Nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Austin, Hilton Austin Conference Center is a fusion of excitement and sophistication, boasting over 80,000 square feet of versatile event space, including our stunning 26,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom and 31 flexible meeting rooms. Our property features 801 contemporary guest rooms, five exceptional dining venues, and an award-winning spa. We are seeking a dynamic Director of Catering & Events to lead our team in crafting unforgettable experiences that reflect the unique spirit of Austin. If you are a visionary leader ready to elevate our events to new heights, join us at Hilton Austin where your creativity and expertise will shine!

As Director of Catering & Events at the Hilton Austin you will be responsible for strategic leadership of Group and Local Catering Sales and Event Management in the hotels continuing effort to deliver outstanding guest service and finical profitability. 

What will I be doing?

As Director of Catering & Events you will provide continuous leadership in creating and delivering an exceptional team member experience and best place to work. The Director of Catering & Events will be directly responsible for contributing to the achievement of superior business results in the areas of ensuring outstanding guest service, team member engagement, favorable financial outcomes, strategic leadership and talent development, culture, innovation, and event operations. 

Specifically, your essential functions will be to perform the following tasks to the highest standards:

STRATEGY:
•    Successfully, innovatively, and timely implement Commercial strategic initiatives and monitor for best-in-class results
•    Drive innovation and creativity within event delivery 
•    Partner with the General Manager/Executive Committee to deliver on Hilton’s values by creating high-impact event experiences
•    Ensure that high quality service standards are maintained through continuous reviews of processes and procedures 
•    Provide owner relations guidance in key areas of Events & Catering expertise, as needed (Banquet Capital Expenditures, Staffing Models) 
•    Actively support the sales process. 

LEADERSHIP:
•    Provide overall leadership and direction in all Events & Catering matters. 
•    Serve as the hotel’s credible Subject Matter Expert on all matters relating to event & catering experience
•    Serve as a highly visible, participatory leader who proactively and consistently engages with their General Manager/Executive Committee, Sales, Catering and Events team members, external guests, and suppliers 
•    Remain current on event trends to evaluate innovative ways for process/practice improvements and shares best practices
•    Participate or represent Hilton in industry social/meeting/events professional associations

CULTURE:
•    Inspire high-performing multi-cultural, multi-generational teams that build Hilton’s Events talent pipeline 
•    Integrate Hilton’s Values/Mission/Purpose when implementing Event initiatives and support Team Member-centric and guest-centric programs
•    Lead with Hilton culture engaging with Team Members through direct and meaningful interactions 
•    Be an ambassador for customer service.  

TALENT:
•    Motivate and provide a work environment in which team members are productive 
•    Ensure all Event & Catering manager roles have career development plans in place that are actively supported by leadership and profiles are current for succession planning 
•    Listen and respond to team members needs while having an open-door policy
•    Manage group and interpersonal conflict effectively 

OPERATIONS EXCELLENCE:
•    Ensure the proper use of all function space, exhibit hall, and event spaces 
•    Manage supplier and vendor relationships 
•    Possess subject matter expertise and ensure standards/practices
•    Development and management of departmental budgets 
•    Responsible for the overseeing short, medium, and long-term forecasting and actual cost reporting for events and catering  
•    Ensure proper staffing for the needs of the business 
•    Integrate current trends in event management and design 
•    Participate in customer site inspections and assists with the sales process as necessary 

What are we looking for?

Since being founded in 1919, Hilton has been a leader in the hospitality industry. Today, Hilton remains a beacon of innovation, quality, and success. This continued leadership is the result of our Team Members staying true to our Vision, Mission, and Values. Specifically, we look for demonstration of these Values:

·       Hospitality - We're passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences.

·       Integrity - We do the right thing, all the time.

·       Leadership - We're leaders in our industry and in our communities.

·       Teamwork - We're team players in everything we do.

·       Ownership - We're the owners of our actions and decisions.

·       Now - We operate with a sense of urgency and discipline

In addition, we look for the demonstration of the following key attributes:

·       Quality

·       Productivity

·       Dependability

·       Customer Focus

·       Adaptability

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands.  Our vision “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality” unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day.  And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!

The Benefits – Hilton is proud to have an award-winning workplace culture ranking #2 Best Company To Work For in the U.S. and #1 Best Workplaces for Women List - 5th Year In a Row.

We support the mental and physical wellbeing of all Team Members so they can Thrive personally and professionally in a diverse and inclusive environment, thanks to innovative programs and benefits such as: 

• Access to your pay when you need it through DailyPay
• Health insurance 
• Career growth and development 
•  Team Member Resource Groups
•  Recognition and rewards programs
• Go Hilton travel discount program 
• Best-in-Class Paid Time Off (PTO) 
•   Supportive parental leave
•   Employee stock purchase program (ESPP) - purchase Hilton shares at 15% discount
• Debt-free education: Access to a wide variety of educational credentials (ex. college degrees, high school completion, English-language learning, digital literacy, professional certificates and more)