Catering Sales Manager

Lodging Dynamics•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for marketing, advertising, and promoting the hotel's catering capabilities, soliciting business for catering functions, providing catering and banquet services to groups with meeting room and catering needs, and overseeing the servicing of clients. Primary duties consist of performing office or non-manual work directly related to management or general business operations. Work includes the exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or equivalent in related field.
A minimum two (2) years of experience in the hospitality sales field required.
A minimum one (1) year of supervisory experience in the food and beverage field required.
This position requires the capability to understand and follow both oral and written directions, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with others in English and interact successfully with internal and external customers.
Customer service skills.
Able to maintain a positive and professional working environment.
Fosters a culture of excellence.
Attention to detail.
Analytical and problem-solving skills.
Able to maintain composure and objectivity under pressure.
Proficient in time management; the ability to effectively organize and manage multiple priorities.
Recognizes an emergency situation and takes appropriate action.
Able to lead in a culturally diverse work environment and is a champion for diversity in the organization.
Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships with team members at all levels.
Ability to motivate and inspire a team to provide extraordinary customer service.
Excels at team building, leadership, and development.
Ability to take initiative and effectively adapt to shifting internal and external conditions.
Proficient in Google Docs/Microsoft Word.
Proficient in Google Sheets/Microsoft Excel.
Proficient in Google Slides/Microsoft PowerPoint.
Proficient in M3.
Proficient in Delphi FDC.
Proficient in ProfitSword.
Proficient in Cvent, Meeting Broker, The Knot, Knowland, TravelClick and Marriott/Hilton Sales Tools Resources.
Basic math skills.
Performs well with frequent interruptions and/or distractions.
Understands how to develop and implement business strategies.
Ability to interpret and create policies, procedures, and manuals.
Able to communicate appropriately and effectively with all levels of management and external stakeholders.
Ability to effectively listen, understand, and resolve challenges and concerns from management, team members, and guests.
Able to identify and seize revenue-generating opportunities while effectively managing costs and resources.
Knowledge of key industry trends, regulations, and the current industry landscape.
Proven ability to drive revenue growth, optimize costs, and achieve financial targets.
Able to engage diplomatically and effectively with third party operators and owners, empathizing, and reacting appropriately to partner feedback and helping resolve issues where necessary.
Proficient in negotiations.
Proficient in public speaking.
Ability to adjust effectively to evolving work environments and shifting customer (internal/external) requirements.
Able to maintain a positive and professional working environment.
Fosters a culture of excellence.
Able to work effectively in a culturally diverse environment and support diversity and inclusion within the organization.

Responsibilities

Maximizes banquet and meeting space to meet or exceed individual goals.
Responsible for communicating requirements of all hotel events to all Operational department levels in hotel.
Assists Director of Sales in the development and updating of the hotel-level business plan to include input on sales goals and plans that support the overall business and sales strategies of the company.
Develops and maintains good relationships with new and existing clients in order to produce group and convention business, to include room sales, food and beverage sales, and catering/banquet services.
Develops hotel-level tactical sales and marketing plans to support overall system-wide sales plans, strategies and programs.
Markets, advertises, and promotes the hotel's catering capabilities with the ultimate goal of increasing the hotel's catering profits.
Creates and executes Banquet Event Orders for all meeting room, event catering functions in a timely manner.
Prospects for new clients which includes setting up appointments, performing inside and outside cold calls as recommended per solicitation goals.
Attends outside networking functions such as luncheons, chamber events, or other community/business-based networking receptions.
Responds to all sales inquiries and voicemails by the next scheduled business day.
Plans all hotel events from initial client inquiry to execution including but not limited to client correspondence, preparing and editing contracts, and payment processing.
Manages department scheduling, inventory, and ordering.
Performs daily operations for hotel's high volume events and catering department.
Creates an event setting by organizing and maintaining timelines as a priority for every project.
Attendance is a key component of this position.
Maintains a professional appearance in accordance with Company standards; wears the appropriate uniform or attire.
Maintains open and effective communication with team members and management.
Attends and participates in team meetings.
Adheres to established safety and emergency procedures and protocols, this includes Company, federal, and state specific regulations and guidelines.
Completes all required Company training/compliance courses as assigned.
Adheres to Company standards and maintains compliance with all policies and procedures.
Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Completes all required Company training/compliance courses as assigned.
Adheres to Company standards and maintains compliance with all policies and procedures.
Performs other related duties as assigned.