Catering Event Manager

Description

SUMMARY

The Catering Event Manager is responsible for booking and coordinating social and special occasion private events predominately weddings and associated events (rehearsal dinner and post wedding brunches). The person in this position will develop sales plans and strategies to meet or exceed established revenue goals, respond to catering inquiries, qualify leads, solicit potential clients via telephone prospecting and sales calls, entertain clients, conduct site visits, prepare proposals and negotiate catering contracts. The person in this role must be capable of analyzing lost business as part of strategic future planning. The person in this role will also manage and coordinate corporate meetings, corporate and social events, weddings, group functions and group activities booked through the Catering and Sales department. Candidates must bring a minimum of two years of catering and conference services management experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Generate catering business.
• Coordinate logistics for all wedding social events booked through the catering sales department.
• Negotiate banquet food and beverage prices, function space and hotel services within approved departmental guidelines.
• Confirm in writing to the client, and all affected hotel departments, all catering requirements via sales contract terms, addendums, group resumes, e-mails and banquet event orders.
• Ensure that all definite functions are detailed accurately on BEOs and group resumes, approved by clients and distributed to designated departments on a timely basis. Resolve any discrepancies with respective staff members.
• Check function room set-ups prior to guest's arrival, ensuring all details are in agreement with client's requirements and hotel standards.
• Work with sales team to solicit new and repeat business, up-sell client events and manage function space and room block inventory.
• Ensure all client files are kept organized and current with all required information as per departmental policies and procedures.
• Develop sales plans and strategies to meet or exceed established catering revenue goals.
• Work with the Chef and banquet manager in developing creative ideas to meet client needs and maximize revenue.
• Respond to sales inquiries, qualify leads, solicit potential clients, entertain clients, conduct site visits, prepare proposals and negotiate contracts.
• Facilitate pre-conference / post-conference meetings with clients and key staff as needed.
• Lead hotel tours with clients using presentation skills, meeting knowledge and up-selling techniques.
• Facilitates menu tasting with clients, brides & grooms, planners.
• Actively participates in safety programs and abides by all injury reporting and safety behavior requirements.
• Participates in and supports hotels efforts towards community service, sustainability and environmental initiatives
• Perform other duties as directed, developed or assigned

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Minimum of two years catering / event planning management experience.
• Experienced in developing action plans to assist in the penetration of catering accounts.
• Ability to communicate in English with vendors, guests and staff to their understanding.

Desirable

• Experience working at a luxury resort.
• Four year College Degree.
• Delphi experience.

SKILLS

Required

• Ability to work under your own initiative in a highly pressured environment.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing management skills.
• Excellent verbal and oral communication skills.
• Proficient with all Microsoft Office programs.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

Desirable

• Perform any other job related duties as required or requested.

TRAVEL REQUIRMENTS

• Must be available for occasional local and out of town travel as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Frequent or occasional need to perform the following physical activities: reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, twisting, lifting, and climbing. Have frequent need to perform standing and walking activities related to inspecting property.
• Constant need to perform the following physical activities: grasping, turning, finger dexterity.
• Occasional need to stand for long periods of time.
• Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs. frequently and 25 lbs. occasionally.
• Vision requirements: constant need to view small print. Frequent need to see small details and things clearly beyond arms’ reach.
• Hearing requirements: constant need to speak on the telephone and/or two-way radio, respond to general public and converse with staff. Ability to hear fire alarms and emergency equipment.

(#ZR)

Salary : $70,000 - $75,000