Catering Sales Manager

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA HOST PROPERTIES INC•Charlottesville, VA

About The Position

The role of the catering sales manager is to handle all incoming catering leads that would result in proposals and contracts. The goal would be to sell food and beverages, meeting space, golf, spa services as well as lodging when required. The position is also responsible for coordinating the contracted events and providing any required services for booked groups. Additional responsibilities would include working with other sales team members in the corporate, leisure, association, and wedding markets.

Requirements

College degree preferred.
Resort sales and catering experience is a plus.
Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to act as a liaison between customers and all operating departments.
Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
Good computer skills and proficiency with Delphi, Excel, and Word are a plus.
Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Demonstrate ability to plan and organize projects, meetings, and events.
Good problem-solving skills and ability to use independent judgment as needed to meet client and guest requests.
Knowledge of food and beverage, meeting room set-ups, audio-visual equipment and other elements common to meeting room requirements is a plus.
Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
Ability to react and resolve challenges quickly and in a professional manner.
Ability to anticipate the customer's needs prior to service delivery and maximize productivity and efficiency in the workplace.
Analytical and quantitative skills for contract analysis.

Nice To Haves

Resort sales and catering experience is a plus.
Good computer skills and proficiency with Delphi, Excel, and Word are a plus.
Knowledge of food and beverage, meeting room set-ups, audio-visual equipment and other elements common to meeting room requirements is a plus.

Responsibilities

Increase sales volume and profitability by handling direct leads for the catering markets and assisting in developing and executing projects for assigned markets.
Review daily business status, schedules, priority assignments, bookings, and all information pertinent to the department's operation.
Organize traces for follow-up, including compiling, analyzing, and in-putting tracking data of long-term and new business relationships.
Monitor and handle all calls promptly, actively solicit, and book business following resort standards. Handle site inspections for all leads as needed.
Consistently meet and exceed budgeted goals
Service all catering groups, which consist of handling BEO's site visits, tastings, and in some cases, on-site coordination.
Participate in problem resolution with other departments regarding space conflicts.
Maintain consistent verbal and written communication with clients.
Meet with clients to work out the details of their requirements for rooms. Suggestively sell resort features, benefits, and amenities.
Participate in weekly sales meetings and offer creative ideas and strategies to increase leads.
Maintain strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Delphi, and V1 Hotel Management systems.
Qualify leads and prospects gained from incoming calls and RFP's.
Know competitors, rates, and what it will take to obtain business.
Maintain a reputation as an accomplished team player that others seek out for assistance.
Possess a positive attitude, desire to succeed, and a polished appearance representative of a 4 Diamond Resort.
Act as a liaison between the resort and clients to build rapport and capture future business.
Issue and follow up on proposals by negotiating contractual agreements. Block meeting space and guest rooms in Delphi. Manage room blocks.
Work collaboratively with peers to ensure sound business strategies are met.
Contribute to overall resort team effort by completing additional duties as assigned.