Assistant Director of Catering

Role Overview

Assistant Director of Catering at Four Seasons, Kuwait. The role is based at Four Seasons Kuwait, a Forbes Five-Star hotel located in Kuwait City.

Company Overview

Four Seasons is powered by its people—a collective of individuals committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. The company prioritizes world-class employee experience and company culture to enable team members to create amazing experiences for guests, residents, and partners. Four Seasons Kuwait is a resort-like sanctuary in the heart of Kuwait City, featuring contemporary Middle Eastern architecture, soaring rooftop restaurants, leisure facilities, and the city's largest guest rooms.

Role Purpose

Oversee all aspects of a profit and service-driven Catering and Events Department, managing the Senior Manager/Managers and administrative team to ensure seamless operations, revenue optimization, and effective execution of catering and events activities.

Key Responsibilities

Supervision and Team Management

• Supervise the Senior Manager/Managers of Catering and administrative team in their day-to-day roles.
• Maintain and monitor the accuracy and effectiveness of all written communications, including Banquet Event Orders, Resumes, Daily Events Reports, Golden Sales & Catering documentation, and pre-convention meetings.
• Oversee the quarterly administration and seek new ways to motivate the Catering and Events team to ensure achievement of incentive plans.

Sales and Lead Management

• Review the accuracy of Catering Sales Managers/Senior Managers' booking conversions from inquiries received, including Sales, Reservations, Referrals, and direct guest inquiries.
• Assign leads among the team where necessary.

Financial Management and Forecasting

• Provide forecasting and budgeting expertise and financial literacy to analyze pick-up, trend, and pace to support the Director of Catering in preparing the monthly forecast.
• Analyze month-end financial summaries in line with the P&L.
• Evaluate current sales practices and make recommendations to maximize revenues of the Catering and Events forecast and budget while utilizing full potential of existing resources.

Strategic Projects and Revenue Generation

• Assist in developing and executing projects for assigned segments to generate demand and increase catering activity, volume, and revenue.

Vendor and Supplier Relations

• Ensure seamless operation between the Catering & Events team and all vendor and supplier-related clients' needs, including Audio Visual, Florists, Entertainment, Transportation, DMC, and outside catering and locations.

Data Audits and Compliance

• Complete periodic audits of Account and Booking Data in Golden Sales & Catering, including Conflict Reports, Account Traces, Post Conference Reports, and Qualtrics-related reviews.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in event planning and management.
• At least 1 year in an Assistant Director of Catering role.

Skills & Competencies

• Fluency in Arabic and English required; additional languages are an advantage.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and hotel operating systems, including Opera and other business-related applications.
• Ability to build positive, professional relationships and foster a collaborative work environment across departments.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize, delegate, and drive results.
• Calm, resilient, and solution-oriented approach to fast-paced and challenging situations.

Additional Information

Benefits

• Department Head benefits as per Four Seasons Kuwait policy.
• Competitive salary, wages, and comprehensive benefits package.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Complimentary Dream Holidays at other Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
• Regular social and sports events.
• Paid home leave with flight tickets.
• Complimentary employee meals.
• Health, medical, and insurance benefits.

Work Authorization

• Hotel will apply for work authorization for the successful candidate.