Catering and Conference Services Manager

About Four Seasons
Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.

At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us.

About the location:
Iconic elegance in Milan's most fashionable neighbourhood. . A 15th-century convent turned sophisticated garden retreat, Four Seasons Hotel Milano is a haven in the centre of Milan's Fashion District. Fall asleep under frescoes in high-ceilinged rooms, dine on authentic Italian dishes on the airy veranda and recover from a day of shopping and sightseeing with a massage in our sleek, modern Spa.

About The Role
We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Catering and Conference Services Manager to join our iconic Hotel, Four Seasons Milano in Italy

What You Will Do
Four Season Hotel Milano is looking for a dynamic team member who has a clear sales approach, enjoys the proactive sales part as much as planning for events and groups alike. The Catering and Conference Services Manager conducts all aspects of negotiation and organization of groups and events.

• Negotiate with clients through the use of creative and attractive menu presentations and event proposals, to achieve both maximum revenue/profit potential and fulfilment of contractual responsibilities while satisfying client needs.
• Coordinate with the Sales Department to insure proper utilization of function space to yield maximum revenues.
• Finalize the requirements of confirmed bookings while maximizing revenue potential through up selling and ensuring effective communication both written (Resumes, BEO, Daily Reports) and personal contact with all departments for the success of the event. Maintain an active trace/follow-up system. Ensure accuracy of Banquet Checks and provide bill review on completion of program or event.
• Supervise the execution of banquet events. Review all function space with banquet manager and when necessary head house attendant. Ensure satisfaction of client at the outset of all events.
• Plan and/or attend and/or participate in meetings with hotel staff and clients, including but not exclusive to: Morning Operations Briefing, Morning CS Briefing, Resume Meeting, Banquet Event Order Meeting, Sales Meeting Pre-Convention Meetings, Bi-Monthly Board of Operations, Planning Visits, and Menu Tastings.
• Make timely and impromptu decisions, which balance client's needs with the financial, safety and staffing goals of the hotel.
• Find solutions to the inevitable challenges and glitches that arise while groups are on property and keep Director of Conference Services and Planning Committee promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters so prompt corrective action can be taken where appropriate.
• Maintain knowledge of hotel facilities, capacities and dimensions of meeting space and basic operational needs of all operating departments.
• Assist with all guest inquires within catering department, including assistance with high telephone volume and walk-in site inspections.
• Mentor and develop Administrative staff for future career growth.
• Act as the liaison for all vendor/supplier related clients needs, (i.e. Audio Visual, Florists, Entertainment, Transportation, DMC, Off-site Locations etc) Provide input for the weekly forecast

What You Bring

• Luxury hotel Sales & Events experience (minimum three years).
• Excellent Italian and English communications skills (verbal and written).
• Positive attitude and effective interpersonal skills, time management and organization abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software: Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher. Knowledge of Salesforce and Opera is preferred.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary, wages, and a comprehensive benefits package
• Excellent Training and Development opportunities
• Complimentary Dry Cleaning for Employee Uniforms
• Meals available at our Employee Restaurant
• Employee Experience initiatives: from annual themed employee party to many ESG events throughout the year
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Opportunities to build a successful career with global potential

Schedule & Hours
This position is based at the Four Seasons Milan.

You must possess the legal right to work in Italy and have fluency in English and Italian.