Director of Catering Sales and Events - FAIRMONT

Breathe deeply, dream wildly, and discover a soulful sanctuary where finding yourself comes naturally. Magic sits around every corner and within every conversation. It enchants through the charm of Los Peñasquitos Canyon and the sunshine of San Diego. It’s where classic meets cool, the fine unwinds into fun and inspiration leads to immersion. 

Bask in the San Diego sunshine and enjoy our five-star setting at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Immersed in nature, the resort hosts 249 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, an 18-hole private Tom Fazio-designed golf course, a five-star spa and offers two dozen weekly outdoor activities across the 400 acres of dramatic canyon scenery including yoga, meditation and archery. The Grand includes six different dining venues, including San Diego’s only three-Michelin starred restaurant, Addison.  

Growth and advancement are not only accessible but actively encouraged. We promote a balanced life for our colleagues and continually seek new ways to enhance our environment and support our beautiful home of San Diego. 

Annual Salary Range: $ 135,000.00 - $155,000.00 per year 

• Reporting to the Director of Sales and Marketing, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:  

• Consistently offer professional, friendly and engaging service 

• Direct and manage all activity related to the Catering and Events office, ensuring all service standards are followed 

• Responsible for all catering, from booking to execution and conference services from the time a contract becomes definite to execution 

• Prepare an annual budget for approval and administer that budget in a fiscally responsible manner 

• Establish and maintain rapport with clients, prior to, during and post conference, exceeding their expectations and encouraging repeat business 

• Conduct site inspections as required 

• Ensure that function bookings, group resumes and event contracts are prepared and distributed accurately and efficiently 

• Finds ways to maximize revenues and identifies up-sell opportunities for own and other departments 

• Ensure meeting and function rooms are properly maintained at all times liaising with food and beverage outlets regarding reservations and flow of clients 

• Participates in regional Events meetings and in corporate committees as required 

• Leads the relationship to the in-house A/V provider ENCORE 

• Work closely with the Director of Operations, Director of Revenue Management and Director of Finance to prepare monthly forecasts 

• Leads daily, weekly and monthly meetings as required, including EO, Resume, CS Meeting 

• Makes sure that the Meeting Planner surveys are conducted in a timely manner and follows up internally in order to improve the results YOY 

• Is accountable for achieving excellent Colleague Engagement Survey results 

• Works closely with the Regional Sales Team to ensure all contractual terms agreed upon are carried out to maximize function space for highest profitability for the hotel and to live up to the high expectation of the conveners. 

• Establishes strategic action plans to achieve Revenue, Meeting Planner and CES goals.

• Balance operational, administrative and Colleague needs.

• Follow departmental policies and procedures.

• Follow all safety policies.

• Other duties as assigned. 

• 3-5 years of previous leadership experience in upscale hotel industry. Preferably catering and conference planning, executing large, high profile food and beverage events 

• Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications, Opera Sales & Catering, Property Manager and other relevant computer applications strongly recommended  

• University/College degree in a related discipline required 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal required 

• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities 

• Highly responsible & reliable 

• Ability to focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times 

Visa Requirements: Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.

Why Work for Accor? We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor's limitless possibilities.

About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts: At Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, we offer our guests the finest hospitality experience in each of our destinations.  And we know that, to offer our guests the best, we first need to offer our employees the best. That's why you'll find exceptional work opportunities - throughout North America and the Caribbean, Europe and Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific - as well as industry-leading training, career development, recognition and rewards. Fairmont Hotel & Resorts is a celebrated collection of hotels that includes landmark locations like London's The Savoy, New York's The Plaza, and Shanghai's Fairmont Peace Hotel. Our teams are guided by values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Empowerment; we employ the highest ethical and quality standards, treating all colleagues with fairness and dignity. A community and environmental leader, Fairmont is also regarded for its responsible tourism practices and award-winning Green Partnership program.  An exciting future awaits!

Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo! #BELIMITLESS