Catering Sales Mgr

InterContinental Hotels Group • Chicago, IL

77d • $38 - $41

About The Position

The Social Catering Sales Manager is responsible for establishing a client base of wedding planners, vendors, organizations, associations, and commercial businesses through direct outside sales efforts. The primary goal is to secure business for the hotel, particularly in the wedding and social market, ensuring that predetermined sales expectations are met or exceeded. This role involves growing and developing relationships within the South East Asian market, negotiating food and beverage prices, function space, room rates, and hotel services, and confirming all group requirements in writing. The manager will conduct tours of the hotel and banquet facilities, assist clients with menu planning, and monitor local competitors. Additionally, the role includes soliciting business, maintaining an active follow-up system on sales calls, coordinating sales efforts with other departments, and maximizing revenue potential through upselling.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality management or related field.
• 2-3 years previous Catering Sales experience in a 4-star hotel.
• Fluent in English, both verbal and written.
• Ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively with supervisors and co-workers.
• Experience with Delphi and Opera is a plus.
• Ability to work over 8 hours when business demands are high, with flexible hours.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other computer programs.
• Attention to detail, speed, and accuracy in job functions.
• Ability to prioritize and organize delegated work and follow through.
• Ability to remain calm and resolve problems using sound judgment under pressure.
• Ability to meet guest and co-worker needs courteously and effectively.
• Ability to comprehend instructions and work cohesively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Establishes a client base of wedding planners and vendors through direct outside sales efforts.
• Grows and develops relationships in the South East Asian market.
• Negotiates food and beverage prices, function space, room rates, and hotel services.
• Conducts tours of the hotel and banquet facilities for potential clients.
• Assists clients in menu planning and coordinates food, beverage, and decorations.
• Monitors local competitors and compares operations.
• Solicits business and follows up on referrals and potential sales leads.
• Keeps aware of trends in food and beverage through trade literature and site visits.
• Solicits and books catering business from various sources.
• Responds to telephone and walk-in inquiries in the absence of team members.
• Maintains an active trace/follow-up system on personal sales calls.
• Coordinates sales efforts with Sales and Catering Departments.
• Builds Social Market Forecast with the Director of Catering & Conference Services.
• Finalizes bookings by upselling in all revenue-producing areas.
• Complies with workplace health and safety requirements.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Accommodation
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees