Director of Catering & Events Services - InterContinental Washington DC - The Wharf

About Us 

IHG Hotels & Resorts is one of the largest hotel companies in the world and one of the world’s leading hotel and resort companies with a family of 19 brands. Our purpose – True Hospitality for Good – comes to life in every one of our collections. With luxury and lifestyle, we are taking it to new heights.

Five visionary brands - InterContinental, Regent Hotels, Six Senses, Vignette Collection and Kimpton Hotels - make up our luxury collection. Individually, they are icons. Together, they bring unforgettable and unparalleled experiences to travelers in over 430 hotels and resorts in 100 countries around the world. 

Having recently added a host of incredible properties to our portfolio, we now stand as one of the world’s leading luxury operators. Each of our hotels cultivates a distinctive style and ambience where we embrace every opportunity to give our guests unforgettable and unparalleled experiences. 

About the hotel

A luxurious hotel destination at The Wharf on D.C.’s Waterfront, the InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf in the reimagined Wharf neighborhood brings sophistication to its contemporary style. Perfectly placed on the beautiful Potomac River, InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf enjoys the most incredible waterfront views of D.C. Steps away from America’s political epicenter, the hotel embraces guests with an exquisitely curated resort destination that reignites the river’s edge and a captivating sanctuary in the center of The Wharf neighborhood, paying homage to the maritime and industrial-working heritage of its setting.  Featuring a relaxing seasonal rooftop pool with striking Potomac River views and the indulging full-service spa, The Spa at The Wharf, modern luxury, culture, and a rich history combine in the Wharf neighborhood to create a perfect atmosphere for guests and locals alike.

About the Director of Catering and Event Services position

Our hotels bring people together. We’re searching for a Director of Catering and Event Services.  As Director of Catering & Event Services, the position will oversee all functions of the Catering and Event Services Department. Ensure that all conferences, meetings and group activities are coordinated and managed within client expectations. Upsell client events and manage function space and room block inventory to maximize hotel profit. Ensure hotel and client fulfill group contract commitments.

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 little taste of your day-to-day

Every day is different at IHG, but you’ll mostly be:

• Establish client base of individuals, organizations, associations, social, and/or corporate businesses through direct outside and inside sales efforts to secure business for the hotel to ensure that catering revenue goals are met or exceeded.  Actively prospect and qualify new business.
• Negotiate guest room rates, meeting room rental, function space, and/or hotel services within approved booking guidelines.  Accurately produce and/or review all sales contracts, rate agreements, and/or banquet/catering event orders.  
• Monitor and handle inquiry calls and provide client proposals in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.
• Work closely with other hotel departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients.
• Disseminate sales-related information to other departments as appropriate.
• Check function room set ups prior to guest arrival, ensuring all details are in agreement with client's requirements and hotels
• Welcome group contact upon arrival at function and ensure guest satisfaction.
• Monitor and ensure all functions are set up, refreshed, and broken down in compliance with scheduled times and departmental procedures.
• Arrange and conduct special events, site inspections, and off-site presentations for potential clients.  Entertain clients in accordance with established company and hotel policies and guidelines.
• Maintain client files and update information daily in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.
• Produce monthly sales-related reports and sales forecasts for assigned area of responsibility.
• Attend and represent hotel at trade shows and conventions and/or participate in sales trips to key feeder markets.
• Follow up with guests regularly during and after departure to ensure satisfactions and secure future bookings.
• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments.  Key departmental contacts include all hotel departments.
• May assist in developing and implement sales actions plan as assigned.  
• May assist in client in menu planning.  May coordinate food, beverage, table arrangements and decorations with Banquet Department.

          Financial Returns

• Assist management in the preparation of the annual departmental operating budget, and financial plans which support the overall objectives of the hotel.
• Negotiate food and beverage prices, function space, and hotel services within approved departmental booking guidelines.

          People

• 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.
• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments. Key departmental contacts include Sales Staff, Executive Chef, Banquet Manager and convention services staff and hotel Executive Committee.
• Interact with outside contacts:
  • Guests – to ensure their total satisfaction
  • Vendors – to arrange services
  • Other contacts as needed (Professional organizations, community groups)

          Guest Experience

• 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 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 client satisfaction

          Responsible Business

• Direct the day-to-day activities of the Catering & Event Services team, plan, organize, and assign work and communicate goals. Advise staff of formal policies and procedures.
• Ensure all staff is properly trained and have the tools and equipment needed to effectively carry out their job functions.
• Schedule conventions and business group activities and coordinate with other hotel-level departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients
• Plan and conduct pre-event and post-event meetings with clients and catering staff. Complete forecasts, plans, and sales production reports for management.
• Monitor and ensure all functions are set-up refreshed and broken down in compliance with scheduled times and department procedures.
• May serve as manager on duty when required.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

          Accountability

          Typically the top job responsible for the coordination and servicing of hotel’s convention and/or conference space. Typically managers both professional level and                     administrative support employees in a full service hotel with high volume catering, banquet, and/or convention facilities.

          Qualification and Requirements

          Bachelor’s Degree in marketing or related field or equivalent, and 5+ years total experience in a catering setting or related field preferred, with direct supervisory                       experience over a sales/catering team, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Must speak fluent English.

          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

          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 reflect 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 you can expect from us

We give our people everything they need to succeed. From a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work to a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life – including impressive room discounts and some of the best training in the business. 

The salary range for this role is $90,000.00 to $140,000.00. This is the lowest to highest pay scale we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. This rate is only applicable for jobs to be performed in Washington, DC. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the pay range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs. 

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401k, and many other benefits to eligible employees.

You can apply for this role through the link below (or through the internal career site if you are a current employee). 

Note: No amount of pay is considered wages or compensation until earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate difference and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance by always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. 

IHG Hotels & Resorts gives every member of the team the room they need to belong, grow and make a difference in a collaborative environment. We know that to work well, we need to feel well – both inside and outside of work – and through our myWellbeing framework, we are committed to supporting wellbeing in your health, lifestyle, and workplace.  So, join us and you’ll become part of our ever-growing global family.

At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we’ve made a promise. As one of the world’s leading hotel groups, we’re here to deliver True Hospitality for Good. Making our guests and colleagues feel welcome, cared for, recognised and respected – wherever they are in the world. Want to be part of the journey?

As the world’s first and most global luxury hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has pioneered international travel since the 1940s and we are passionate about sharing our renowned international know-how and cultural wisdom in truly impressive surroundings. We all take great pride in being genuine ambassadors of the InterContinental®️ brand and to be part of the brand you will have a thirst for travel, a passion for culture and an appreciation for diversity. We create inspiring experiences for those seeking a richer perspective on the world. If you’d like to embrace a world of opportunities, we’d like to welcome you to the world’s most international luxury hotel brand.

Don't quite meet every single requirement, but still believe you'd be a great fit for the job? We'll never know unless you hit the 'Apply' button. Start your journey with us today.