The Hotel

Step inside a legendary revival at The Watergate Hotel, a luxurious urban resort located along the banks of the Potomac River. Here modern design blends with a storied past to redefine luxury. A place where travel and business are occasions worth celebrating, attention to every detail is the standard, and intrigue can be found just beyond every curve.

Location

The Watergate Hotel is centrally located in Washington, D.C., a city of political power, prestige, and elegance is culturally rich with theaters, museums, architectural splendors and unforgettable national memorials. The Watergate Hotel is situated within walking distance of the best the city has to offer.

Strategic Intent

It is the strategic intent that the Catering Sales Manager will be responsible for generating new business for the hotel’s catering department as well as maintain existing catering relationships. Additionally, the catering sales manager will be responsible for the flawless coordination and execution of all catering events either sold and/or assigned. 

Organizational Structure

The Senior Catering Sales Manager will creatively solicit events such as weddings, galas, corporate and association events and social parties in order to exceed revenue goals through active solicitation. 

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct selling in the Greater Washington, DC stand-alone catering events market 

• Communication with clients prior to events to initiate, negotiate, and close contracts for all catered events 

• Achieve and exceed quarterly and annual catering booking goals 

• Responsible for detailing all events contracted within the Catering department including Banquet Event Orders and Resumes 

• Effective client communication after the event to ensure repeat bookings 

• Update and increase the number of potential new client accounts through active prospecting 

• Development of profitable menus 

• Maximize Catering revenues wherever possible and minimize erosion of check averages from price-sensitive groups 

• Efficient communication of client expectations to all operational departments 

• Coordinate Catering support services (flowers, entertainment, linens, china, decorations, A/V, etc.) to provide complete client satisfaction 

• Coordinate with the appropriate areas in the hotel to resolve any issues, complaints, and problems to ensure customer satisfaction 

• Communication of function-arrangement to all responsible hotel departments. 

• Physically double-check all function arrangements against specifications of client. Correct where necessary. 

• Update and increase client prospects through active prospecting 

• Maximize revenues for the hotel through up-selling techniques.

• Other duties as assigned by Director of Catering

Must possess the following experience and skills:

• Minimum of 5 years hotel sales / catering experience in an upscale / luxury environment 

• Knowledge of the operations of the hotel industry. 

• Experience with booking weddings and managing leads through popular wedding websites e.g. Wedding Wire / The Knot 

• Dynamic, enthusiastic, creative leader who thrives under pressure and is able to perform multiple functions and troubleshoot when needed. 

• Both written and verbal communication skills 

• The ability to demonstrate warmth and empathy when engaging with others. 

• Must have proven selling, negotiating and presentation skills. 

• Requires knowledge of advanced sales techniques. 

• Highly developed customer service skills with strong attention to detail. 

• Proficient computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, and Outlook. Delphi/Salesforce experience preferred. 

• The ability to delegate, effectively train and coach 

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays.