Catering Sales Manager - Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando LBV South

Scope of Position

We are currently accepting applications for an energetic, experienced Catering Sales Manager to join the team here at Embassy Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista South. Our award-winning property is 300 suites with 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting, pre-function, and event space. We have a very experienced management team, which runs this very busy hotel and convention center in an exceptional manner with high standards, expectations, and strong results orientation.

Position Requirements

• Prior experience in a Catering Sales Manager position (or similar role).
• A passion for being immersed in event and wedding industry trends.
• Savvy knowledge of leveraging social media for solicitation, lead generation, and industry engagement.
• Growth mindset and eagerness to learn.
• Ability to think outside of the box and present creative solutions to challenging scenarios.
• Outstanding customer service skills and ability to genuinely engage with guests and associates in an attentive, friendly and courteous, service-oriented manner.
• Ability to make decisions based on established policies and procedures and guidance from DOC.
• Must be effective at listening, understanding, and clarifying inquiries.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize daily workload.
• Must be detail oriented, self-starter and able to work independently and in a fast-paced team environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Required knowledge of function space configurations, room set-ups, maximizing space, art of negotiating, selling and menu planning.

Responsibilities

• Sell and service small/intimate events such as weddings, special occasion events and local meetings.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute catering events to ensure optimal guest satisfaction.
• Work with clients to obtain all final booking details, i.e., food and beverage, set up requirements, AV, décor, rooming lists and agenda.
• Communicate details for social events, weddings, and local catering through Banquet Event Orders and Resumes.
• Ensure site inspections, tastings and client visits to the hotel are successful by planning carefully and communicating accurate details in advance to all departments.
• Respond to leads and solicit new business opportunities.
• Ensure special requests are attended to in a timely manner.
• Anticipate client needs and provide timely communication and solutions.
• Maintain knowledge of all property offerings: food and beverage, room rental, meeting space layout, and capacities.
• When needed, participate in trade shows, community, and professional industry organizations to maintain high visibility/exposure for Hotel.
• Work closely with Event Management, Sales, and Food & Beverage departments to maximize efficiencies of bookings and to set up operations for success.
• Create relationships with vendors as necessary.
• Maintain food & beverage knowledge in line with current market trends.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree and/or Hotel Management degree preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate in the English language. Second language is a plus
• Ability to work flexible schedules including holidays and weekends and able to perform multiple tasks
• Ability to assimilate complex information and understand financial data
• Experience using computers and software programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)

Physical Requirements

• On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen
• Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk
• Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis
• Occasionally lift, push, pull and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds
• Able to travel for client/visits and appointments
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Also requires standing/walking/reaching and bending throughout shift
• Requires standing/walking/reaching and bending throughout shift

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the essential nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be ALL responsibilities or qualifications of the job.