Catering Manager

JOB SUMMARY This position both sells and services events. This person will solicit, negotiate and contract new and repeat business through various efforts (lead follow up, telemarketing, direct mail, referrals, internet prospecting, etc.) to maximize revenues to meet/exceed revenue goals in guestrooms, banquet food & beverage, Audio Visual, meeting room rental, and ancillary hotel revenues. The EMM will prepare and execute sales contracts, event orders, group resumes, program execution, and work with accounting on final invoicing.

Most importantly our EMM will collaboratively work interdepartmentally coordinating all function details with the hotels clients to ensure quality product delivery, customer satisfaction, and repeat business ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS This description is a summary of primary responsibilities and qualifications. The job description is not intended to include all duties or qualifications that may be required now or in the future. The Hotel operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so operational demands require variations in shift days, starting times, and hours worked in a week.

Business Results Solicit new and maintain existing accounts to meet/exceed revenue goals through telephone solicitation, outside sales calls, site inspections, and written communication.

Details, prepares, and initiates Banquet Event Orders to the client’s specifications and in conjunction with the Banquet Department, F&B Director, and Executive Chef.

Participate in daily Sales Stand-up meetings, attends weekly sales meeting and other meetings as directed.

Works with the hotel Revenue Manager and DOSM to determine room availability and rates.

Develop/maintain knowledge of market trends, competition, and customers.

Practice effective revenue/yield management strategies to include wise negotiation and booking function space, focused solicitation during soft occupancy periods and effective rate and price negotiation.

Consults with customers to plan details such as number of persons expected display space desired, and food service schedule.

Meets with customers during an event to insure proper delivery of hotel services.

Have a comprehensive understanding of the property and its offerings.

Comprehensive knowledge of market position, banquet and food and beverage revenues, pricing and rate structures, sales strategies, yield management, booking trends, and future hotel  fully knowledgeable of the capabilities and limitations of the hotel and departments that may impact sales strategies.

Conduct site tours for potential clients.

Achieve and exceed individual and team annual goals as established by the annual Marketing Plan.

Achieve budgeted revenues and expenses and maximize profitability related to the sales department.

Promptly respond to and resolve guest requests, complaints, or questions in a courteous and timely manner.

Must possess strong computer skills, including, but not limited to, accounting programs, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and hotel sales system.

Follows the sales strategy as specified by the Director of Sales & Marketing.

Understands and achieves team and individual goals.

Perform special projects and other responsibilities as assigned.

Due to the nature of the business the individual may be required to do other duties and special projects as assigned by the DOS or other leadership.

Guest Satisfaction Ensures a high level of customer satisfaction and builds long terms mutually beneficial customer relationships to support future revenue growth.

Coordinates and communicates verbally and in writing with customer (internal and external) regarding event details. Follows up with customer post-event.

Makes presence always known to customer during this process, regardless of which hotel they sit at. Greets customer during the event phase and hands-off to the Convention Services department for the execution of details. Is available to solve problems and/or suggest alternatives to previous arrangements.

Displays leadership in guest hospitality and ensures consistent, high-level service throughout all phases of hotel events. Ensures products and services sold to the Event Planners meet or exceed their…