Event Planning - Manager

Carmel Valley, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $72,000.00 - $80,000.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Professional development opportunities

Paid holidays

Job Description

Bernardus Lodge & Spa is a distinguished luxury resort located on the scenic Monterey Peninsula, known for its exceptional hospitality, serene spa experiences, and elegant accommodations. This premier destination offers a unique blend of rustic charm and refined sophistication, attracting both leisure travelers and corporate guests alike. With a reputation for excellence in service and amenities, Bernardus Lodge & Spa stands out as a top choice for social gatherings, weddings, conferences, and other special events. The property boasts beautifully appointed guest rooms, lavish spa treatments, and exquisite dining options, making it a comprehensive retreat for relaxation and celebration. The lodge emphasizes creating memorable experiences through personalized guest interactions and attention to detail, fostering long-term client relationships and vendor partnerships to enhance event planning and execution.

The role available is pivotal to sustaining and growing the lodge's esteemed position as the leading venue for catering and event management in the region. As a Catering Sales Manager at Bernardus Lodge & Spa, the successful candidate will take on the responsibility of soliciting and selling catering events while maintaining and elevating the resort's brand image through exceptional service delivery. This full-time position is centered around developing catering revenues by nurturing close relationships with clients and vendors, providing leadership to the catering team, and innovating strategies to attract new business. The role involves direct collaboration with the Director of Sales & Marketing to optimize pricing, contracts, and operational efficiencies within the catering department. Additionally, the Catering Sales Manager oversees the training and coaching of Catering Managers and the Catering Administrative Assistant, ensuring consistent quality and client satisfaction. The position requires hands-on involvement in managing conferences, events, and client negotiations, progressing through all stages from initial inquiry to successful event execution, and maintaining detailed communication records. Handling a dynamic work schedule that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and varied hours is also integral to meeting the demands of the hospitality industry. This career opportunity at Bernardus Lodge & Spa offers the chance to work in a luxury environment, ranging from handling social and corporate events to engaging in innovative sales practices like wedding fairs and community outreach, thus contributing to the overarching goal of maximizing resort and catering revenue.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Two to five years of related event or catering/hospitality experience
Professional interpersonal and communication skills
Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
Ability to read, interpret, and write various documents
Strong mathematical skills
Ability to work varied hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Ability to handle physical demands including standing, walking, sitting, and lifting up to 30 pounds
Valid California Driver License
Provide valid work authorization
Must meet legal age requirements

Job Qualifications

Minimum of two years’ guest relations, revenue and yield management experience in a luxury hotel or resort
Professional and excellent interpersonal skills
Impeccable verbal and communication skills with guests
Knowledge of Windows-based programs
Experience with Delphi, Opera, and Sabre/SynXis preferred but not required
Must provide valid documents to work in the US
Must meet legal age requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or related field preferred
Two to five years related event or catering/hospitality experience preferred
Ability to read and interpret client correspondence, contracts, and reports
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
Ability to speak professionally to clients and groups
Ability to calculate discounts, commissions, taxes, and fees
Advanced knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet browsers
Valid California Driver License
Food Handler Certificate and TIPs certificate preferred

Job Duties

Report to the Director of Sales & Marketing on catering department business and revenue
Help create and cultivate a dedicated event and conference team that promotes the Bernardus Lodge & Spa brand
Review pricing, structure, and contract language to improve business practices
Manage and assign conferences and events to appropriate team members
Train and coach Catering Managers and Catering Administrative Assistant
Act as main point of contact for client or contractual questions and issues
Assist with compiling and setting department budget and sales goals
Create and implement sales strategies to promote new and repeat business
Evaluate and attend trade association events to network and learn market trends
Conduct site tours and produce proposals and estimates for potential clients
Negotiate wedding and event contracts
Develop and maintain client and vendor relationships
Conduct pre-event briefings and pre-con meetings
Arrange group activities, décor, transportation, and vendor coordination
Maximize resort and catering revenue through up-selling
Work with Banquet Manager and Reservations Department to coordinate event execution and rooming logistics
Ensure accurate and timely final billing to clients
Maintain catering revenue reports
Work a varied schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Support a safe working environment
Perform additional duties assigned by Director of Sales and Marketing