The Wyndham Garden Norfolk Downtown is looking for an experienced Catering Manager to join our leadership team:
JOB SUMMARY:
The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for proactively soliciting and managing catering-related opportunities. The Catering Sales Manager actively up-sells each business opportunity to maximize revenues; achieve personal and team related revenue goals & ensures business is turned over properly and in a timely fashion to operations for proper service delivery. 
Skills and Knowledge:
* Possesses excellent telephone sales skills
* Excellent selling skills and understanding of sales processes; can effectively up-sell products and services; can bring a sale to closure
* Social Media sales savvy, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc., 
* Knowledge of operations and associated challenges.
* Knowledge of contractual agreements and legal implications
* Knowledge of food trends, food and beverage composition and menu planning
* Knowledge of food and beverage forecasting and attrition (Catering focused)
* Strong customer service and development and relationship management skills
* Knowledge of group, extended stay and transient business
* Understands revenue management functions and account profitability
* Effective decision making skills
* Ability to influence others
* Strong problem-solving skills
* Ability to develop and maintain relationships e.g., associates, customers, vendors
* Good negotiation skills
* Strong presentation and platform skills
* Strong communication skills (verbal, listening, writing)
* Strong organization skills
* Strong customer and associate relation skills
* Knowledge of overall hotel operations as they affect department
* Ability to use standard software applications and hotel systems 
* Knowledge of the next step taken when we experience declining market shares or increasing competition.
* Supervise the execution of banquet events. Review all function space with F&B manager/captain. * Ensure satisfaction of client at the outset of all events.
* Make timely and impromptu decisions, which balance client's need with the financial, safety and staffing goals of the hotel.
* Find solutions to the inevitable challenges and glitches that arise while groups are on property and keep General Manager promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters so prompt corrective action can be taken where appropriate.
* Maintain knowledge of hotel facilities, capacities and dimensions of meeting space and basic operational needs of all operating departments.
Education or Certification:
* High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's Degree preferred.
* Hospitality Management Degree beneficial.
* Prior hotel catering experience highly desired.
Location: Downtown Norfolk, VA
Salary: Based on experience
OTHER BENEFITS: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Matching 401K, Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays
*Special consideration will be given to applicants who exhibit a proven track record of exemplary performance, strong leadership abilities, excellent oral and written communication skills, and guest and employee centric management practices in the Hospitality Industry.
* Only applicants with previous Catering experience will be considered. Others please do not apply.
QUALIFIED CANDIDATES ONLY PLEASE. IF HIRED, ALL EMPLOYEES WILL BE SUBJECTED TO A BACKGROUND CHECK AS WELL AS DRUG TEST.