Catering/Conference Services (CS) Manager

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation•Sonesta NYC, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Catering/Conference Services Manager is responsible for effectively coordinating meetings, conventions, and other special events booked through the sales department. This role also involves selling the hotel's meeting and event spaces, food and beverage services, and function planning to maximize revenues and profits. The manager will establish new accounts, generate revenue, monitor booking pace, book repeat business, and synchronize the needs of the client with the hotel staff for successful event execution. They will act as the primary liaison between the client and the hotel operations team to ensure the success of events and/or room blocks. The ideal candidate is guest-focused, possesses superior organizational and communication skills, and has a keen interest in leadership within the Catering and Conference Services field.

Requirements

High school degree or equivalent required.
1-2 years hotel experience required.
Intermediary knowledge of MS Outlook and Words is required.
Proficiency in English reading and writing is a must.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.
Knowledge of hotel and hospitality industry.

Nice To Haves

College course work in related field preferred.
Experience in sales and/or front desk is a plus.
Proficiency in Salesforce FDC and/or Opera is a plus.
Bilingual or multi-lingual skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

Effectively coordinate meetings, conventions, and other special events booked through the sales department.
Sell meeting and event spaces, food and beverage, and function planning services to maximize revenues and profits.
Establish new accounts, generate revenues, and monitor booking pace.
Book repeat business.
Synchronize the needs of the group contact planning the event and the staff of the hotel to effectively execute the event function.
Act as the primary liaison between the client and the hotel operations team to ensure the success of the event and/or room blocks.
Detail and service all assigned bookings with group rooms and/or event space turned over by the sales team.
Ensure all room blocks and event spaces are managed and maintained according to Sonesta guidelines.
Conduct important functions and audits to ensure smooth operation and servicing of groups and events, including taking deposits, entering room lists, sending confirmation numbers, monitoring pick-up, extending group blocks and rates, creating resumes, and reviewing invoices and commissions.
Prepare and distribute all Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) in a timely and accurate manner.
Attend daily BEO meetings.
Assist clients in menu planning, food and beverage coordination, table arrangements, decorations, traffic flow, room set-up, group room blocks, and VIP services.
Check function/event room set-ups prior to client arrival, ensuring details align with client requirements and hotel standards, and that deficiencies are corrected by appropriate personnel.
Coordinate and/or lead meetings such as pace review, resume meetings, internal and external pre-cons, and credit meetings.
Coordinate functions and activities with other department heads and communicate client needs to appropriate staff.
Arrange and conduct special events, site inspections, and off-site presentations for potential clients.
Prospect, solicit, negotiate, and book new and repeat business to maximize revenue and achieve/exceed budgeted revenue goals.
Establish a client base through direct selling to secure business for the hotel.
Ensure the Sonesta CRM is maintained according to guidelines with accurate and up-to-date information.
Achieve personal and team goals as assigned.
Negotiate guest room rates, meeting room rental, function space, food and beverage prices, and hotel services within approved departmental guidelines.
Accurately produce and/or review all sales contracts, addendums, rate agreements, and/or banquet/catering event orders.
Monitor and handle inquiry calls and provide client proposals.
Attend weekly sales, revenue, and department meetings.
Assist the Director of Sales & Marketing/Director of Conference Services with budget and forecast, and complete special projects.
Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming.
Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.
Maintain client files and update information daily.
Review daily postings of charges to master accounts and resolve discrepancies or process adjustments.
Review final bill prior to presenting to the client.
Assist in the preparation of the departmental budget and implementation of the hotel’s catering and conference strategy.
Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and the corporate office.
Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect.
Inspire coworkers to embrace and demonstrate Sonesta’s core values and guest service standards.