Assistant Director Of Catering & Conference Services

About Four Seasons:

Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.        

At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us.

About the location:

When you think about Four Seasons, we hope unparalleled luxury comes to mind. But what is luxury, really? Our answer may surprise you. To us, true luxury is a meaningful sense of belonging. It is a dedicated focus on how people want to be treated, grounded in the genuine care you experience during your stay and defined by an abundance of humanity and generosity. This starts with our passionate team, welcoming you to be the centre of our world, anywhere in the world – and always with a distinctly human touch. The views are just the beginning at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, located at the epicentre of the historic Rocks district, sparkling Harbour and buzzing CBD. Chic rooms and suites embrace the iconic attractions just steps away, while the award-winning restaurant and street front bar are destinations unto themselves.

About the Role of Assistant Director of Catering & Conference Services:

Working closely with and reporting to the Director of Catering & Conference Services, you will assist in leading and developing our talented Catering team and be responsible for securing Catering business across all market segments and working closely with clients in the planning stages through to the execution of events. You will create and prospect long lasting new accounts, generate leads and maintain key relationships.

We are looking for someone with superior communication skills, one who is able to vary their style to suit a wide internal audience whilst maintaining and strengthening relationships with key clients and partners. To thrive in this role, the ideal candidate will have a hunger for results, a thirst for providing a memorable catering experience, be a savvy negotiator and influencer, a swift decision maker and will enjoy the challenge of multi-tasking whilst meeting tight deadlines. 

What you will do:

• Lead, develop and motivate the Catering team for continued success, ensuring our strong service culture remains at an optimum
• Driving Catering Sales by negotiating with clients to achieve maximum revenue/profit potential whilst satisfying our clients needs. Negotiating the type and costs of services to be provided within contract and budget
• Finalise all bookings, maximizing all revenue potential by upselling in all revenue producing areas
• Manage group deposits and complete all billing documents. Supply any requested information to the finance team to ensure that correct billing is actioned
• Finalise the requirements of all assigned groups and ensure effective communication both written (Group Resumes, BEO, Daily Reports, Operational Briefings, Billing) and personal contact with all departments for the success of the event
• Plan and participate in internal meetings with hotel departments and clients as required, including but not exclusive to: Operations Briefing, Daily Catering Briefing, Group Resume Meeting, Banquet Event Order Meeting, Sales Meetings, Pre-Convention Meetings, Credit Meeting, Menu Tastings, Planning Visits and Site Visits
• Oversee the execution of events, as well as to suggest methods of improvement to increase guest satisfaction
• Work closely with all hotel departments in a supportive and flexible manner, to ensure the overall success of the hotel and the satisfaction of hotel guests and clients

What you will bring:

• At least 3 years previous experience in a events sales and planning leadership role in a large volume and high expectation operation
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines whilst handling multiple files and clients simultaneously
• Solid communication and relationship building skills, with the ability to forge strong working connections with clients and internal stakeholders
• Solid local market and vendor knowledge, with a keen interest in current trends
• An exceptional eye for detail to ensure meticulous planning and execution of groups and events

What we offer:

• Competitive Salary, wages, and a comprehensive benefits package
• Excellent Training and Development opportunities
• Complimentary Accommodation at other Four Seasons Hotels and Resort
• Complimentary Dry Cleaning for Employee Uniforms
• Complimentary Employee Meals

Candidates will need the right to work in Australia.

If you feel this is the role for you we would love to hear from you!

We make it a point to take the time to review each resume carefully to select those that are a match with the preferred qualifications for the job. If that’s you, we will contact you to set up a time to get to know each other.