Catering Sales and Event Manager

HEI Hotels & Resorts•Cleveland, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the dynamic team at The Westin Cleveland as our Catering Sales and Event Manager, where your passion for hospitality and event planning will shine! In this energetic role, you will lead the development and execution of memorable events, drive sales growth through strategic marketing and upselling, and deliver exceptional customer service. Your expertise will ensure seamless coordination from initial inquiry to event completion, creating unforgettable experiences that delight clients and elevate our venue’s reputation. This position offers a vibrant environment where your organizational skills and hospitality background can truly thrive.

Requirements

1+ year in catering sales required.
Proven experience in catering sales, event management, or hospitality roles such as restaurant or hotel experience with a focus on banquet services.
Strong negotiation skills with the ability to upsell effectively while maintaining positive client relationships.
Knowledge of event marketing strategies alongside expertise in event planning and coordination.
Exceptional customer service skills paired with excellent communication and organizational abilities.
Familiarity with budgeting processes, contracts management, and event logistics.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines through effective time management.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred.
Experience in banquet operations or large-scale events management is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Maximize revenue by selling all facets of the hotel to previous, current and potential clients, including room rental, A/V and other revenue generation opportunities.
Solicit new and existing accounts to meet and exceed revenue goals through telephone prospecting, outside sales calls, site inspections and written communication.
Consistently book repeat business by having a track record of long-term client relationships.
Experience selling to a variety of market segments.
Actively participate in industry-related organizations (NACE, MPI) and community/civic activities to maintain awareness within the community and to create booking opportunities.
Leverage knowledge of sales techniques, including closing skills as well as negotiating skills.
Conduct hotel site inspections and client presentations.
Participate in trade shows and sales blitzes.
Maintain knowledge of market trends, competition, and key hotel customers.
Provide overall direction, coordination, and ongoing evaluation of operations of catering events sold.
Provide detailed execution of all banquet event orders generated by the associate.
Work closely with the banquet department on operations and event execution, with the ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
Generate creative and innovative menus while working closely with the Chef on pricing specialty menus.
Utilize creative skills to provide innovative set-ups, menus, and functions for groups.
Provide A/V equipment and operate A/V as a profit center.
Ability to work with outside vendors to ensure client satisfaction for all events/groups.
Assist with understanding both monthly forecasting and the annual budget process, as well as pace and productivity.
Apply an understanding of yield management skills and the use of historical data.
Evaluate every catering business opportunity to maximize revenue and profitability while achieving customer expectations.
Participate in the research of the competition’s products, services and pricing and use it to develop strategic business plans.
Ensure effective use and teaching of computers, specifically Delphi, Word and Excel.
Comply with attendance rules, be available to work on a regular basis, and perform any other job-related duties as assigned.