Catering Event Sales Manager

Job Description

Overview:

The Catering department is responsible for booking and overseeing client functions to ensure customer satisfaction of meeting and event experiences for groups both small and large. The Catering department solicits new catering accounts and maintains relationships with existing accounts to maximize profits. The Catering team works closely with the Banquets and Culinary departments to ensure all guest needs are met.

Responsibilities:

Job Summary:

The Catering Sales/Service Manager is responsible for the booking, planning and coordinating various events while serving as the main liaison between the client and Ocean Place Resort and Spa. You will be an integral member of the Catering Sales Team that will manage all outbound (External Client Sales) for both Social and Corporate Events. Will participate in the continuing effort to deliver unique experiences and nurture lasting relationships with our customers with a focus on building long-term, value-based customer relationships. Experience with working with prospective brides is a must and corporate experience is required. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment as well as being a true hospitality professional is essential.

Essential Job Functions:

+ Lead the outbound effort to fill both social and corporate space to maximize revenue

+ Proven sales track record. Meet or exceed sales budget goals.

+ Respond to inbound inquires within 48 hours, conduct site tours with potential clients and provide venue information

+ Strong follow up skills with new and existing clients

+ Ability to negotiate, influence and sell prospective clients as well as upsell existing clients

+ Proper creation, negotiation, and processing of catering contracts.

+ Current industry contacts and potential leads a plus

+ Participate in Daily Business Review (DBR) by presenting best case business scenarios for each potential booking.

+ Attend weekly event production meetings to communicate the BEOs to team

+ Manages OPERA (Sales Data Base), creates proposals and contracts to ensure Director of Events approves of rate and space obligations.

+ Work in partnership with F&B, culinary and Banquet departments to ensure all details and client expectations are exceeded

+Plan, coordinate, and manage event logistics, including timelines, menu planning, floor plans, audio visual needs and serve as the day of event planner for events

+Create organize and detail Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) to be passed along to other departments to ensure seamless execution the day of event

+Responsible for developing, organizing, and managing events from point of contract through hands-on execution of the event.

+Maintain correspondence with client throughout event preparation and execution to ensure clients’ needs are met and/or exceeded

+ Greet each client at the start of their function and send a follow up after each event

+ Excellent time management and communication skills

+ Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and results oriented

Education, Experience and Skill Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in hospitality, business management, or a related field required.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in catering sales or similar experience in a hotel or conference center required. Management experience preferred.
• Proven wedding and event management experience
• Impressive portfolio of previously managed events
• Must have sales, negotiation, and closing skills.
• Must be creative, enthusiastic, and flexible.
• Must be customer focused with attention to details.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• A solid relationship builder who is polished and professional.
• Read, write and speak English fluently.
• Computer proficient with knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of Opera PMS helpful.

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays as necessary.