
•    Partner with the General Manager/Executive Committee to deliver on Hilton’s values by creating high-impact event experiences
•    Ensure that high quality service standards are maintained through continuous reviews of processes and procedures 
•    Provide owner relations guidance in key areas of Events & Catering expertise, as needed (Banquet Capital Expenditures, Staffing Models) 
•    Actively support the sales process. 

LEADERSHIP:
•    Provide overall leadership and direction in all Events & Catering matters. 
•    Serve as the hotel’s credible Subject Matter Expert on all matters relating to event & catering experience
•    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 
•    Ensure all Event & Catering manager roles have career development plans in place that are actively supported by leadership and profiles are current for succession planning 
•    Listen and respond to team members needs while having an open-door policy
•    Manage group and interpersonal conflict effectively 

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

About The Roosevelt: 

A name that is recognized worldwide for its grandeur and luxury, The Roosevelt New Orleans has a proud history of delivering impeccable service tailored to each and every guest. A legacy that lives on today, over 125 years after the hotel's opening.

Each of our 504 rooms is dressed in exquisite décor with modern amenities for an unforgettable stay.

60,000 square feet of amazing meeting space 

Upscale Dining which includes a Roof Top Bar 

Located just 1 Block from legendary Bourbon Street 

What are we looking for?

•    Minimum Years of Experience Preferred: Two (2) years Hospitality related experience at an Assistant or Director level
•    Luxury Experience Preferred  
•    Other requirements: Travel percentage:  10%  

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)
•    Significant experience in revenue management or a similar analytical role
•    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!

The Benefits

We support the mental and physical wellbeing of all Team Members so they can Thrive personally and professionally in a diverse and inclusive environment, thanks to innovative programs and benefits.

·                Medical Insurance Coverage Options – for you and your family. Able to enroll after 90 days of employment

·                Vision, dental, life and disability insurance

·                Mental Health Resources

·                Best-in-Class Paid Time Off (PTO) – you can accrue up to 144 hours of PTO in your first year of employment.

·                Go Hilton travel discount program: 100 nights of discounted travel per calendar year

·                Participating in the 401(k) Plan and company match is the perfect way to save for the future. We match 100% of every dollar eligible TMs contribute up to 3% of pay, plus 50% of every dollar contributed on the next 2% of pay.

·                Career growth and development

·                Team Member Resource Groups

·                Recognition and rewards programs

·                Access to your pay when you need it through DailyPay

·                Debt-free education: Access to a wide variety of educational credentials (ex. college degrees, high school completion, English-language learning, digital literacy, professional certificates and more)

·                Inclusive family-building and fertility benefits

·                Expanded bereavement leave.

·                Adoption Assistance program

·                Employee stock purchase program (ESPP) - purchase Hilton shares at 15% discount

·                Complimentary meals in the cafeteria while on shift