CATERING COORDINATOR Published: 10/02/2012 Job Type: Catering Centerplate is one of North America's largest providers of quality food and beverage, catering, merchandise and facility management services for many of America's best-known sports, convention and entertainment venues. As our singular goal is to be #1 in Event Hospitality, all of our managers, chefs and employees are “Hospitality Ambassadors.” 'Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results.' ™ Centerplate is the Official Supplier of Food and Beverage Services to the Vancouver Convention Centre. With our waterfront location and breathtaking views, the Vancouver Convention Centre offers one of the most beautiful and unique settings in the world, both for clients and employees. Our experienced catering professionals provide customized, creative service for all events, no matter how unique. Reporting to the Director of Catering, the Catering team has an immediate opening for an experienced CATERING COORDINATOR. RESPONSIBILITIES: Convention Events * In concert with the Client Service Team, manage all Food and Beverage aspects of assigned Convention events independently and proactively, including menu planning, budget proposals, revenue forecasting, F&B logistics planning, detail finalization and confirmation. This may include but is not limited to city-wide conventions, conferences, trade shows and consumer shows. * Understand client’s overall event program, objectives, needs and expectations. Monitor client’s plan and budgets, and customize our service deliveries accordingly. * Identify and maximize revenue opportunities. * Work with client’s assigned PCO, DMC or event decorator to deliver a seamless event. * Assist the Sales Department in client site inspections, including organizing and co-hosting Chef’s Tables and designing themed events, to promote food and beverage at the Vancouver Convention Centre. * Stand-Alone Banquets * Adhere to facility’s booking priority guidelines and apply yield management principles to maximize function space utilization and revenue potential. * Proactively sell, book and confirm all types of stand-alone Banquet events (weddings, fundraisers, holiday parties etc.) * Manage the complete event cycle from inquiry, site inspection, proposal, sales contract, first deposit to production logistics and final food and beverage program. * Develop customer‘s loyalty, post-event follow up with client and pursue future bookings. General: * Support the Purpose, Values, Service Process and Standards as established by the Vancouver Convention Centre. * Maintain a good understanding of Vancouver Convention Centre’s Facility Services Guide and adhere to established Catering Guidelines. * Comply with all governmental / regulatory policies, laws and standards. * Always strive for excellent customer service when dealing with Pavco as our client, and all external and internal customers. * Communicate continually and effectively with Sales Managers, Event Managers, and representatives from all departments, maintaining professional manner at all times. * Understand the role and services of various VCC suppliers and develop a strong working relationship with them to provide seamless services to our clients. * Respond to all inquiries, following up in a timely and persistent manner. * Ensure that proper F&B deposit schedules are in place and followed to minimize financial risks to the VCC and Centerplate. * Always maintain up-to-date information on EBMS and working file. * Generate Service Orders or Event Resume with clear and complete details, meeting deadlines for weekly operation meeting and print meeting. * Clearly communicate client’s requirements and expectations with Executive Chef and Banquet Manager to ensure successful execution of all food and beverage functions. * Effectively anticipate any issues and persistently pursue the best solution. * Distinguish when there are extenuating circumstances and when to seek consultation with facility management and Centerplate management. * As a key player in the department, continuously seek ways to improve the department’s sales and operation and in turn improve the overall quality of our product and services. * Attend and effectively contribute to the weekly operations meeting, print meeting and catering meeting. * Keep abreast of industry trends and local competition, be well recognized in the industry, and endeavour to be actively involved in community/business groups – promoting and enhancing the image of the Vancouver Convention Centre. * Assist in various projects as assigned by Director of Catering. KEY REQUIREMENTS: * A minimum of 5+ years experience in a similar senior capacity – preferably in a high quality, large-scale hotel or convention centre. * A career record of progressive growth and a broad range of event experience. * Previous experience in food and beverage operations is an asset. * Exceptional customer service skills and a passion for contributing to client’s success. * Business savvy, professional and possess a strong sense of quality. * Strong ability to manage own workload independently and work well in teams. * Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. * Exceptional administrative and organizational skills. * Ability to effectively manage time and resources to coordinate various activities in a complex, demanding environment is essential. * Strong computer proficiency (Word, Excel, Databases) is a must. * Proficiency with a comprehensive electronic catering/food and beverage system, particularly EBMS, is an asset. TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION: For Centerplate at the Vancouver Convention Centre, preparing first-class food and beverages for our guests is a key part of who we are. If you have the skills, experience and service focus we are looking for, please submit your resume and cover letter tohrcp@vancouverconventioncentre.com, stating Catering Coordinator in the subject line of the email. Please note, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Location Information Property Name: Vancouver Convention Centre City: Vancouver State: British Columbia Country: Canada Application Info: TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION: For Centerplate at the Vancouver Convention Centre, preparing first-class food and beverages for our guests is a key part of who we are. If you have the skills, experience and service focus we are looking for, please submit your resume and cover letter tohrcp@vancouverconventioncentre.com, stating Catering Coordinator in the subject line of the email. Please note, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
