Director of Catering

Your Team and Working Environment

Since 1915, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald has effortlessly delivered timeless luxury in the heart of Edmonton. Nestled above the river valley, the hotel’s charm and elegance have earned it recognition as one of the city’s most sought-after locations, as well as the prestigious MICHELIN Key 2025 and Condé Nast Traveler 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. World-class service awaits our guest’s every need. Our dedicated team is delighted to assist with a variety of personalized services to ensure guest comfort and convenience are our top priorities.  Edmonton's castle offers award-winning, locally-inspired dining, a multi-level health club facility, unforgettable meetings and events, and fairy-tale weddings.  At Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, our team takes pride in creating memorable experiences for every occasion. With over a century of hospitality excellence and deep community connections, we continue to uphold the high standards of service that have defined the hotel for generations.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.

Director of Catering

Reporting to the Director of Sales & Marketing, the Director of Catering will lead the team dedicated to selling and delivering flawless events within Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. With a focus on excellence, they will oversee a wide range of events, from annual gatherings to large conferences, weddings, and intimate meetings, aiming to surpass projected revenue targets while ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction.

What you will be doing:

• Oversees catering sales and service team
• Implement department SOPs, policies and procedures to promote efficiency, ensure information is passed effectively from catering to operation department, and provide exceptional service for ever event
• Services protocol-related activities, VIP visits and some large conferences
• Work closely with the Director of Sales and Marketing to prepare budget, monthly forecasts and review performance metrics.
• Control function space utilization and ensure the Fairmont standards are met
• Participates in relevant meetings within the hotel and the local community, representing the Catering Sales and Services areas.
• Set goals and activities with Catering Sales Managers, conducting regular meetings to review event activities and goals.
• Develop and lead a motivated, competent, and cohesive team through incentive and performance management programs.
• Manage the hiring and training of new catering team members.

Physical Aspects of Position (included but not limited to):

• Frequent sitting throughout shift
• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs
• Occasional kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting
• Occasional ascending or descending ladders, stairs and ramps

Your experience and skills include:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Hotel Catering/Event Management demonstrating a strong understanding of hospitality industry dynamics and customer service principles.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a Leadership Role within Hotel Catering/Event Management
• Demonstrated track record of successfully planning and executing events with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring seamless logistics and memorable experiences for attendees
• Ability to prioritize guest needs, maintaining composure and professionalism in all interactions, while ensuring exceptional service delivery.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to liaise with clients, vendors, sponsors, and internal stakeholders, ensuring seamless coordination and collaboration throughout the event planning process.
• Proficiency in Sales & Catering software, Property Manager Systems (preferably Opera Cloud), and Windows-based applications, enabling efficient management of event operations and client relationships.
• CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) certification is required, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge and expertise in event management practices and industry standards.
• Extensive experience in Food & Beverage operations, with a broad understanding of culinary and service aspects, enhancing the quality and execution of event catering offerings.
• A degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management or a related discipline is considered an asset, providing a solid foundation in hospitality management principles and best practices.
• Genuine passion for the events industry and a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences that exceed client expectations and contribute to the overall success of the organization.
• Innovative mindset to conceptualize unique event ideas, themes, and experiences that engage attendees and leave a lasting impression.

Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. The hotel is unable to assist candidates in obtaining work authorization documents.

What’s in it for you:

• Comprehensive benefits package (Medical, Vision & Dental) including extended benefits like; Mental Health (up to $5,000/year),for full time permanent status employees 
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with employer matching up to 5% of annual earnings for full time permanent status employees 
• Employee travel program with discounts on room rates as well as on food & beverage at Fairmont & Accor properties world-wide 
• Comprehensive wellness platform (Greenshield) for employee mental health and wellbeing support  
• Learning programs through our Academies designed to sharpen your skills 
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities
• Career development opportunities with national and international promotion opportunities. The sky is your limit

Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000 CAD Gross Annually

We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities.
By joining Accor, every chapter of your story is yours to write and together we can imagine tomorrow's hospitality. Discover the life that awaits you at Accor, visit  https://careers.accor.com/