Director of Catering and Events

SSA Group at Brookfield Zoo is looking for a talented Director of Catering and Events to join our team!

Director Of Catering & Events

Who are we:

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry.

SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love and dedication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve, deserve it.

Position Title:Director of Catering & Events

Reports to:The General Manager

Responsibilities

• Coach, supervise, direct Catering Department so operational needs (financial, staffing, product, merchandising, client expectations, etc.) are met on a daily basis.
• Fostering a close relationship with direct Client report and the client’s staff to ensure a positive working relationship.
• Motivate, direct and train the sales and operations department with a focus on prospecting, closing of a sale, and maintaining mutually beneficial business relationships.
• Responsible for management of all sales and operations related functions, including communicating with staff on a daily basis, developing new business techniques and maintaining client relationships.
• Attends Client meetings and reports weekly to the Resident Area General Manager or as necessary.
• Ensure open and constructive working relationships with all other internal departments involved in servicing group sales business, including maintaining a strong working relationship with key opinion leaders and contacts with the Client.
• Professionally represent the Client in all sales transactions and at related industry functions, meetings and trade shows.
• Remains knowledgeable of and manages in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal laws.
• Upholds and maintains a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrates a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
• Operate with SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client. Engage with Department Managers on ensuring EXTRA Guest Service at all levels of team.
• Maintains knowledge and implementation of contract between SSA and Client with professional discretion.
• Supports employee life-cycle management, inclusive of progressive discipline documentation in field through ongoing establishment with management team and staff.
• Manage the details of the ‘day of’ the event. Including vendor/rental orders, etc. as needed.
• Leads cost negotiation for all Catering & Event proposal process as given through Client as necessary.
• Maintain sales volume, product mix and selling price by keeping current with supply and demand, changing trends, economic indicators and competitors.
• Implement and update the ongoing group sales strategic plan, including systems and processes.
• Monitor and control marketing (subject to Client approval), design and printing expenses for department.
• Respond empathetically and professionally to any customer complaints, seeking advice from the Resident Area General Manager as necessary either before, during or post event.
• Assumes an active role in the long-range planning for Catering & Events department programs.
• Accountable for Catering Department’s financial management through budgeting, forecasting, and management of sales/per cap and controllable expenses.
• Provides precise flash reporting to Resident Area General Manager for weekly and monthly forecasting.
• Completes business assessment with comparable market pricing to assess business model and drive per cap revenue.
• Forecast weekly sales, complete and maintain sales analysis monthly sales.
• Contribute to the team effort by efficiently managing the ‘key’ client accounts with concentration on establishing relationships with large corporate clients containing 100 or more employees.
• Oversee payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines. Meet payroll budget percent expectations by being strategic with coverage, on-call shifts, etc. through coaching of Catering Operations Manager.
• Set precedent to achieve Sales, Per Cap & Controllable Budget.
• Minimize controllable costs associated with the operation. Continually strategize on revenue avenues, areas of opportunity, and negotiation necessary to achieve goals with Client.
• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach at the Unit.
• Assure editorial role on all unit publications (newsletters, calendars, memos, etc.)
• Ensures unit strives to be an example for Company & Client guidelines with regard to Sustainability/Conservation efforts. Displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
• Supports SSA / Unit in driving community effort through hiring efforts, engagement activities, and focus on opportunities of giving back.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

Job Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our partner, Resident Area General Manager and HQ personnel.
• Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
• Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills that are combined with the ability to be organized.
• Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning and leadership skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (up to 35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

Previous Experience

• Six five years of experience in relationship sales and operations; Management experience in cultural, iconic, entertainment, hospitality or museum attraction a plus.
• Must be adept at negotiating and closing sales.
• Comprehension of catering and event coordination procedures and processes.
• Bachelor’s Degree in the Hospitality field or equivalent experience.
• Must be 18 years or older.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)

SSA Group, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity through our commitment to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Compensation and Benefits

• Full-Time
• Salary – based on range in consideration of relevant job experience and certification/education; if position is physically in Colorado or California, salary range will be posted above following EPFEW Act
• Bonus eligible based on company guidelines
• Vacation or TAFW (time away from work) Plan – we want our team to take time as they need, so don’t accrue hours but rather give you freedom to schedule within scope of the business and your needs
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance; employee premiums applicable
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored; scaled-salary pay following submission and approval of leave
• Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave, based on birthing event
• (4) Week fully paid Parental leave following birth, adoption or foster event, can be coupled with Birthing Parent Plan to extend above timeline
• 401k program, eligible for enrollment after (1) year of employment during January or June open enrollment periods, company is not matching at this time
• $75 monthly cell phone stipend

All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice (“Notice”).

San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the “Fair Chance Ordinance – Know Your Rights” document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the “Fair Chance Ordinance – Know Your Rights” document.

SSA Group