Catering Sales Manager

Description

BASIC PURPOSE:

• Plan, upsell and detail the program with the client including verification and modification of space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes/decorations, etc.  Prepare the appropriate resumes and paperwork to ensure quality service.
• Monitor Groups Room Requirements to ensure all attendees receive commitments made in the hotels’ agreements.
• Manage function details and related activities to ensure that program requirements are satisfied.  Anticipate and handle customer complaints and/or problems to ensure quality product delivery, customer satisfaction and repeat business.
• Improve hotel services' products through; (a) the development of new sales tools, menus, themes, and decorations, (b) the analysis of the strengths and weakness of our competitions product, and (c) analysis, understanding, and satisfaction of our customers’ needs.
• Monitor and control individual event budgets and details to maximize revenues and minimize expenses while ensuring delivery of a quality product.
• Coordinates and communicates verbally and in writing with customer (internal and external) regarding event details.  Follows up with customer post-event.
• Acts as liaison between hotel and customer throughout the event process (pre-event, event, post-event).  Makes presence known to customer at all times during this process.  Is available to solve problems and/or suggest alternatives to previous arrangements.
• Oversees his/her customer experiences from file turnover through the post event phase until turnover back to sales.
• Proactively identifies operational challenges associated with his/her group and works with the hotel staff and customer to solve these challenges and/or develop alternative solutions. 
• Leads pre-event and post-event meetings for assigned groups.
• Facilitates various meetings as necessary (Banquet Event Order meeting, block review, etc.).
• Manages group room blocks and meeting space for assigned groups.
• Greets customer during the event phase and hands-off to the operations team for the execution of details.
• Adheres to all standards, policies, and procedures.
• Integrates current trends in the meetings & special events industry. 
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet business needs.
• Perform special projects and other responsibilities as assigned.
• Participate in task force for Hilton as required.
• Communicate function requirements to appropriate areas in the hotel, resolve issues or problems to ensure quality product delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Due to the nature of the business the individual may be required to do other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience

• 2 or more years of catering and rooms experience in the hospitality industry preferred
• Proven track record of a consistent ability to provide quality service

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills
• Computer literate with Delphi preferred
• Computer literate in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Skills needed to manage the people and variables encountered in the development and implementation of major functions
• Knowledge of the convention/catering, food & beverage and hospitality professions
• Knowledge of the Hotel and Westmont and Hilton policies and procedures