Catering Sales Manager

Catering Sales Manager

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for generating, managing, and closing catering and social event business for the Kimpton Palladian Hotel and its event venues, including The Palladian Arthouse and private dining spaces. This role focuses on prospecting new business, responding to inquiries and RFPs, developing client relationships, and ensuring seamless event execution in partnership with hotel operations teams. The Catering Sales Manager is accountable for achieving catering revenue goals, maximizing profitability, and delivering exceptional guest experiences that reflect the Kimpton brand.

• Solicit and secure new catering, social, corporate, nonprofit, and special events business.
• Respond promptly to catering leads, inquiries, and RFPs.
• Conduct site tours and customized presentations for prospective clients.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local businesses, event planners, meeting professionals, wedding planners, and community organizations.
• Generate new revenue opportunities through proactive prospecting, networking events, and industry partnerships.
• Maintain a robust sales pipeline and accurately forecast catering revenue.

• Serve as the primary point of contact throughout the sales and planning process.
• Prepare catering contracts, banquet event orders (BEOs), and event proposals.
• Coordinate all event details, including menus, room setups, audiovisual needs, timelines, and special requests.
• Conduct pre-conference and event planning meetings with clients and internal departments.
• Ensure smooth event execution by working closely with Banquets, Culinary, Front Office, and Operations teams.
• Follow up with clients after events to ensure satisfaction and generate repeat business.

• Maximize catering revenue through strategic pricing, menu enhancements, upselling, and space utilization.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify new opportunities.
• Negotiate contracts while maintaining profitability goals.
• Achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual catering revenue targets.

• Maintain accurate client records and sales activity within Delphi, Salesforce, or other sales systems.
• Prepare weekly production reports, forecasts, and sales activity summaries.
• Participate in sales meetings, revenue strategy meetings, and departmental planning sessions.
• Ensure compliance with hotel policies, accounting procedures, and contractual requirements.

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Business, Marketing, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2-3 years of catering sales, hotel sales, event management, or hospitality experience.
• Proven success achieving sales goals and closing business.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and hotel sales systems preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends as business demands require.

• In addition to travel discounts at our hotels, Highgate offers competitive benefits, including three pricing tiers of medical coverage, as well as Dental and Vision benefits to eligible full-time associates. Paid time off plans may also be available to associates who qualify. The Retirement 401(k) Program is open to both full-time and part-time associates who qualify.