Catering Manager

DRIFTWOOD HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT•Río Piedras, PR

About The Position

Solicit, book, plan and coordinate meetings/functions while maximizing the banquet space to meet/exceed sales goals. Utilize prospecting skills and strong business sense to consistently exceed catering revenue goals. Report all Catering activities to the Director of Catering Sales or Director of Sales & Marketing. Support all Corporate and hotel initiatives as needed. 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.

Requirements

2 or more years of hotel catering experience, Marriott Experience preferred
Proven track record of a consistent ability to provide quality service
Strong verbal and written English communication skills
Knowledge of the Hotel, Westmont and brand policies and procedures
Knowledge of the catering, food & beverage with banquet knowledge
Skills needed to manage the people and variables encountered in the development and implementation of major functions
Computer literate in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Computer literate with Delphi preferred or other system used in hotel
Strong communication skills (verbal, listening, writing)
Strong problem-solving skills
Strong customer and associate relations skills
Strong presentation and platform skills
Strong organizational skills
Strong “closing skills”
Strong ‘persuasion” skills
Ability to use standard software applications and hotel system
Effective decision-making skills
Effective influence skills

Nice To Haves

Previous leadership experience preferred

Responsibilities

Solicit, negotiate, and book new and repeat business through efforts (sales calls, telemarketing, mailings, networking, etc...) while maximizing banquet space to meet/exceed revenue goals.
Execute a territorial marketing strategy to capture the maximum amount of revenue and meet/exceed sales goals.
Plan, upsell and detail the meeting/function with the client including space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes/decorations, etc. Complete the contracts, prepare the appropriate paperwork, coordinate with the appropriate areas in the hotel, and resolve any issues, complaints, and problems to ensure quality product delivery and customer satisfaction.
Prepare status and period end reports to keep management abreast of activities.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of corporate/hotel procedures and products and the competition's product, strengths and weaknesses to continually improve sales strategies and the achievement of goals.
Responds to incoming catering opportunities for the hotel.
Proactively identifies, qualifies, and solicits new catering business to achieve personal and hotel revenue goals.
Closes the best opportunities for the hotel based on market conditions and hotel needs.
Understands competitors’ strengths and weaknesses and knows how to sell against them.
Uses negotiating skills and creative selling abilities to close on business and negotiate contracts.
Effectively develops relationships within community to strengthen and expand customer base for catering sales opportunities.
Effectively manages and develops relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
Ensures a high level of customer satisfaction.
Builds and strengthens relationships with existing and new customers to include sales calls (to include outside sales calls), prospecting/solicitation calls, entertainment, bridal shows, etc.
Effectively use sales resources and administrative/support staff.
Conducts site inspections.
Creates proposals as required.
Creates contracts as required.
Possesses excellent telephone sales skills.
Possesses strong overall sales skills.
Understands contract management and legalities.
Possesses operational knowledge and/or appreciation of operations challenges.
Has basic knowledge of food and beverage compositions.
Is knowledgeable of food trends, food and beverage composition, and menu planning. Exercises creativity in designing catering sales solutions.
Understands food and beverage forecasting and attrition.
Understands need time strategy as developed by the Revenue Management Team (i.e. Director of Sales & Marketing and Director of Catering Sales).
Follows all Free Sell guidelines as specified by the Director of Catering Sales & Director of Sales & Marketing.
Follows all sales strategy as specified by the Director of Catering Sales & Director of Sales & Marketing.
Understands and achieves team and individual goals.
Possesses software knowledge (Microsoft Office, etc.).
Possesses systems knowledge (Delphi, Delphi Diagrams, or other similar programs).
Participate in communication and professional organizations to maintain high visibility and promote sales.
Perform special projects and other responsibilities as assigned. Participate in task forces and committees as required.
Due to the nature of the business the individual may be required to do other duties and special projects as assigned by the supervisor.
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 expectations, create loyalty and leads to increased market share.
Sets a positive example for guest relations.
Interacts with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels. Effectively responds to and handles guest problems and complaints.
Reviews Guest Service Results with leaders. Participates in the development and implementation of corrective action plans.
Emphasizes guest satisfaction during all departmental meetings and focuses on continuous improvement.
Utilizes Delphi or other hotel system to capture and manage customer information daily..