Assistant Director of Social Events (Full-Time) l InterContinental Miami Downtown

About us:

As the world's largest family of luxury hotels, we all take great pride in being genuine ambassadors of the InterContinental® brand. Shaped by decades of international know-how and local insights, our passion for luxury travel spans cultures and customs. Inspiring us to create warm and sophisticated experiences for those seeking a richer perspective on the world.

At InterContinental Hotels & Resorts® we want our guests to feel special, cosmopolitan and In the Know which means we need you to:

• Be charming by being approachable, having confidence and showing respect.
• Stay in the moment by understanding and anticipating guests’ needs, being attentive and taking ownership of getting things done.
• Make it memorable by being knowledgeable, sharing stories and showing your style to create moments that make people feel special.

A Shining Star Among Downtown Miami Hotels, the InterContinental Miami features the city's premier accommodations, convention, and meeting facilities. Overlooking sparkling Biscayne Bay, we provide a secure, inviting environment in a well-established area of the city. Priding ourselves on being ONE GREAT TEAM, and eight times TOP WORKPLACES of South Florida by the Sun Sentinel.

Your day to day:

As Assistant Director of Social Events, you will be responsible to develop and implement the total sales and marketing strategies of the catering department & all special events, including securing new accounts, maintaining existing accounts, and executing sales and marketing tactical plans to maximize the profitability of the hotel while maintaining guest satisfaction. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct the day-to-day activities of the catering team.  Advise staff of formal policies and procedures.
• Recommend and/or initiate salary, disciplinary, or other staffing/human resources-related actions in accordance with Company rules and policies.  Alert management of potentially serious issues.
• Establish client base of organizations, associations and commercial business through direct outside sales efforts for the purpose of securing business for the hotel. Accurately produce and/or review all sales contracts, rate agreements, and/or banquet/catering event orders.
• Develop, train and motivate a catering team that is responsible for developing new accounts, maintaining existing accounts, and implementing catering strategies to achieve catering revenue goals and maximize profits for the hotel, while maintaining guest satisfaction. Develop and maintain relationships with key clients in support of food & beverage sales, and catering/banquet services. 
• Negotiate food and beverage prices, function space, and hotel services within approved departmental booking guidelines.  Work closely with Executive Chef on menu design and concepts pricing for catering events.
• Achieve budgeted revenues and personal sales goals.  Assist management in the preparation of the annual departmental operating budget, and financial plans which support the overall objectives of the hotel.  Complete forecasts, plans, and sales production reports.
• Identify operational problems that impact the effectiveness of overall catering sales performance and work closely with appropriate Departments on solutions.
• Conduct banquet and catering facility tours and entertain clients in accordance with company and property policy.
• Assist clients with menu planning, food and beverage coordination, table arrangements, decoration options, etc.  Arrange all details of conventions and or catering events to include room set-ups, staging, lighting, audiovisual, traffic flow, menus, décor, entertainment, group room blocks, VIP services, and approved method of payment.     
• Review daily posting of charges, resolve any discrepancies in a timely manner.  Follow-up to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Plan and conduct pre-event and post-event meeting with clients, guests, and catering staff. 
• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments.  Key departmental contacts include Executive Chef, other sales staff, Banquet Department and/or convention services staff, and other hotel Executive Committee members.
• Interact with outside contacts:
  • Guests – to ensure their total satisfaction
  • Vendors – to arrange services 
  • Other contacts as needed (Professional organizations, community groups) 
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• May serve as manager on duty when required.

What we need from you:

Bachelor's Degree in marketing or related field or equivalent, and  3 years experience in a catering setting or related field, with direct supervisory experience over a sales/catering team, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Must speak fluent English.  Other languages preferred.

 This job requires ability to perform the following:

• Frequently  standing up or moving within and outside of the facility
• Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 25 pounds
• Handling objects
• Bending, stooping, kneeling

Other:

• Communication skills are utilized a significant amount of time when interacting with others; demonstrated ability to interact with guests, employees and third parties that reflects highly on the hotel, the brand and the Company.
• Reading and writing abilities are utilized often when completing paperwork and management reports, interpreting results, giving and receiving instructions, and training 
• Mathematical skills, including basic math, budgeting, profit/loss concepts, percentages, and variances are utilized frequently.
• Problem solving, reasoning, motivating, organizational and training abilities are used often. 
• Ability to travel to attend workshops, tradeshows, conventions, etc.
• May require a valid Driver’s License.
• May be required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

What we offer:

In return we will give you a competitive financial and benefits package which may include healthcare support, dental, vision, disability and life insurance support, and a matching 401k plan. Hotel discounts worldwide are available as well as access to a wide variety of discount programs and the chance to work with a great team of people. Most importantly, we'll give you the room to be yourself.

IHG is an equal opportunity employer: Minorities/ Females/ Veterans/ Disabled.