SSA Group at Birmingham Zoo is looking for a talented Catering Sales Manager to join our team!
Catering Sales Manager
Who are we:
SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry.
SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love and dedication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve, deserve it.
Position Title: Catering Sales Manager
Reports to: Director of Catering (if applicable) and/or General Manager
Responsibilities

• Maintain communication with other Catering Manager(s), Director, and Executive Chef to ensure events are executed within operational excellence.
• Ensure your direct team is managed with the business need in mind: hire & recruit for new talent, integrate new team members, supervise assigned personnel, evaluate performance, develop, coach, issue documentation, and manage employee exits.
• Develop training programs to train, motivate, and mentor employees.
• Remain knowledgeable of and manages in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
• Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client.
• Plan, upsell and detail functions with the client including space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes, decorations, etc.
• Work with client team and/or manage external relations to solicit, negotiate and book new and return business through use of a defined sales process.
• Respond to client requests in a timely manner and take action to ensure client satisfaction. Knowledge of menu planning, including the ability to guide selections and services.
• Maintain communication with vendors, including pricing knowledge and negotiation, uphold active list of resources for client and internal operational use.
• Maintain communication with the client’s facility coordinator/event staff.
• Responsible for post event follow up, engagement and continued client development.
• Maintain a strong positive relationship with the client.
• Develop and execute plan for coordinating department Sales Goals with budget and operational plan.
• Develop, meet and exceed monthly and annual sales budgets and annual plan.
• Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities. Practice and implement yield management and forecasting on a frequent basis.
• Report weekly and monthly sales through contract system, as well as SSA standard PACE reporting.
• Reviews all invoices, bills and accounting related documents within the Sales department for accuracy and communicated necessary changes to Account Receivables.
• Minimize controllable costs associated with the operation. Continually strategize with team on revenue avenues, areas of opportunity.
• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach at the Unit.
• Supports unit in being an example for Company & Client guidelines with regard to Sustainability/Conservation efforts. Displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
• Supports SSA / Unit in driving community effort through hiring efforts, engagement activities, and focus on opportunities of giving back.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

IDEA Belonging

• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units.
• Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
• Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
• Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back.

Job Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, General Manager and HQ personnel.
• Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
• Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
• Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning and leadership skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

Previous Experience

• Two years minimum catering sales and/or event planning management in off-site catering, hotel or cultural attraction catering venue preferred.
• BEO knowledge and execution a must.
• All education backgrounds eligible.
• Must be 18 or older.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)
SSA Group, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity through our commitment to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.
Compensation and Benefits

• Full-Time
• Salary – based on range in consideration of relevant job experience and certification/education; if position is physically in Colorado or California, salary range will be posted above following EPFEW Act
• Bonus eligible based on company guidelines
• Vacation or TAFW (time away from work) Plan – we want our team to take time as they need, so don’t accrue hours but rather give you freedom to schedule within scope of the business and your needs
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance; employee premiums applicable
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored; scaled-salary pay following submission and approval of leave
• Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave, based on birthing event
• (4) Week fully paid Parental leave following birth, adoption or foster event, can be coupled with Birthing Parent Plan to extend above timeline
• 401k program, eligible for enrollment after (1) year of employment during January or June open enrollment periods, company is not matching at this time
• $75 monthly cell phone stipend

All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").
San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.