Catering Sales Manager

Overview

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for soliciting new catering accounts, entertaining and sustaining relationships with existing accounts to meet and/or exceed revenue goals. This role requires a strong knowledge of weddings and the ability to prospect for new sales opportunities. The candidate must be comfortable with problem-solving and event management, and be familiar with all operational departments within the hotel.

Responsibilities

• Keep immediate supervisor fully informed of all problems or matters requiring his/her attention.
• Prepare and submit required reports in a timely manner.
• Follow up on all turnovers within 24 hours via telephone and within 3 days with written correspondence.
• Know meeting room setups and capabilities.
• Know sleeping room configurations and types.
• Respond to Catering inquires immediately.
• Use the Partnership Agreement to meet client needs.
• Have comprehensive knowledge of all operational departments within the hotel; guest services, reservations, housekeeping, audio visual, switchboard, accounting, restaurants, bars, and engineering.
• Interact with outside planners, vendors for event setup.
• Maintain pricing integrity and propose upscale menus for clients.
• Manage existing accounts and follow up with client re-solicitation to capture future business.
• Work with other F&B managers and keep them informed of F&B issues as they arise.
• Manage the function diary and adjust space in order to ensure maximum potential revenue.
• Be visible on the floor and assist staff as needed during functions.
• Be involved in and/or conduct departmental and hotel training (One-to-One Training, etc.).
• Plan and execute holiday and special events in conjunction with the Director of Catering.
• Use feedback from client evaluations to improve service and quality.
• Participate in required M.O.D. program as scheduled.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of progressive experience in a hotel or a related field; or a 2-year college degree and 3 or more years of related experience; or a 4-year college degree and at least 2 years of related experience.
• Must be proficient in Windows, Company approved spreadsheets and word processing. Proficiency in Delphi preferred.
• Flexible and long hours sometimes required. Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
• Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
• Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
• Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
• Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
• Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
• Participate in M.O.D. coverage as required.
• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include wearing nametags.
• Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
• Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
• Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
• Must be able to understand and evaluate complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Perform other duties as requested by management.