Director of Banquets - Wildflower Farms

Blanketed with meadows of native flowers and wild woodlands, Wildflower Farms sways in rhythm with the seasons and the simple pleasures of life lived Upstate. Ensconced by fragrant fields of wild bergamot and mountain mint, the property’s 140 arcadian acres embody Hudson Valley ease. A slow-rippling river gently embraces free-standing cabins framing clear views of the mighty Shawangunk Ridge. Crisp air, bright skies and the melodies of Mother Nature beckon stillness and contemplation, while forested footpaths and towering cliffs call to an adventurers’ spirit. Reconnect with yourself and nature at Wildflower Farms.

Job Description

Join our team as Banquet Director and become one of the authors of our story. As part of the Auberge family, you will lead the banquet team in the execution and service of event and catering functions at Wildflower Farms. You will work closely with the food and beverage teams, and the sales and marketing teams, to manage the on-site coordination and execution of all events and catering functions. As the key on-site liaison, you will create unique and memorable experiences for our clients and guests.

• Manage and provide overall execution of the events and function at Wildflower. Examples include delivering on the menu and event proposals, contracts, banquet event orders, catering resumes, and the daily events report. 
• Lead the execution of banquet events and corporate events at Wildflower Farms. Review all function space with banquet management and ensure client satisfaction at the outset of all events.
• Supervise, lead, and motivate the Banquet team including captains, servers, bartenders, and house attendants towards achieving exceptional guest service results.
• Create, implement and update departmental SOPs and training.
• Communicate daily activities, in person or by log, to banquet personnel to ensure smooth transition and follow-up from one function to another.
• Responsible for proactively reviewing staffing and equipment needs. Manage inventory of banquet FF&E and all banquet supplies.
• Develop solutions to the inevitable challenges and glitches that arise while groups are on the property and keep the Executive Committee promptly and fully informed regarding issues, opportunities or unusual matters so prompt action can be taken where appropriate. 
• Maintain your knowledge of hotel facilities, capacities, and dimensions of meeting space and basic operational needs of all operating departments. 
• Make timely and impromptu decisions that balance the client’s needs with the financial, safety and staffing goals of the hotel. 
• Plan and/or attend and/or participate in meetings with hotel staff and clients, including but not exclusive to Morning Operations Briefing, Morning CS Briefing, Resume Meeting, Banquet Event Order Meeting, Sales Meeting, Pre-Convention Meetings, Menu Tastings, and Planning Site Visits. 
• Analyze clients’ service and product needs and the financial issues of in-house groups; authorize appropriate resolution of clients’ opportunities and issues, while maintaining profitability.
• Prepare reports, correspondence and analysis relative to group activity i.e., activity checklist, call reports, written customer correspondence, banquet event orders, diagrams, resumes, post event report and internal memos or communications. 
• Visually inspect function rooms and equipment prior to functions for cleanliness, proper inventory, and set up. 
• Verbally communicate in a measured, positive demeanor with the kitchen, service, beverage, conventions services, and engineering staffs, as well as the guest host, to ensure timely execution of events, quality service, and adherence to all applicable federal, state, local safety and health regulations and corporate standards. 
• Maintaining an “on the floor” management presence anticipating guest needs throughout each event. 
• Coordinate the management of assigned banquet events. 

Pay Range: $80,000k - $100,000k

• Four-year college degree or equivalent education/experience preferred. 
• Minimum of three years of events planning, production and execution in a related position; luxury hotel experience a plus. 
• Strong financial acumen with experience completing accurate reports and cost. 
• Prior experience selling events at a hotel or restaurant. 
• Prior experience in international hotels/resorts. 
• Prior experience working with professional organizations that support leisure / transient areas. 
• Personal Skills 
• Professional and confident communication skills with clients and staff. 
• Maintain a professional demeanor and positive attitude toward all clients, team members and guests. 
• Execute and support the operational aspects of business booked (e.g., generating proposals and writing customer correspondence). 
• Develop strong relationships with the front office team to ensure working in unity and continual striving to achieve the same goals. 
• Assess additional training needs based on data gathered and interaction with sales team from property visits. 
• Excellent organizational and written skills sufficient to produce sales and marketing communication. 
• Strong computer skills (Excel, Google Docs/Sheets, PowerPoint, LinkedIn, Salesforce).
• Excellent spoken and presentation skills with strong ability to listen effectively. 
• Ability to present clear, concise and meaningful information to owners, guests, executives, managers, and employees. 
• Ability to analyze, interpret and understand financial data. 
• Ability to perform job functions with attention to detail, speed, and accuracy, prioritize, and organize. 
• Ability to remain calm when resolving problems while using good judgment. 

Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences, and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine and spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With hotels and resorts across three continents, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations. Please visit aubergeresorts.com to learn more about our Collection. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Linkedin, Facebook and Pinterest: @AubergeResorts and #AlwaysAuberge.

Shinrin Yoku LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. Shinrin Yoku LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all team members and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Shinrin Yoku LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.