Assistant Director, Catering & Events

Fairmont Breakers is a beloved feature of the Long Beach skyline, a historic landmark with a character and soul of its own. Originally opened in the roaring twenties as a lavish hotel on the waterfront, Breakers was a sought-after destination for world-famous stars. Following an extensive renovation, Fairmont Breakers returns as Long Beach’s only luxury hotel, restoring one of California’s most storied properties to its original grandeur. It offers 185 boutique rooms and suites; a rooftop pool and terrace; an open-air rooftop lounge with views of the Pacific; a blissful two-story spa, wellness and fitness center; dining venues and bars including a live jazz club; and 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space. Whether exploring the comforts of elevated coastal Italian cuisine in Nettuno or dining among the stars with champagne and caviar in Sky Room, Fairmont Breakers aims to delight all of your senses with artful surroundings and innovative offerings from our culinary team.

• Lead and supervise Catering, Conference Services & Event Management functions, ensuring accuracy and effectiveness of all written communication and procedures.
• Demonstrate strong financial acumen by preparing accurate forecasts, establishing annual Strategic Plans and Financial Budgets, and maximizing revenue potential.
• Plan, execute, and oversee high-profile events, providing innovative solutions to challenges while balancing client needs with hotel goals.
• Manage client relationships throughout the event process, ensuring satisfaction and maintaining effective communication with all departments.
• Oversee and develop team members, including conducting performance evaluations, mentoring, and facilitating training for Catering Managers and Event Managers.
• Responsible for maximizing catering revenues through direct sales efforts, telephone solicitation and prospecting.
• Develop Individual Sales SMART Plan
• Develop accounts (new and existing) by mapping specific business and buying tendencies. Include group profile for each event; maintain organized and professional plan for correspondence and follow up.
• Perform daily telephone solicitations to new and existing accounts/customers in defined markets
• Work with the Sales team on an active Reader Board solicitation program under the direction of the Director of Sales and Marketing.
• Conduct tours of property to event planners and potential customers while informing of all hotel services available. Entertainment of customers on property, during site visits, pre-planning visits, and program operation when appropriate.
• Host “Familiarization Mixers” on property with new and existing clients.
• Strong negotiation skills - Negotiate contract specifics to achieve maximum profitability while satisfying customer needs.
• Network with other similar hotels to maximize business opportunities
• Actively participate in industry related organizations and local community events to develop and maintain business.
• Attend local events, familiarization trips, and make presentations to potential customers.
• Maintain efficient and detailed notes in Opera Cloud SEM
• Complete monthly and weekly sales reports as necessary
• Work closely with client through execution of the event; keep all parties fully informed of all problems or unusual matters so prompt corrective action can be taken where appropriate.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance
• Other duties as assigned

• 3-5 years experience in Catering and Event Management in a luxury hotel, with experience handling incentives, weddings, and the social market.
• Must have solid selling and interpersonal skills and demonstrate the energy and commitment to meet and exceed personal goals.
• Must be persistent and not afraid of rejection- Work with an air of confidence
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, work under pressure and manage stress while maintaining a flexible attitude and schedule.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of MS Office Suite Programs, Excel, Opera Cloud SEM knowledge required.
• Responsible for taking independent action, developing strategies, and making quick decisions in a proactive and competent manner. 
• Strong management, organizational, and presentation skills required.
• Strong sense of professional appearance.
• Working well with others: Support a constructive work environment. Clearly demonstrates respect for others. Easily engage and interacts with co-workers/employees.

What is in it for you:

• Salary range: USD $90,000-$100,000 gross per annum
• Discounted hotel rooms and food & beverage rates to employees at our sister properties around the globe.
• We provide learning programs through our Academies to promote growth and development so that you can perform at your full potential.
• Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world!
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities, like Planet 21 and WATCH

Accor is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer EOE/M/F/V/D.

We provide an environment of trust, respect, and integrity.  A home away from home.  Where diversity and inclusion are celebrated. Privacy and personal information are protected. Through Accor’s Employee Value Proposition, we ensure fair treatment and a workplace free from discrimination & harassment.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent. We commit to a future where diverse identities are celebrated, and equitable and inclusive practices are woven into the fabric of everything we do as an organization.