CATERING SALES MANAGER

BASIC PURPOSE

Strategically plan, execute and manage banquet and catering sales to achieve optimal occupancy and use, through effective Direct Sales and Revenue Management strategies that focus on maximizing revenue and meeting/exceeding hotel profit objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Meet/exceed catering sales revenues at the hotel.
• Be a catering sales leader for the hotel to ensure that all appropriate markets are being saturated.
• Write out and articulate strategies to work the market via Sales Strategic plans that outline the yearly and monthly catering sales strategies for the hotel.
• Book all the function space, quote meeting room rental, A/V and F&B.
• Build rapport, qualify, present, negotiate and close on business, as well as service accounts.
• Execute strategic sales plans to positively affect hotel Sales & Catering revenue.
• Respond to all customer inquiries within 24 business hours.
• Be aware of new business opportunities in and around your market.
• Attend Networking Events with organizations that will assist with the development of future opportunities.
• Conduct outside local calls to promote property Sales & Communication.
• Collaborate with Operation Team, including F&B, Housekeeping & Front Office to deliver a high-level experience to our clients and revenue results to ownership.
• Participate in meetings, including but not limited to BEO, Sales, Resume, etc.
• Recognize what opportunities exist to move share from the competitors.
• Accurately communicate details on accounts to the operating departments as needed.
• Understand the hotel’s operations, meeting capacities, services, menus, features and benefits.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Education: Four-year college degree or equivalent education/experience is preferred.
• Experience: One - Three years with hotel banquet/catering sales preferred.
• Skills and Abilities: Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices within the catering sales profession, including experiential knowledge required for management of people, complex problems and efficient sales activities. Highly developed communication skills to frequently present, negotiate, convince, sell and influence clients. Computer skills, Brand systems, Sales Data Base System (CI/TY).

TRAVEL REQUIRED

Some travel may be expected to local trade shows.