Catering Service Manager - The Drake

Celebrating over 100 years, the historic and iconic Drake Hotel is on the Magnificent Mile and in the famed Gold Coast area of shops, dining, and nightlife. Walk to Oak Street Beach, Water Tower Place, and 360 Chicago. The hotel is favored for weddings in the Gold Coast Room and home to the iconic Palm Court for afternoon tea, once visited by Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana. We are looking for a Catering Service Manager to join our amazing team!

What will I be doing?

As Catering Service Manager, you are responsible for the detailing, planning and servicing of our catering business. Creative design of menus and events to maximize revenue and event experience. Maintain existing relationships with corporate and social accounts. As Catering Service Manager you are responsible for event documentation and coordination with Sales, hotel departments and customers to ensure consistent, high-level service throughout the pre-event, event, and post-event phases of all catering hotel events. You will be required to ensure a seamless turnover from sales to service back to sales. Recognizes opportunities to maximize revenue by upselling and offering enhancements to create outstanding events. Serve as the event planner's primary contact following turnover on property and is responsible for his/her experience.

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

• Organize, plan and prioritize your duties by developing plans and goals.
• Timely communication to internal and external clients via telephone, email, written documents or in person.
• Create and maintain relationships with clients to set and meet client expectations and deliver on those expectations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of job systems, products, systems, and processes.
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others while handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts.
• Selling and influencing both internal and external clients.
• Make decisions and solve problems by analyzing and evaluating the issues and determine the best solution.
• Ensure high quality service by communicating and assisting others to understand the guest needs, providing direction and guidance, feedback and individual coaching when needed.
• Participate in customer site inspections and assist with the sales process as necessary.
• Other duties as necessary based on business needs.
• Regular attendance.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum Years of Experience: 2 years of events/catering 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)
• Relevant degree, in business development or other relevant business field, from an academic institution (CMP, CPCE)

Shift Pattern: Flexible scheduling based off groups in house

Pay Rate/Salary Range: $63,000 base salary plus opportunity for quarterly bonus

The Benefits – Hilton is proud to 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 such as:

• Access to pay when you need it through DailyPay

• Medical Insurance Coverage – for you and your family

• Mental health resources including Employee Assistance Program

• Best-in-Class Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Go Hilton travel program: 100 nights of discounted travel

• Parental leave to support new parents

• Debt-Free Education: Team Members will have access to a wide variety of educational credentials through our partnership with Guild Education, including: college degrees and professional certifications*

• 401K plan and company match to help save for your retirement

• Hilton Shares: Our employee stock purchase program (ESPP) - you can purchase Hilton shares at a 15 percent discount

• Career growth and development

• Team Member Resource Groups

• Recognition and rewards programs

* Available benefits may vary depending upon property-specific terms and conditions of employment and the terms of the collective bargaining agreement if applicable.

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