The Wurzak Hotel Group
Director of Catering & Convention Services
The Wurzak Hotel Group, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, us, 33336
Director of Catering & Convention Services
Wurzak Hotel Group is seeking an experienced Director of Catering and Convention Services to oversee all aspects of conferences and social events between hotel clients and other departments of our stylish and contemporary lifestyle brand, The Dalmar & Element located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Responsibilities
Develop banquet event orders, group resumes, function room diagrams, and business correspondence.
Utilize CITY system for accurate blocking of events, groups, traces, and generation of BEOs.
Obtain guarantees for food and beverage functions and necessary approvals/permits/insurance certificates.
Lead pre‑conference and post‑conference meetings, departmental and BEO meetings.
Supervise all group information, changes to existing information, and communicate to appropriate hotel colleagues timely and accurately.
Entertain clients and maintain an active trace system for all assigned groups.
Audit banquet checks for assigned groups, contract business with approved vendors, approve payments, and provide backup for contracted vendor business.
Direct all aspects of conferences: food and beverage requirements, timing of events, audio‑visual requirements, special attention guests, room type allocation, rooming list, amenities, function room setup, group transportation, check‑in/check‑out, special meal requests, arrival/departure manifests, bag pulls, luggage storage, complimentary rooms, billing instructions, authorized signatures, room deliveries, telephone and internet requirements, box storage and delivery, power requirements, security requirements, key requirements, expected F&B outlet usage, group hospitality/office/registration desk requirements, business center requirements, entertainment, leisure activities, décor (floral), supplier referral.
Support team members to coordinate all aspects of business luncheons, cocktail receptions, and professional dinner presentations: answer inquiry calls, reply to RFPs, actively solicit potential clients via telephone, confirm function space availability, verify conflicts, block function space in CITY, generate and execute contracts, secure deposits, coordinate logistics, ensure event success, and any other tasks/duties requested by management.
Qualifications
Four‑year college degree in hospitality management, marketing, business, or related field or equivalent experience.
Five or more years of related experience in catering and conference services, preferably as a manager, in a luxury or lifestyle hotel property.
Familiarity with hospitality industry practices and specific hospitality industry applications (CITY preferred).
Strong mathematical skills, computer software aptitude, and some hotel operation knowledge.
Reading, writing, and oral proficiency in English.
Ability to travel locally and overnight and willing to work a flexible schedule.
Self‑motivated with superior organizational skills, ability to handle multiple tasks, follow appropriate course of action based on policies and procedures, work in fast‑paced environment, and handle competing priorities.
Perks
Competitive salary
Paid time off
Medical, dental, vision health insurance
Life, AD&D, pets, legal, and more supplemental insurance
Wellness programs for mental, physical, and financial wellness
Hotel and travel discounts
Generous retirement/401k benefits
Education and professional development
Employee lunches and recognition programs
About Wurzak Hotel Group Wurzak Hotel Group (WHG) is a Philadelphia‑based owner, developer, and operator of premium branded full‑service, extended stay, and focus service hotels. WHG’s core expertise is developing and operating hotels and food and beverage outlets in an entrepreneurial manner maximizing returns and building long‑term relationships with our guests. WHG has earned and maintained its competitive advantage by developing talent within the organization who embody the same entrepreneurial spirit of our leadership team and who seek to create value through tireless innovation, tight focus on operational details, and uncompromised guest satisfaction. WHG has a proven track record of managing hospitality assets for over 30 years and continues to be recognized as one of the region’s top hospitality companies.
WHG is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture where all team members can thrive. We have a zero‑tolerance policy for workplace discrimination on the basis of race, gender, disability, or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local laws.
EEO m/f/d/h
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Responsibilities
Develop banquet event orders, group resumes, function room diagrams, and business correspondence.
Utilize CITY system for accurate blocking of events, groups, traces, and generation of BEOs.
Obtain guarantees for food and beverage functions and necessary approvals/permits/insurance certificates.
Lead pre‑conference and post‑conference meetings, departmental and BEO meetings.
Supervise all group information, changes to existing information, and communicate to appropriate hotel colleagues timely and accurately.
Entertain clients and maintain an active trace system for all assigned groups.
Audit banquet checks for assigned groups, contract business with approved vendors, approve payments, and provide backup for contracted vendor business.
Direct all aspects of conferences: food and beverage requirements, timing of events, audio‑visual requirements, special attention guests, room type allocation, rooming list, amenities, function room setup, group transportation, check‑in/check‑out, special meal requests, arrival/departure manifests, bag pulls, luggage storage, complimentary rooms, billing instructions, authorized signatures, room deliveries, telephone and internet requirements, box storage and delivery, power requirements, security requirements, key requirements, expected F&B outlet usage, group hospitality/office/registration desk requirements, business center requirements, entertainment, leisure activities, décor (floral), supplier referral.
Support team members to coordinate all aspects of business luncheons, cocktail receptions, and professional dinner presentations: answer inquiry calls, reply to RFPs, actively solicit potential clients via telephone, confirm function space availability, verify conflicts, block function space in CITY, generate and execute contracts, secure deposits, coordinate logistics, ensure event success, and any other tasks/duties requested by management.
Qualifications
Four‑year college degree in hospitality management, marketing, business, or related field or equivalent experience.
Five or more years of related experience in catering and conference services, preferably as a manager, in a luxury or lifestyle hotel property.
Familiarity with hospitality industry practices and specific hospitality industry applications (CITY preferred).
Strong mathematical skills, computer software aptitude, and some hotel operation knowledge.
Reading, writing, and oral proficiency in English.
Ability to travel locally and overnight and willing to work a flexible schedule.
Self‑motivated with superior organizational skills, ability to handle multiple tasks, follow appropriate course of action based on policies and procedures, work in fast‑paced environment, and handle competing priorities.
Perks
Competitive salary
Paid time off
Medical, dental, vision health insurance
Life, AD&D, pets, legal, and more supplemental insurance
Wellness programs for mental, physical, and financial wellness
Hotel and travel discounts
Generous retirement/401k benefits
Education and professional development
Employee lunches and recognition programs
About Wurzak Hotel Group Wurzak Hotel Group (WHG) is a Philadelphia‑based owner, developer, and operator of premium branded full‑service, extended stay, and focus service hotels. WHG’s core expertise is developing and operating hotels and food and beverage outlets in an entrepreneurial manner maximizing returns and building long‑term relationships with our guests. WHG has earned and maintained its competitive advantage by developing talent within the organization who embody the same entrepreneurial spirit of our leadership team and who seek to create value through tireless innovation, tight focus on operational details, and uncompromised guest satisfaction. WHG has a proven track record of managing hospitality assets for over 30 years and continues to be recognized as one of the region’s top hospitality companies.
WHG is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture where all team members can thrive. We have a zero‑tolerance policy for workplace discrimination on the basis of race, gender, disability, or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local laws.
EEO m/f/d/h
#J-18808-Ljbffr