Director of Sales and Catering

Hersha Hospitality Management LP•Woodbury, MN

About The Position

The Director of Sales & Catering will develop and execute strategic sales plans through direct sales, marketing, eCommerce channels, public relations, and community partnerships. Optimize group and catering sales and achieve guest satisfaction in accordance with established guest service and sustainability standards.

Requirements

Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Proficient in use of Excel, Word, Delphi and access database tools.
Work schedule varies and may include working on holidays and weekends.
Requires standing for extended periods, walking, pushing, lifting up to 25 pounds, bending and reaching stooping kneeling, or crouching.
Moderate travel between hotel and client’s locations required.

Nice To Haves

Previous sales experience in a luxury or lifestyle hotel preferred.
Knowledge of food/wine is preferred.

Responsibilities

Interview, select, train, schedule, coach, and support associates, ensuring they perform in accordance with established brand or hotel standards and consistent with HHM core values.
Use internal and external resources and data to develop strategic plans to incorporate all business segments.
Understand sales and business processes, support corporate and hotel goals and contribute to enhancement of customer value.
Identify customer business requirements and craft customer offers, which result in increased revenue share for the hotel.
Achieve annual hotel revenue goals as agreed upon and established in the annual budget.
Analyze banquet event orders, to ensure that all room set-ups, equipment, supplies, staffing and menus meet/exceed customer's expectations.
Monitor achievement of objectives for the sales team and take appropriate action to correct shortfalls versus the annual marketing plan.
Maintain hotel relationships with key accounts to increase customer satisfaction and account revenue.
Use professional sales techniques to negotiate the best possible terms and conditions that satisfy customer (internal and external) requirements.
Articulate and leverage the benefits of the hotel to close sales opportunities.
Prepare and maintain a current annual marketing plan with measurable and specific initiatives detailed to maintain and grow each business segment.
Accept leadership responsibilities by modeling proper selling techniques, effective development of others and commitment to industry, and personal development.
Develop effective presentations (orally and written) where ideas, opinions, recommendations and conclusions are clearly understood.
Travel locally to conduct outside calls, promote the hotel, and review competition.
Recommend, implement, monitor, and control the banquet budget and coordinate with event budgets to maximize revenue and minimize expenses.
Develop and implement, in conjunction with sales and convention services, special packages, and create new menus and themes within corporate guidelines.
Ensure that HHM’s cash handling policies and procedures are adhered to.
Monitor and control the maintenance of the meeting space and equipment to protect hotel assets and ensure a safe work environment.
Follow sustainability guidelines and practices related to HHM’s EarthView program.
Practice safe work habits, wear protective safety equipment and follow MSDS and OSHA standards.
Perform other duties as requested by management.