Catering Sales Manager

The hiring establishment is a luxury hotel that specializes in providing a high-end hospitality experience to its guests. Known for its exceptional service, elegant atmosphere, and commitment to excellence, this luxury hotel caters to a diverse clientele ranging from corporate clients to private event planners. The hotel offers a range of facilities including banquet halls, conference rooms, and event spaces designed to accommodate various types of functions such as weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, golf tournaments, reunions, holiday parties, and corporate day business events. It operates in a competitive market, emphasizing personalized service and attention to detail to maintain its reputation as a premier event venue.

The position available is for a Catering Sales Manager, a vital role within the hotel's events and sales department. The Catering Sales Manager will primarily focus on generating local corporate day business, membership-driven private events, and holiday parties, as well as traditional social bookings. This includes managing key functions such as weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, golf tournaments, reunions, and other special events. The role involves maximizing revenues by attracting new business while carefully controlling expenses to ensure profitability.

In addition to sales responsibilities, the Catering Sales Manager will act as a liaison between clients and various operating departments within the hotel to guarantee the successful execution of events. This includes collaborating closely with catering teams, food production, event services, and management to deliver seamless experiences that meet or exceed client expectations. The Manager will also be charged with securing future business and referrals by developing and maintaining strong, ongoing relationships with clients and industry leaders.

This role requires a professional demeanor suitable for a luxury environment and a deep understanding of the luxury hotel and catering market. Candidates must possess at least three years of experience in luxury hotel catering and conference planning, with a strong emphasis on sales and revenue generation. Knowledge of event planning, event services, and food production and presentation is essential to effectively meet client needs and ensure flawless event execution.

The Catering Sales Manager should be proactive, able to anticipate and identify potential issues and respond swiftly with effective solutions. A working knowledge of computer software, particularly Microsoft Office and Meeting Matrix, is necessary, with Marriott's CI-TY software knowledge considered an advantage. The position also requires obtaining or having certifications such as Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), or Wedding certification.

The role involves several administrative and sales duties including handling inquiry communications, arranging site inspections and off-site presentations, preparing client proposals following departmental policies, producing monthly sales reports and forecasts, maintaining accurate data in operational software, and managing billing procedures to ensure timely processing of deposits and credit applications. Regular attendance at departmental and relevant meetings is expected, along with staying updated on catering and special event trends.

The ideal candidate must have excellent communication skills, be adaptable with flexible work schedules including holidays and weekends, and be capable of multitasking in a fast-paced environment. Physical requirements for the role include the ability to sit at a desk for extended periods, perform tasks involving telephone and computer use, as well as physical fitness to lift, pull, and push items weighing up to 50 pounds. The role also demands standing, walking, reaching, and bending throughout the shift.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic sales professional to join a prestigious luxury hotel and contribute to its business growth and high standards of event management. The position promises an engaging work environment with opportunities for professional development in the luxury hospitality sector.