Director of Catering & Conference Services

Additional Information: This hotel is owned and operated by an independent franchisee, Prince Resorts Hawaii, Inc.. The franchisee is a separate company and a separate employer from Marriott International, Inc.  The franchisee solely controls all aspects of the hotel’s employment policies and practices, including hiring, firing, discipline, staffing, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment.  If you accept a position at this hotel, you will be employed by a franchisee and not by Marriott International, Inc.

Position Overview
The Director of Catering & Conference Services (DOCC) serves as a strategic and operational leader responsible for delivering exceptional group, wedding, and social events that reflect the legendary service, culture, and spirit of Aloha synonymous with Mauna Kea Resort. This role oversees all catering and conference services operations, guiding a high-performing team to flawlessly execute events while maximizing revenue, profitability, and guest satisfaction.

The DOCCS partners closely with Sales, Food & Beverage, Operations, and external stakeholders to bring each our customers vision to life through seamless logistics, and elevated experiences which are infused with Hawaiian culture. With a strong focus on financial stewardship, team development, and innovation, this role ensures every event meets the highest standards of quality, service, and authenticity.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
Recruit, train, mentor, and develop Catering & Conference Services (CCS) team members, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous growth.
Lead and inspire the CCS team through clear direction, performance coaching, and recognition, cultivating a positive and energetic workplace culture.
Establish, maintain, and continuously improve departmental policies, procedures, and service standards to ensure consistency and excellence.
Review, approve, and verify department payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Financial & Revenue Management
Develop and manage the annual banquet, catering revenue, operating, and travel & expense budgets in alignment with overall resort financial objectives.
Review all vendor proposals, catering contracts, and financial details to ensure profitability, revenue optimization, and protection of the resort’s financial interests.
Prepare accurate monthly forecasts and reports to support budgeting, strategic planning, and performance tracking.
Oversee departmental operating expenses, ensuring cost controls and adherence to budgetary guidelines.

Sales, Client Relations & Business Development
Assign group, wedding, and social catering events to CCS managers and coordinators to ensure seamless execution and balanced workloads.
Engage directly with clients to secure bookings, develop customized menu proposals and contracts, and strategically upsell services to enhance the guest experience and drive incremental revenue.
Proactively solicit and manage key annual accounts while building strong relationships within the local and destination markets.
Conduct site inspections and host clients to showcase resort offerings and strengthen long-term partnerships.

Event Operations & Execution
Ensure flawless execution of all events by coordinating function space, food & beverage, décor, entertainment, and operational logistics in alignment with brand standards and client expectations.
Approve and manage function space bookings during peak demand periods, maximizing utilization of all indoor and outdoor venues.
Collaborate closely with operational departments to ensure clear communication, alignment, and exceptional event delivery.
Lead resort-wide event and operations meetings to ensure alignment across departments and anticipate client needs.

Innovation, Compliance & Service Excellence
Develop and implement creative concepts for themed events, décor, menus, and entertainment to deliver distinctive and memorable experiences.
Remain current on industry trends, particularly in food & beverage, events, and guest experience innovation.
Maintain thorough knowledge of local liquor laws, county ordinances, and regulatory requirements to ensure full compliance.
Oversee billing processes and ensure all accounts, including master accounts, are settled accurately and to the satisfaction of both the client and the resort.
Address and resolve client concerns promptly and professionally, ensuring exceptional service recovery when needed.
Perform additional duties as required to support departmental and resort objectives.

Working Conditions
Office environment and indoor/outdoor function spaces
Exposure to varying weather conditions