Located on 62 acres of oceanfront along the Kohala Coast, Hilton Waikoloa Village features over 200,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space. With world-class event venues, multiple dining experiences, and a resort layout connected by waterways and tram, the property is a vibrant destination for conventions, weddings, and large-scale events—offering the ideal environment for a Director of Catering & Events to lead and inspire.

 

A Director of Catering & Events at Hilton Waikoloa Village is responsible for all communications between event managers and their respective customers. Responsible for revenue maximization and control of expenses through effective negotiation of services and accurate forecasting. Responsible for successful execution of all meetings and events to ensure customers remain loyal and book future business with hotel/company.

 

What will I be doing?

As Director of Catering and 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 expertise, as needed (Banquet Capital Expenditures, Staffing Models) 
•    Actively support the sales process. 

LEADERSHIP:
•    Provide overall leadership and direction in all Events matters. 
•    Serve as the hotel’s credible Subject Matter Expert on all matters relating to event 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 Catering and Events talent pipeline 
•    Integrate Hilton’s Values/Mission/Purpose when implementing Catering & 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 Catering and Event 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 
•    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 

Salary Range: $145,000 - $165,000 depending on experience and location - This is an EC position and Bonus Eligible  

What are we looking for? 

EXPERIENCEMinimum three years hospitality related experience in a leadership Catering and/or Events role.SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITYThe individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.Highly developed leadership qualities and skilled in the management of meetings and events as it relates to personnel, budget, forecasting, inter-departmental liaison and communication.Knowledge of local police and fire regulations relating to usage of surface streets and internal function space/public areas.Ability to handle multiple customer and operational demands with a high degree of professionalism, operating often with time sensitive deadlines.Ability to operate independently and with a high degree of autonomy requiring excellent time management skills and self-motivation.Hotel product and industry knowledge, i.e., staffing, operations, safety, security, union rules, structural, terminology, fire, police and health codes, hotel policies, city ordinances.Quantitative processing of data via office machine equipment, mathematical computations and analytical skills necessary to accurately determine and communicate financial, forecasting and space utilization calculations.Proficiency in the use and operation of computer systems with the ability to navigate efficiently through Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Delphi (or in house sales system), Market Vision, OnQ, InFocus Internet and Intranet and Optimum Settings (or in house CAD program).Ability to read, write and speak the English language to fully comprehend guest requests, memos, proposals, general correspondence and similar written materials.Possess a good conceptual understanding of electronic devices and the ability to operate such items as copy machines, slide projectors, microphones, computers, portable radios, pagers, etc.Ability to complete a contract in compliance with all checklists, standards and hotel policies.Interpersonal skills to provide overall guest satisfaction.Ability to work under pressure and deal with stressful situations during busy periods.

 

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:

QualityProductivityDependabilityCustomer FocusAdaptability

 

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 #1 Best Company To Work For in the U.S.

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. Hilton offers its eligible team members a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical Insurance Coverage – for you and your family
• Mental health resources including Employee Assistance Program
• Best-in-Class Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Go Hilton travel program: 100 nights of discounted travel
• Parental leave to support new parents
• 401K plan and company match to help save for your retirement
• Employee stock purchase program (ESPP) - purchase Hilton shares at 15% discount
• Debt-free education: Team Members will have access to a wide variety of educational credentials through our partnership with Guild Education, including: college degrees and professional certifications*
• Career growth and development
• Recognition and rewards programs