Scope of Position
The Catering Sales Manager will focus on generating local corporate day business, membership driven private events and holiday parties through traditional social bookings (i.e., weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, golf tournaments, reunions, and others). He/she will be responsible for maximizing revenues while controlling expenses, acting as a liaison between clients and operating departments to ensure a successful event, as well as securing future business/referrals.
Position Requirements
- Professional demeanor appropriate for a luxury environment.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in luxury hotel catering/conference planning with an emphasis on sales/revenue generation.
- Thorough knowledge/understanding of the luxury hotel/catering market.
- Knowledge of Event Planning, Event Services, and Food Production and Presentation.
- Able to anticipate/identify potentially difficult situations and respond quickly with an effective solution, ability to be proactive.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Meeting Matrix. Marriott’s CI-TY knowledge is a plus.
- Possess or attain CMP/CSEP and/or Wedding certification.
Responsibilities
- Arrange site inspections and off-site presentations as required.
- Monitor and handle inquiry calls, emails, and walk-ins.
- Identify and target prospective customers and new business.
- Meet/exceed all quarterly/annual sales goals as assigned.
- Provide client proposals in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.
- Produce monthly sales-related reports and sales forecasts for assigned area of responsibility.
- Maintain accurate data in all operating software to ensure forecasting and reporting accuracy. Initiate billing procedures, and ensure deposit(s) and/or credit applications are received with adequate information and processes in a timely manner.
- Communicate all subsequent changes in a timely manner through established procedures and/or verbal communication
- Attend department, and relevant meetings on a regular basis.
- Stay current on catering and special event trends.
- Develop ongoing relationships with key customers and industry leaders.
- Working knowledge of standards and procedures for proper meeting room and table set-ups, various meeting room and table configurations and set-up of staging and dance flooring.
- Join/participate in one or more professional organizations as it relates to Sales and Catering.
- Perform any other reasonable duties as required by management.
Education
- Hospitality Management or related Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
Skills and Abilities
- Able to communicate in the English language. Second language is a plus.
- Able to work flexible schedules including holidays and weekends and able to perform multiple tasks.
- Must be able to work in a fast paced environment.
- Experience using computers and software programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
Physical Requirements
- On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen; intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and computer keyboard.
- Must be physically fit to lift, pull, and push items up to 50 pounds.
- Also requires standing/walking/reaching and bending throughout shift.
