What are the responsibilities and job description for the Catering Sales Manager position at The Island Resort & Convention Center at Fort Walton Beach?
At The Island Resort & Convention Center, we’re looking for a Catering Sales Manager who is passionate about creating unforgettable celebrations and knows how to turn a wedding vision into a memorable experience.
This role is centered around wedding sales and relationship building — connecting with couples and wedding planners, showcasing what makes The Island a special place to celebrate, and guiding clients from their first inquiry through their wedding day.
As a Catering Sales Manager, you’ll be the person who helps couples picture their wedding at The Island — from the first property tour to the final details — while working closely with our culinary, banquet, food & beverage, and operations teams to bring their plans to life.
What you’ll do:
- Generate, solicit, and convert new wedding business through inquiries, referrals, networking, sales calls, property tours, bridal events, and relationships within the wedding industry.
- Build strong, personal relationships with couples and wedding planners while learning their vision, priorities, and expectations for their celebration.
- Conduct engaging property tours and site inspections, showcasing The Island’s event spaces, accommodations, dining, and Gulf-front setting.
- Respond to wedding inquiries and leads promptly, developing customized proposals and packages that reflect each couple’s needs.
- Guide couples through the booking process, including event spaces, menus, guest accommodations, room blocks, timelines, setups, and other wedding details.
- Negotiate contracts, menus, meeting and event space, and other details while maximizing catering and overall resort revenue.
- Maintain consistent communication with clients throughout the planning process and proactively address questions or concerns.
- Work closely with the Sales, Catering, Food & Beverage, Culinary, Banquets, and Operations teams to ensure each wedding is planned and executed seamlessly.
- Prepare and maintain accurate BEOs, rooming lists, guarantees, VIP information, contracts, and other pre-event documentation.
- Monitor upcoming wedding groups and remain actively involved throughout their stay to help ensure an exceptional experience for the couple and their guests.
- Develop and maintain relationships with wedding planners, vendors, bridal professionals, community partners, and other industry contacts to generate referrals and future business.
- Participate in bridal shows, networking opportunities, sales blitzes, outside sales calls, and other activities that increase awareness of The Island as a wedding destination.
- Follow up with couples and wedding professionals after events to strengthen relationships and encourage repeat business and referrals.
- Collaborate with the Director of Sales & Marketing and leadership team on wedding sales strategies, pricing, packages, and opportunities to grow the catering business.
- Represent The Island with a polished, professional, and genuinely welcoming presence in every client interaction.
What we’re looking for
The ideal candidate is relationship-driven, organized, confident, and passionate about weddings and hospitality. You know that selling a wedding is about much more than selling a ballroom — it’s about helping a couple imagine one of the most important days of their lives at The Island.
Candidates should have:
- 2–4 years of hotel catering sales, wedding sales, event sales, or related hospitality experience.
- Strong sales, communication, negotiation, and follow-up skills.
- The ability to confidently sell an experience and build genuine client relationships.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills with strong attention to detail.
- The ability to manage multiple weddings and client timelines simultaneously.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across departments.
- A professional, personable presence when working with couples, planners, vendors, guests, and colleagues.
- A genuine interest in weddings, events, hospitality, and creating memorable guest experiences.
A bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, marketing, or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
If you love the idea of helping couples bring their wedding vision to life — and want to sell weddings in a Gulf-front resort setting — we’d love to meet you.