CATERING AND EVENT DIRECTOR Job (Cambridge, MA, US)

A Fresh Approach To Great Results.

Ownership, Quality, Hospitality, these are the qualities that create and inspire the success of Restaurant Associates (RA). Come be a part of our Manhattan based premier foodservice hospitality company as one of our newest members of our select, dynamic team of professionals. RA is recognized as the nation’s premier hospitality company, providing premium food services to museums, performing arts centers, aquariums, corporate dining, educational facilities and off-premise catering events in New York City, Boston, Hartford, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Toronto.

Job Description:

We currently seek a reputable Catering and Event Director for one of our multi-faceted locations. The ideal candidate will share in our belief in the quality value of delivering superior hospitality to our premier clients.

The successful candidate will effectively plan events & meetings from start to finish while keeping the customers and operation in mind by maximizing space and generating monthly metrics. Confer with customers and team members in all phases of their meeting/conference to ensure complete customer satisfaction. Maintain excellent relationships with the client and their guests, as well as other departments within the operations. Additional responsibilities include but not limited to the following:

Responsibilities:

• Work directly with the Food Service Director to ensure all catering menu proposals are presented to the client accurately & effectively


• Work with the service staff to see that message handling with administrative support is efficiently handled and placed in the computer based system immediately


• Work closely with the Audio Visual to ensure room set-ups, audio/visual needs and special request


• Ensure that all appropriate communication for upcoming business is complete and distributed in a timely manner to the management team


• Hires, trains and schedules catering associates and is actively involved in the development of existing associates in service techniques, menu presentation, policies, and procedures


• Menu development and marketing functions as they relate to the catering department


• Performs related duties and special projects as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree is preferred or equivalent professional experience


• Strong knowledge of current food, industry trends and fine dining points of service


• A minimum of 5-8 years of experience in hospitality industry including 3 years of management experience


• Supervisory, scheduling, training and coaching skills


• Ability to assess client requirements and deliver ensuring client satisfaction


• Must be able to write menu proposals in consultation with chefs


• Prepare and monitor budgets; financial targets and forecasts


• The ability to supervise food preparation, service and clean up is also essential


• Maintain local clients database and build and maintain relationship with vendors


• Knowledge of A/V equipment with the ability to set up and break down for events.


• Superior quantitative, oral and written communications and problem-solving/strategizing skills


• Excellent leadership and organizational skills, flexible and adaptable to constant changes and must possess attention to detail


• Excellent overall computer skills with advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint


• Proactive mindset and able to remain calm under pressure to anticipate and support changes in our business.


• Conformity to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior


• Exceptional client relations and customer service abilities


• Ensure all safety and sanitation procedures are followed in compliance with HACCP

Charlotte-based Compass Group North America is the leader in foodservice management and support services. By combining fresh ideas with the industry’s greatest talent, we continue to set the standards for food and service excellence. Our vision for success is a powerful one – to continue to rise above the competition in every aspect of our business – from leading-edge technology, to purchasing, to foodservice, to catering and vending, to facilities management and support services. That kind of commitment commands only the best, and it's our great people providing great service that generates our great results. In turn, it’s important to us that our talented employees be given the proper resources to achieve their fullest potential.

Great People. Great Service. Great Results.
At Compass Group North America , our superior balance of efficiency and quality attract the highest caliber level of service our clients deserve. We retain the finest workers with a highly competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits plan. If you’re looking for a career where you set the standard for personal advancement, then Compass Group North America is for you! Working together, we will continue to experience success as the industry’s best.

Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry
Compass Group North America is a diversity growth-oriented organization. Our goal is to improve the quality of work life by using fair and consistent treatment and providing equal growth opportunities for ALL associates. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers applicants without regard to race, sex, religion, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.