Director of Banquet and Catering Sales

Peregrine Hospitality•Lawrence, KS

About The Position

The Director of Banquet and Catering Sales identifies and solicits target accounts and nurtures existing accounts to close qualified business and achieve sales goals. The role executes sales activities for banquets and social catering events, develops client relationships, and works with property teams to generate revenue. It is responsible for sales budgeting and forecasting, coordinating booked business with the Events department, and supporting the operational aspects of sales. The Director also promotes accountability, resolves guest issues arising from the sales process, communicates relevant information to employees and leaders, and encourages collaboration and mutual respect. Additional duties may be assigned by management.

Requirements

Previous experience managing large, high-profile groups.
Excellent communication, follow-up, and organizational skills.
High personal performance standards and ability to track individual and team progress toward goals.
Proactive, creative, positive, and focused approach.
Strong leadership skills and ability to apply them in a dynamic environment.
Ability to work cohesively with coworkers and all departments as part of a team.
Ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to hear, understand, and communicate orally and in writing with staff, vendors, and guests in person and by phone.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Ability to bend and twist, push and pull, stoop, and kneel.
Availability for flexible and sometimes long hours.

Nice To Haves

Hilton hotel sales experience.

Responsibilities

Exceed established monthly, quarterly, and annual sales targets.
Maintain a target-account list and develop relationships with prospective and existing clients.
Establish new client relationships and maintain existing ones to maximize revenue.
Prospect target clients and actively solicit new business opportunities.
Identify ways to penetrate key market activities and bring profitable business to the hotel.
Participate in industry organizations, trade shows, community events, and industry meetings to develop business.
Prepare sales revenue budgets and forecasts.
Coordinate sales efforts with other sales channels and on-property resources.
Monitor competitors, economic trends, supply and demand, and other market conditions to inform sales strategy.
Capture and close the best opportunities for the property based on market conditions, property needs, and hotel parameters.
Execute and support operational aspects of booked business.
Transfer accurate, complete, and timely information to the Events department in accordance with hotel and brand standards.
Promote accountability and successfully execute sales strategies and business processes.
Resolve guest issues arising from the sales process and escalate issues to property and sales leadership as appropriate.
Model appropriate behaviors and timely communication with executives, peers, and subordinates.
Foster open communication, mutual trust, respect, cooperation, and teamwork among employees.
Participate in the performance appraisal process and provide feedback when needed.
Perform additional duties as assigned by management.