Catering Sales Executive

Job Number: 26100046 | Full Time | Located at 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 37214

About the Role

Handles social and local corporate catering opportunities that exceed the parameters of the Group Sales teams (e.g., 150 covers and above) and come directly to the property. Contracts and closes local catering and social business, ensuring timely turnover for quality service delivery. Achieves catering revenue goals by actively up-selling each business opportunity to maximize revenue. Implements the brand’s service strategy and applicable brand initiatives throughout the sales process to drive customer loyalty and deliver service excellence.

Responsibilities

• Manages sales efforts for the property, including local corporate and social catering.
• Responds to incoming catering opportunities and identifies, qualifies, and solicits new catering business to meet revenue goals.
• Solicits affiliate business associated with citywide events from an approved list provided by the Citywide Sales Executive.
• Understands the overall market (e.g., competitors’ strengths/weaknesses, economic trends, supply/demand) and uses this knowledge to sell effectively.
• Closes high-value opportunities based on market conditions and property needs using negotiating skills and creative selling.
• Collaborates with the management team to create and implement a catering sales plan addressing revenue, customers, and market strategies.
• Designs, develops, and sells creative catered events, maximizing revenue through up-selling packages and food/beverage offerings.
• Manages catering sales revenue and operational budgets, providing forecasting reports.
• Develops menus that drive sales and assists with selling, implementing, and following through on catering promotions.
• Executes and supports Marriott’s Customer Service Standards and property Brand Standards.
• Handles operational aspects of booked business (e.g., generating proposals, writing contracts, customer correspondence).
• Participates in and practices daily service basics of the brand.
• Ensures seamless turnover from sales to operations and back, maintaining a high level of service.
• Monitors and resolves guest issues arising from the sales process by channeling them to appropriate stakeholders.
• Works collaboratively with off-property sales channels (e.g., Group Sales, Area Sales, Enterprise Sales Team) to coordinate efforts and avoid duplication.
• Builds and maintains relationships with sales, kitchen, vendors, competitors, local community, catering associations, and other hotel departments.
• Executes exemplary customer service to drive satisfaction and loyalty by understanding customer needs and recommending appropriate services.
• Develops a close working relationship with operations to execute property-level strategies.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED with 2 years of experience in sales and marketing, guest services, front desk, or a related professional area.
• OR a 2-year degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Marketing, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or a related major (no work experience required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Catering sales experience.

Pay

$25.96–$33.17 per hour, with bonus eligibility.

Benefits

In joining Gaylord Hotels, you gain access to opportunities beyond those of a traditional hotel, including career growth, professional development, and a portfolio of brands under Marriott International. The role offers a dynamic environment focused on creativity, entrepreneurship, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.