We are looking for an energetic and driven Group & Catering Sales Manager to join our team at the Doubletree by Hilton Laurel Hotel. The Group & Catering Sales Manager is a detail-oriented planning professional possessing excellent communication, sales, and technical skills. This manager is responsible for achieving both assigned market room night and event revenue goals along with driving top-line revenue for the hotel.

QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING & WORK EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent - college degree preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• 2 years of experience in hotel sales, catering or related industry required
• Excellent attention to detail, flexible and adaptable to change
• Ability to operate under pressure and meet or exceed deadlines
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Positive, outgoing and self-motivating individual with pleasant personality
• Ability to maintain a professional manner and appearance in all situations

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for achieving both assigned market room night and event revenue goals along with driving top-line revenue for the hotel.
• Attain maximum revenue levels through various sales processes including prospecting/direct solicitation of group and catering clients, executing comprehensive hotel tours, outside calls to targeted clients, and contract negotiations. Establish and maintain effective and profitable relationships with customers.
• Communicate a clear sense of strategic direction for assigned territories/markets. Seek creative ways to infiltrate accounts and develop and execute quarterly action plan to ensure booking goals are met and exceeded.
• Respond to RFPs received via all channels including internet/website, direct inquiries, third-party lead sites, and walk-ins. Create and send proposals, collateral, and menus, follow up with potential clients, and log all activity in Sales & Catering System
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all property offerings including food & beverage minimums, room rental pricing, hotel rate strategy, discounts/promotions, meeting space layout and capacities, catering menus and pricing.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive notes and records in Sales & Catering System to provide sales history and continuity of quality service.
• Organize and participate in trade shows, and community, professional, and industry events to maintain high visibility/exposure for hotel.
• Participate in the preparation and coordination of after-hour hotel events and fundraisers that include setting up, interacting with the guests/customers, assisting in clean-up, and ensuring that the events are successful.
• Ensure site inspections to the hotel are successful by planning carefully and communicating accurate details in advance to all departments. Is comfortable with client entertainment and presenting to groups of planners and decision-makers.
• Work with clients to obtain all final event booking details for food & beverage, room set-up, audiovisual requirements, complete rooming list, and meeting agenda.
• Plan and conduct pre and post-event meetings with clients and respective departments.
• Anticipate and ensure quick, efficient responses to customer requests, issues, and comments to assure a quality experience and enhance future sales prospects.
• Ensure Group Resumes and Event Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) are accurate and provide all relevant information to departments giving them ample time to plan and execute.
• Hold regular meetings with operations and F&B/banquet departments to review Resumes and BEOs for upcoming events and updates on other groups/events as needed.to coordinate and communicate with Sales, Front Office, Banquets, and Reservations in order to monitor guest room blocks and special reservation needs as outlined in the Resume/BEO.
• Coordinate with the hotel’s finance team to ensure final bills include all charges including appropriate room, catering, and attrition/cancelation revenue.
• Perform administrative duties relevant to account responsibilities in compliance with corporate guidelines.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, changes in market mix, competitive set strategies and communicate findings to leadership team.
• Familiar with the hotel’s competitive set and shared accounts.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

Perform other related duties as requested by the Director of Sales & Marketing.

Practice safety standards and report unsafe conditions to the Director of Sales & Marketing.

Source: Hospitality Online