Catering Coordinator

Job Description

At Sodexo Live!, we take pride in crafting exceptional events at the most prestigious venues on the planet and creating lasting memories for fans, visitors, guests and team members. Working with Sodexo Live! is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. Here, you'll build a career where 'everyday' is anything but normal.

Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring your personality, your background and your desire to delight others. In return, we'll give you all you need to thrive. After giving it all, you'll return home knowing that you've played your part in creating a truly unforgettable moment.

Location: We are seeking an experienced Catering Coordinator for our Sodexo Live! team located at the Vancouver Convention Centre operation in Vancouver, BC.

Sodexo Live! is the Official Supplier of Food and Beverage Services to the Vancouver Convention Centre. Located on Vancouver's waterfront with a dramatic mountain backdrop, the award-winning Vancouver Convention Centre offers one of the most beautiful settings in the world. As British Columbia's flagship convention centre, the facility hosts more than 500 events and welcomes hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, while generating significant economic activity for the Province.

Principal Function:

The Catering Coordinator is responsible for creating unique dining experiences by selling, up-selling and actively participating in the planning and production of catered functions including banquet events, satellite event, exhibitor orders, trade and consumer shows, and meetings. Working closely with clients, as well as with the sales, culinary and operations staff, they are responsible for ensuring that events are coordinated and executed smoothly and in accordance with all client expectations and specifications.

The Catering Coordinator will focus on the development, implementation and measurement of the revenue objectives contained within the unit's annual marketing plan. They will direct and manage sales activities to meet revenue objectives and attain the top line financial forecast. This includes developing sales with existing business (forecasted group/local business) and executing strategies to develop new business.

The Catering Coordinator will support the planning of and preparation for events according to anticipated attendance and will provide hands-on management and oversight in the areas of service and F&B operations during events.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Maximize Sodexo Live!'s catering revenue through creative sales techniques and customer focus.

• Support the Purpose, Values, Service Process and Standards as established by the Vancouver Convention Centre.

• Maintain a good understanding of Vancouver Convention Centre's Facility Services Guide and adhere to established Catering Guidelines.

• Ensure that proper F&B deposit schedules are in place and followed to minimize financial risk.

• Always maintain up-to-date information on Ungerboeck and working files.

• Generate Service Orders or Event Resume with clear and complete details, meeting deadlines for weekly operations meetings.

• Clearly communicate client's requirements and expectations with Executive Chef, other Senior Chefs and Service Operations Management team to ensure successful execution of all food and beverage functions.

• Understand client's overall event program, objectives, needs and expectations. Monitor client's plan and budgets and customize our service deliveries accordingly.

• Organize and co-host Chef's Tables (tastings) for applicable assigned Banquet events, to promote and plan food and beverage at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

• Book and contract all types of stand-alone Banquet events (weddings, fundraisers, corporate galas, holiday parties, graduations, etc.)

• Manage the complete sales cycle from inquiry for assigned repeat events, site inspection, proposal, sales contract, and first deposit.

• Adhere to facility's booking priority guidelines and apply yield management principles to maximize function space utilization and revenue potential.

Qualifications/Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in business, hotel/restaurant management or a related field, and/or appropriate combination of education and experience to support on the job effectiveness.

• Work experience in a high-volume catering in a hotel, Convention facility or prior experience as a Catering Assistant with strong emphasis on F&B Sales is preferred.

• Exceptional computer literacy with Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Proven ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and management; Ability to promote and participate in team environment concepts.

• Self-starter who can work independently and on several tasks/projects simultaneously, and who can contribute to functional areas of the business outside of retail operations.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Initiative in identifying and resolving problems timely and effectively.

Other Requirements:

• Able to work effectively and safely while subject to wet floors, temperature extremes and excessive noise; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds in weight; must be able to manoeuvre in an often tightly-quartered environment.

Great news! You will receive:

• 100% company paid health and dental benefits (after wait period).

• Access to employee and family assistance program, which offers integrated health services.

• Opportunities for skills development and career progression.

• Tuition reimbursement for professional and industry related development.

• Free Employee meals provided.

• Access to free on-site gym.

Sodexo Live! is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age or any other applicable Provincially protected status.

Application Instructions

Please click on the link below to apply for this position. A new window will open and direct you to apply at our corporate careers page. We look forward to hearing from you!