Catering & Convention Services Assistant Director

The Catering and Convention Services Assistant Director provides direct leadership for up to 8 Cast Members in the Catering and Convention Services organization at the Disneyland Resort. You will be responsible for working directly with clients across multiple market segments to plan programs at the Disneyland Resort. You will be responsible for developing a high-performance team, ensuring direct and indirect reports are well trained in their roles, and provide clients and operating partners with excellent work product. You may be required to be the primary Catering and Convention Services contact for high-profile organizations. Additionally, you will be responsible for one of our resort hotels and/or theme park events business and function as the primary advocate for group events within the facilities. This will require working directly with operational leaders to ensure the best possible outcome for events of all sizes. A high degree of competence is required in event planning, menu design, banquet operations, hotel operations and creative problem solving. As a leader, you will model the highest standards of professionalism and embrace the expectations of The Walt Disney Company. This is a site-based role with limited options for remote work.

You will report to Catering and Convention Services Director.

Responsibilities:

• Provide tactical leadership for approximately (8) Catering and Convention Services Cast members to ensure a high-quality experience for our clients, partners and guests.

• Collaborate with operational and support partners to improve processes and outcomes for our Cast and Clients.

• Engage with leaders within the Sales teams to ensure the teams demonstrate a high level of collaboration and support.

• Gain expertise in critical systems that support the line of business.

• Engage with core operating partners to develop improved product and services for our clients and events.

• Manage assigned vendor relationships to ensure compliance with all Disney policies and achievement of any contractual vendor requirements.

• Participate in developing revenue and/or cost forecasting as required.

• Develop the skills of direct reports to ensure the Cast exceed client and partner expectations and ensure the Cast are prepared for professional growth.

• Ensure banquet event orders are accurate, timely and informative for operating partners.

• Ensure Cast receive timely and constructive feedback in an on-going fashion according to company policies.

• Collaborate with leaders in developing business growth plans.

• Identify and remove barriers that negatively impact Cast satisfaction or productivity.

• Develop management reporting to support the business.

• Evaluate internal Catering and Convention Services policies and make changes that benefit Cast, Clients and Partners.

• Cultivate Food and Beverage knowledge within the Catering and Convention Services teams.

• Maintain a high degree of visibility within the hotels to ensure group and event business is supported and valued.

• Champion a culture of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Collaboration, Creativity and Innovation.

Basic Qualifications:

• 7 years of progressive leadership experience in the lodging industry.

• Experience in leading teams and managing departmental budgets, forecasts and operating standards.

• Direct experience in event management, catering, convention services and/or the culinary profession.

• Proficiency in Sales and Catering booking systems.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and applications.

• Understanding of event technology and support services such as rigging, exhibits set-up, fire marshal codes and event set-up standards.

• Experience working in cross-functional teams, establishing a collaborative and supportive process for issues identification and process improvement.

• Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to drive risk-taking.

• Current knowledge of industry trends in meetings and events.

• Strong attention to detail and personal organization skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Role requires weekends, holidays and evening schedule pending client events.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Major hotel brand or convention hotel experience in a leadership role.

• Current experience leading event operations or catering and convention services teams.

• Culinary knowledge and skills related to banquet menu planning for groups of all sizes.

• Understanding of yield management and profit improvement strategies in the events business segment.

• Certifications related to food, beverage or event planning.

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent level of experience.

The hiring range for this position is $123,000-165,000. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.