Catering Sales Manager Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• 2 or more years of hotel catering experience or similar industry
• Proven track record of a consistent ability to provide quality service
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills
• Knowledge of the Hotel, Westmont and brand policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the catering, food & beverage with banquet knowledge
• Skills needed to manage the people and variables encountered in the development and implementation of major functions
• Computer literate in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong communication skills (verbal, listening, writing)
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong customer and associate relations skills
• Strong presentation and platform skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong “closing skills”
• Strong ‘persuasion” skills
• Ability to use standard software applications and hotel system
• Effective decision-making skills
• Effective influence skills

Nice To Haves

• Previous leadership experience preferred
• Computer literate with Delphi preferred or other system used in hotel

Responsibilities

• Solicit, negotiate, and book new and repeat business through sales calls, telemarketing, mailings, networking, etc., while maximizing banquet space to meet/exceed revenue goals.
• Execute a territorial marketing strategy to capture the maximum amount of revenue and meet/exceed sales goals.
• Plan, upsell, and detail the meeting/function with the client, including space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes/decorations, etc.
• Complete contracts, prepare appropriate paperwork, coordinate with the appropriate areas in the hotel, and resolve any issues, complaints, and problems to ensure quality product delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Prepare status and period end reports to keep management abreast of activities.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of corporate/hotel procedures and products and the competition's product, strengths, and weaknesses to continually improve sales strategies and the achievement of goals.
• Respond to incoming catering opportunities for the hotel.
• Proactively identify, qualify, and solicit new catering business to achieve personal and hotel revenue goals.
• Close the best opportunities for the hotel based on market conditions and hotel needs.
• Understand competitors’ strengths and weaknesses and know how to sell against them.
• Use negotiating skills and creative selling abilities to close on business and negotiate contracts.
• Effectively develop relationships within the community to strengthen and expand the customer base for catering sales opportunities.
• Effectively manage and develop relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Build and strengthen relationships with existing and new customers, including sales calls (outside sales calls), prospecting/solicitation calls, entertainment, bridal shows, etc.
• Effectively use sales resources and administrative/support staff.
• Conduct site inspections.
• Create proposals as required.
• Create contracts as required.
• Possess excellent telephone sales skills.
• Possess strong overall sales skills.
• Understand contract management and legalities.
• Possess operational knowledge and/or appreciation of operations challenges.
• Have basic knowledge of food and beverage compositions.
• Be knowledgeable of food trends, food and beverage composition, and menu planning.
• Exercise creativity in designing catering sales solutions.
• Understand food and beverage forecasting and attrition.
• Understand need time strategy as developed by the Revenue Management Team (i.e., Director of Sales & Marketing and Director of Catering Sales).
• Follow all Free Sell guidelines as specified by the Director of Catering Sales & Director of Sales & Marketing.
• Follow all sales strategy as specified by the Director of Catering Sales & Director of Sales & Marketing.
• Understand and achieve team and individual goals.
• Possess software knowledge (Microsoft Office, etc.).
• Possess systems knowledge (Delphi, Delphi Diagrams, or other similar programs).
• Participate in communication and professional organizations to maintain high visibility and promote sales.
• Perform special projects and other responsibilities as assigned.
• Participate in task forces and committees as required.
• Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and build long-term mutually beneficial customer relationships to support future revenue growth.
• Coordinate and communicate verbally and in writing with customers (internal and external) regarding event details.
• Follow up with customers post-event.
• Make presence always known to the customer during this process, regardless of which hotel they sit at.
• Greet customers during the event phase and hand off to the Convention Services department for the execution of details.
• Be available to solve problems and/or suggest alternatives to previous arrangements.
• Display leadership in guest hospitality and ensure consistent, high-level service throughout all phases of hotel events.
• Ensure products and services sold to the Event Planners meet or exceed their expectations, create loyalty and lead to increased market share.
• Set a positive example for guest relations.
• Interact with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
• Effectively respond to and handle guest problems and complaints.
• Review Guest Service Results with leaders.
• Participate in the development and implementation of corrective action plans.
• Emphasize guest satisfaction during all departmental meetings and focus on continuous improvement.
• Utilize Delphi or other hotel system to capture and manage customer information daily.
• Apply broad business knowledge and balance both a short- and long-term perspective to generate strategies while leading the organization to achieve them.
• Hold self and others accountable for achieving results.
• Address conflict in a timely manner.
• Contribute to team results.
• Deal with change effectively.
• Make decisions, including employees/team, and commit to a course of action with available information.
• Foster a positive climate for work relationships and teams committed to achieving organizational goals and initiatives.
• Treat people fairly, with dignity and respect.
• Work to meet goals in a manner that does not disadvantage other employees or groups.
• Demonstrate business ethics and personal integrity, i.e., is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual.
• Listen and respond to others.
• Be interested in others’ views even if they counter own views.
• Proactively ensure that others have the accountability, authority, and resources necessary to both manage work execution and drive for results.
• Adhere to all standards, policies, and procedures (SOPs, etc.).
• Effectively use sales resources and administrative/support staff.
• Approach work with a sense of urgency and purpose.
• Allocate time and resources effectively when faced with competing demands.
• Overcome obstacles to accomplish challenging objectives.
• Follow through on inquiries, requests, and complaints.
• Actively pursue learning and self-development to enhance personal, professional, and business growth; share learning; demonstrate depth of knowledge in technical or specialized area.
• Act independently to improve and increase skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrate an awareness of personal strengths and areas for professional improvement.
• Share learning, innovations, and best practices with others.
• Be willing to learn from others.
• Perform all technical/procedural requirements of the job.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Room Discounts
• Employee Food and Beverage Discounts