Sell to the catering market to include the corporate, social, and wedding markets.
Build rapport and communicate with prospective clients to initiate, negotiate, and close contracts.
Build relationships with local clientele and industry vendors to maximize revenue potential within the local catering market.
Demonstrate upselling techniques and minimize erosion of check averages from price-sensitive groups.
Communication with clients to confirm all meeting logistics and catering menu details.
Create profitable, customized menus tailored to the client’s needs.
Service all contracted bookings, which includes but is not limited to:
Finalizing all logistics and menu details
Communicating all arrangements to the responsible hotel departments through Banquet Event Orders, floor plans/diagrams, and a thorough Group Resume
Effectively working with third party planners to achieve a successful event
Being on-site for all events
Physically double-check all function arrangements against specifications of client. Correct where necessary and meeting with clients face-to-face during event.
Assist rooms salespersons in closing wedding and other social booking room block contracts.
Manage the event billing process.
Continually manage event estimates and update as required.
Review final billing for all events and submit in a timely manner.
Follow-up with all past clients for honest feedback and build loyal relationships whenever possible.
Other duties as assigned by Director of Catering and Convention Services.
Qualifications
Position requires a minimum of one-year progressive Catering experience and one year hotel sales experience. Large convention hotel experience strongly preferred.
College degree preferred.
Candidate must have proven leadership skills and must be able to delegate, effectively train, develop and motivate staff.
Must have proven selling, negotiating and presentation skills.
Ability to communicate with guests and be able to direct/escort them to the various facilities and functions within the Hotel.
Must be conversant with culinary techniques and food creativity. Knowledgeable in banquet set-ups and creativity in room decorations.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.
Ability to work cohesively with co-workers both within and outside of your department
Ability to think clearly, quickly and make concise decisions
Ability to work well under pressure, dealing with many guest requests/questions within a short period of time
Highly developed customer service skills; possessing a friendly approachable demeanor and strong problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail
Ability to clearly and pleasantly communicate both verbally and in writing in English with guests, management and co-workers, both in person and by telephone.
Developed computer proficiencies with ability to accurately input information into computer systems. Delphi experience required.
The ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Move, bend, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing up to 40 pounds without assistance.
Stand, walk or sit for an extended period or for an entire work shift.
Requires repetitive motion, including utilizing telephone/computer for an extended period or for an entire shift.