Company Description
About Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa:
The beautiful lakefront Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa offers you the perfect opportunity to meet and share stories with guests who arrive from around the world to experience Central Florida's world-famous theme parks and attractions. Enjoy the surroundings and excitement that our world-class resort offers when you join the Westgate Lakes team.
Job Description
The Catering and Event Sales Manager will drive sales and business development for our resort's catering and event services for multiple Orlando resorts and a luxury glamping ranch resort within Central Florida. The Orlando resorts comprise of a property over 2,000 units and 3,000 units with multiple food and beverage outlets, indoor and outdoor event space, and meeting rooms. This role will have the opportunity to expand throughout Florida and possibly into a national role upon success in the current position.
This individual will cultivate new and existing client relationships to secure business for meetings, weddings, banquets, social events, birthdays, awards banquets, reunions, and more. With a strong emphasis on local and social business, the manager will actively engage in sales activities, including making sales calls, networking, attend events to promote services offers, and partnering with major wedding planners and destination event companies in Orlando, such as Hello Florida. The role demands a proactive approach to upselling services and amenities and maximizing revenue opportunities while ensuring client satisfaction. This position requires a high-energy individual with a strong work ethic who enjoys a fast-paced environment and does what it takes to meet the demands of the role.
Qualifications

• Build the Catering and Event Sales department in Central Florida, by training a team, implementing sales process, and putting systems in place.
• Actively drive the growth of catering and event sales by seeking out potential clients through cold calls, networking, and attending industry events.
• Develop and nurture relationships with key stakeholders in the local and social event planning industry, including major wedding planners and destination event companies in Orlando.
• Conduct weekly reporting on bookings and sales activities to monitor progress and identify growth opportunities.
• Utilize CRM software (IVVY preferred) to manage client interactions, track sales leads, and ensure efficient follow-up and conversion.
• Collaborate with the sales and banquet teams to ensure a smooth transition of confirmed bookings and detailed event requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, offering exceptional service from the initial inquiry to post-event follow-up, ensuring high customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Analyze sales performance, event profitability, and customer satisfaction metrics regularly to identify improvement areas and implement strategies to meet sales targets and enhance service delivery.
• Customize event proposals to meet clients' unique needs, using the resort's amenities and services to enhance the event experience and drive revenue through upselling.
• Collaborate with clients to develop and finalize detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), ensuring accurate execution of all event requirements.
• Coordinate with on-property teams for seamless event execution, upholding high service and operational efficiency standards.
• Manage the event billing process, ensuring invoices are accurate, timely, and within budgetary guidelines.
• Participate in pre-convention meetings, training programs, and other meetings to remain informed and aligned with resort standards and objectives.

Additional Information
Experience, Education & Certifications

• 5 years demonstrated experience in catering sales and business development, or a related field within the hospitality industry
• 5 years' experience in developing business through effective lead generation and client relationship management.
• 5 years' experience in customer service and sales roles with a history of exceeding customer expectations and successfully closing sales.
• Previous experience in pricing strategies, building detailed invoices, and managing contracts is essential.
• Training, education, or certification within the field of catering sales.
• Possesses a high-energy demeanor and a robust work ethic
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and capable of working long hours with enthusiasm and resilience
• Excellent negotiation skills are a must with proven ability to think creatively and offer solutions that meet clients' needs while maximizing profitability.
• Proficiency in Client Relationship Management Software, IVVY preferred or similar platforms
• Knowledge of IVVY or equivalent software used for creating detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs).

Why Westgate?

• Comprehensive health benefits - medical, dental and vision
• Paid Time Off (PTO) - vacation, sick, and personal
• Paid Holidays
• 401K with generous company match
• Get access to your pay as you need it with our Daily Pay benefit
• Family benefits including pregnancy, and parental leave and adoption assistance
• Wellness Programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Assistance
• Military Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life, Disability, Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Exclusive discounts for Team Member (i.e., hotels, cruise, resorts, restaurants, entertainment, etc.)
• Advancement & development opportunities
• Community Involvement Programs

Westgate Resorts is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other protected status under federal, state or local law. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email WGAccommodations@wgresorts.com with the job title and the location of the position for which you are applying.