Catering Sales Manager Non Exempt ("Gerente de Eventos y Ventas")

Azul Hospitality • Detroit, MI

8d • $24 - $32 • Onsite

About The Position

The Catering Sales Manager develops new accounts, maintains existing accounts, and implements sales and marketing strategies to maximize hotel profits while maintaining customer satisfaction and meeting or exceeding forecasted and budgeted revenue goals. The role manages group and catering accounts, negotiates business and contracts, prospects for new business, and builds lasting client relationships and repeat business. It also coordinates event details and supports exceptional event execution, including weddings and other catering programs.

The position works closely with clients and hotel departments to develop proposals and packages, respond to inquiries, conduct site inspections, and ensure accurate booking and event documentation. The manager supports the property team and Azul Hospitality culture, helps maintain product quality and guest experience, and contributes to effective communication and coordination across departments. The role is based at Hotel David Whitney in Detroit, Michigan, and may require occasional travel and schedules that vary with hotel business needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; a bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent level of education is also listed.
• One to two years of sales and/or catering experience in the hospitality industry is preferred.
• Ability to provide and maintain a valid driver’s license, as the position may require operating motorized and electric vehicles.
• Ability to travel occasionally as needed.
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language used in the workplace.
• Strong verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.
• Knowledge of complex mathematical calculations and computer programs; basic computational skills and budgetary analysis capabilities.
• Excellent leadership capability and customer relations skills.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and communication skills.
• Intermediate computer skills and knowledge of Windows OS, MS Office, PMS, PBX, key systems, and POS.
• Ability to analyze needs and make judgments to ensure appropriate tools are provided at the property level.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external customers, including using patience, tact, and diplomacy to collect accurate information and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate self-direction, issue resolution, and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws concerning equal employment opportunity, civil rights, workplace safety and health, wage and hour matters, and labor relations, including Title VII, ADEA, Equal Pay Act, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, FLSA, ADA, OSHA, FMLA, and NLRA, and applicable state and local analogues.
• Ability to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to maintain a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance in accordance with company and property standards.
• Regular attendance and participation in scheduled training sessions and meetings; willingness to work varying schedules based on hotel business needs.
• Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including sitting, standing, walking, lifting, pushing and pulling equipment, and performing repetitive and other listed movements.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent level of education.
• One to two years of sales and/or catering experience in the hospitality industry.

Responsibilities

• Manage group and catering accounts to maximize business potential.
• Negotiate group and catering business and contracts that meet or exceed hotel revenue goals; ensure solicitation and closing details are completed and documented.
• Make on-site and field presentations to prospective clients.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to upsell food and beverage offerings, room upgrades, audiovisual and lighting upgrades, and spa services where applicable.
• Develop long-term business relationships and repeat business through sales strategies and proactive prospecting.
• Prospect for catering business through phone calls, outside sales calls, trade shows, community functions, sales blitzes, internet prospecting, and supplier partnerships.
• Conduct site inspections that create a positive customer experience.
• Create customized wedding packages, menus, and proposals.
• Respond to customer inquiries within 24 hours or sooner.
• Maintain accurate booking information, including program details, client correspondence, follow-ups, and task lists.
• Follow event management procedures, including banquet event order creation, food and beverage forecasting, resume communication, amenity and VIP designation, and room-block management.
• Produce and distribute accurate banquet and catering event orders, timelines, diagrams, and resumes within hotel timeframes.
• Coordinate, plan, and implement wedding-related marketing tactics and events.
• Produce and distribute the 10-day event schedule and banquet event order packet, as well as the daily events schedule.
• Lead weekly 10-day banquet event order readings and daily 3-day banquet event order readings.
• Support clients by processing leads, investigating hotel and preferred guest program issues, and sending or obtaining collateral materials.
• Support the hotel by following up on outstanding responses and communicating with clients by phone, fax, and email; generate reports as needed.
• Maintain liaison with other hotel departments to facilitate services agreed upon with prospective clients.
• Actively support and develop the desired Azul Hospitality culture as part of the property team.
• Promote product quality and a distinctive guest experience; maintain a positive, friendly attitude with guests and staff and help keep the hotel presentable.
• Develop strong interdepartmental relationships and open communication to ensure efficient information transfer.
• Schedule meetings and business group activities at the hotel.
• Be familiar with company policies and benefits.
• Assist with property or owner inquiries as needed.
• Follow company and safety and security policies; report maintenance issues, safety hazards, accidents, and injuries; and complete required safety training and certifications.
• Maintain a clean and professional appearance, protect confidential information and company assets, and build positive working relationships with colleagues.
• Support quality standards and identify, recommend, develop, and implement improvements to efficiency, productivity, quality, safety, or cost savings.
• Perform other reasonable duties requested by direct or indirect supervisors.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and performance-based rewards.
• Comprehensive employee benefits package designed to support well-being.
• Career growth and advancement opportunities.
• Collaborative and supportive team culture.
• A culture emphasizing trust, empowerment, open communication, and mutual respect.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED