Director of Catering - Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia

Our Mission

We believe heartfelt, human connections make people's lives better. Especially the people who work here. Our founder, Bill Kimpton rebelled against impersonal, generic hospitality that makes people feel disconnected. He initiated a new boutique hotel standard and environment where people could connect, from the heart. That was the goal then, and it is still our purpose today. Your work here has meaning. You're here to improve the lives of coworkers, guests, owners, communities, and together we make that happen. It's what drives all that we do. Every day you can improve lives in your own, unique way and you can expect the same in return. It all starts with you.

Our Culture

Our San Francisco-born entrepreneurial spirit and zest for life kick started this culture in 1981, and it shines through to this day. It all flows from you. The lively, rebellious, genuine you - with your diverse background, talents, experiences, and plucky personality - is fully welcome, and celebrated here. Because we know that when people can be themselves at work, they shine. That's what we seek out and celebrate. It's people of all kinds who share a knack for creativity and self-leadership. People who don't need to be told what to do to get things done. People who have an innate passion for making others' lives better. It adds up to a work environment that's a bit quirky, irreverent, exciting, uncommon, empowering, and downright exceptional. Guests feel it; you'll feel it too.

Your Role

As the Director of Catering, you're in charge of the strategic direction, management, and top-line revenues for catering and private dining. You'll be responsible for working directly with the restaurant team in building a clear and credible vision for the department. You'll align with human resources, structures, and systems to achieve strategic goals and maximize revenues while being the liaison between the restaurant and hotel teams.

Your Responsibilities Include :

• Sell restaurant as Private Dining space for ancillary revenues.
• Handle assigned markets based upon experience and depth of contact base to benefit the catering / private-dining department.
• Continually assess strengths / challenges of catering / private dining team members.
• Provide mentorship and training to the team.
• Knowledgeable of restaurant / hotel competitive set and recommends sales / pricing strategies, service and product improvements / up sell strategies to stay competitive.
• Detailed knowledge of property, space, capacities, concept / food style (menus!)
• Active participation in the sales lead / revenue generating process for the department.
• Develop appropriate revenue / production goals for the catering team with General Manager's buy-in and support.
• Work with Executive Chef and Restaurant General Manager / Director of F&B to create and maintain Banquet menus and other Marketing Collateral.
• Actively participates in weekly sales / pace / BEO meetings.
• Ensure that accurate and detailed notes / traces of accounts are maintained via PMS and restaurant database.
• Prioritize activities and represent restaurant at off-premise / charity events.
• Support restaurant in any hotel emergency / safety situation.

What You Bring

4+ years catering / private dining sales experience as an Associate and / or Director of Catering role. Ability to encourage, lead and manage a team by example. Knowledge of food, wine, sales, negotiation, and closing process. Well organized, detail oriented with excellent follow-up, and high level of creativity, enthusiasm and flexibility! Strong computer skills including Word and Excel. Must possess excellent communication skills both internally and externally. Ability to convert vision into specific and tangible actions. Flexible schedule, able to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Diversity and Inclusion

Differences make a difference. We are committed to creating a culture that reflects the diversity of our hotel and restaurant guests. With that goal in mind, we encourage each of our employees to understand, accept, and celebrate differences among people. That includes different personalities, lifestyles, work styles, education, and experience. We also welcome and embrace people of all races, ethnicities, ages, religions, physical abilities, sexual orientation, gender identities and genders.

For our complete EEO policy click here.