Catering Sales Manager

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for prospecting, selling, servicing, planning, and executing banquet/catering events in Hotel banquet and special event venues within the guidelines and strategies of the Houstonian Hotel.  Banquet/Catering events include but are not limited to: catering meetings, special events, galas and holiday parties, weddings and personal celebration business.  Responsible for managing and servicing events to ensure a high degree of customer satisfaction while maximizing revenues, and expanding Hotel’s market share and nurturing return business. This role is critical to maintaining the luxury standard and reputation of The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa while upholding the highest levels of discretion and professionalism.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Act as onsite contact for all assigned groups and work with clients to produce BEOs and Resumes
• Ensures that all special arrangements for Food and Beverage, Audio Visual, and other requests are properly documented on BEOs and signed by authorized representatives. 
• Actively prospect new and repeat business
• Upsell food & beverage and campus experiences
• Create profitable menus and distribution of client expectations to Food and Beverage and Banquet Departments
• Physically double-check all function arrangements against specifications of clients
• Maintains positive guest and employee relations through prompt, precise, and courteous communication
• Must have a team-oriented spirit
• Confirms revisions in agendas, room blocks, etc. and notifies corresponding departments in a timely manner
• Maximize revenues for the hotel through up-selling techniques
• Have a solid understanding of contract terms and conditions.
• Audits banquet checks to revenues noted in booking application and assists with collection of deposits and pre-payment of anticipated food, beverage, A/V and rooms revenues.
• Goal driven individual to help achieve company goals
• Must be able to completely service each group from inception to completion.
• Other duties as assigned by Director of Catering

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

• Minimum high school diploma required, some college strongly preferred.
• At least 2-3 Years of Catering Sales or Conference Services experience in a Hotel environment.
• Dynamic, enthusiastic, creative leader who thrives under pressure and is able to perform multiple functions and troubleshooting when needed.
• Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written).
• Must have proven selling, negotiating and presentations skills.
• Demonstrate a professional demeanor during site visits.
• Have a good understanding of food and beverage terminology and products.
• Must have excellent attention to detail.
• Able to work a flexible schedule including night, weekends and holidays based upon needs of clients.
• Experience with Delphi FDC Program a plus.
• Proficient in Windows-based computer software programs (Work, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to meet the following minimum physical requirements for at least an eight-hour shift:

• Physical Stamina: Physical requirements of this position include having the ability to: sit for extended periods of time, stand and walk, see and read a computer screen and printed matter with or without vision aids, enter data into computer, operate standard office equipment, use a telephone, hear and understand at normal levels and on the telephone, speak so that others may understand at normal levels and on the telephone, stoop, reach overhead, grasp, push, pull, move or lift up to 30 lbs. on an occasional basis.
• Hearing / Speech: Must be able to effectively engage in one-on-one communication with guests, members, and customers and use a 2-way radio to communicate clearly and accurately with co-workers.
• Vision: Must be able to accurately read instructions, reports, and log sheets. Must be able to work with computers and PDAs in varying light conditions.
• Literacy: Must be able to analyze and process written information from a variety of sources and effectively communicate content of reports.