Catering Service Manager (Event Coordinator)

The Ocean Place Resort and Spa located in Long Branch, New Jersey is the premier oceanfront hotel between New York City and Atlantic City, which boasts 258 spacious guest rooms, featuring views of the Atlantic Ocean; 45,000 square feet of indoor meeting/event space with 38 function rooms; 55,000 square feet of outdoor event space, 5 private beaches; fine dining and casual restaurants; two swimming pools and heated whirlpools, fitness center, and a 14,000 square foot luxurious full-service spa.

The Sales & Marketing Department solicits business that enables the hotel to meet and/or exceed revenue goals. The business generated by this department contributes directly to the hotel's bottom line and is a vital component of hotel profitability.

Job Summary:

Applicants must be experienced with all steps in meeting clients, menu development and follow through. Experience with working with prospective brides and corporate clientele is required. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment as well as being a true hospitality professional is essential.

Essential Job Functions:

• 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
• Responsible for all details from conception to execution for weddings and corporate events while providing superior customer service
• Initiate friendly welcoming and passionate customer service with every client, build rapport and trust.
• Maintain a close relationship with all Departments on a daily basis.
• Ensure that all departments are properly informed of all group needs.
• Meet with potential clients and provide venue information
• Liaise with clients to identify their needs and to ensure customer satisfaction
• Book and upsell events to meet individual and team sales goals.
• Organize and attend client meetings, site visits, and appointments.
• Prepare BEO’s and floor plans
• Process all changes to B.E.O.'s as given by the Director of Catering
• Present each event in weekly team meetings.
• Maintain well-documented, accurate, organized and up-to-date files.
• Plan, design and produce events while managing all project delivery elements within time limits
• Provide feedback and periodic reports to management

Qualifications:

• Proven wedding and event management experience
• Impressive portfolio of previously managed events
• (2) or more years related experience; hotel/banquet, wedding, catering and/or corporate event experience require
• Excellent time management and communication skills
• Exceptionally organized and strong attention to detail
• Sales skills and ability to build productive business relationships
• Ability to manage multiple projects independentl
• At least two years of experience
• Provide and uphold a courteous, positive, professional and cooperative attitude with the staff, vendors and guests.
• Ability to be approachable, friendly & personable.
• Excellent communication skills, able to intuitively get what the customer needs and respond with ideas and solutions.
• Organized; ability to handle multiple projects and clients at the same time.
• Meticulous project management skills, being able to prioritize multiple tasks in a busy work environment.
• Self-motivated; takes ownership of own events and clients
• Outstanding customer service, communication, and problem solving skills
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Opera a plus
• Ability to lift tables and chairs when needed for last minute setup changes
• Evening & weekend hours required for onsite management