Catering / Convention Services Manager

Description

Hotel Vance, a Marriott Hotel | Portland, Oregon

Department: Sales & Marketing

Reports To: Director of Sales & Marketing

Hotel Vance, a Marriott hotel, is seeking a Catering & Convention Services Manager to lead the selling, planning, coordination, and execution of all catering and convention events. This position serves as the primary liaison between clients and hotel departments to ensure seamless delivery of meetings, conferences, banquets, weddings, and special events, while upholding Marriott brand standards and maximizing revenue opportunities.

The ideal candidate is a proactive hospitality professional who is both sales-focused and service-driven, with a strong attention to detail and a passion for creating memorable guest experiences.

Sales & Business Development

• Proactively solicit catering and convention business through prospecting, networking, site visits, referrals, and strategic partnerships.

• Achieve monthly and annual catering revenue goals through effective forecasting and account management.

• Collaborate with the Sales team to convert leads into confirmed, contracted events.

• Participate in sales calls, trade shows, site tours, and hotel marketing initiatives as needed.

• Maintain awareness of market trends and competitive positioning to drive business opportunities.

Event Planning & Execution

• Service all catering and banquet events turned over by the Sales team.

• Conduct site inspections, pre-event meetings, and planning calls to ensure client expectations are clearly defined.

• Prepare, distribute, and manage detailed and accurate Banquet Event Orders (BEOs).

• Ensure all event details—including room setups, menus, audiovisual needs, timelines, and special requests—are executed in alignment with Marriott brand standards.

Guest & Client Experience

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients before, during, and after events.

• Build strong client relationships to encourage repeat business and positive brand advocacy.

• Respond promptly and professionally to client concerns, changes, and service recovery needs to ensure guest satisfaction.

Operational Leadership

• Partner with Food & Beverage, Culinary, Front Office, Housekeeping, Engineering, and other departments to ensure seamless event execution.

• Be present during major events to oversee service delivery and resolve issues in real time.

• Ensure consistent delivery of high service standards and adherence to brand expectations.

• Demonstrate strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Maximize catering revenue through strategic upselling, menu enhancements, and effective cost controls.

• Monitor event budgets, deposits, billing accuracy, and final invoicing.

• Assist with forecasting, reporting, and achieving overall catering sales goals.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all events comply with health, safety, and alcohol service regulations.

• Enforce hotel policies, procedures, and brand standards related to catering and events.

Education & Experience

• 2–5 years of experience in hotel catering, convention services, or event management.

• Proven ability to negotiate, close business, and manage client relationships successfully.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

• Professional appearance and demeanor consistent with Marriott brand standards.

• Self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to handle challenging situations with tact and diplomacy.

• Knowledge of audiovisual, lighting, and sound equipment preferred.

• Proficiency with event management systems and moderately complex computer platforms.

• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to support colleagues to achieve overall hotel success.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to stand and walk throughout the hotel for extended periods.

• Ability to sit for extended periods for administrative responsibilities.

• Flexible schedule required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.

At Crescent Hotels & Resorts, we value our associates as our most important asset. In addition to working in a modern, lifestyle-driven Marriott hotel environment, associates enjoy competitive benefits designed to support both professional and personal well-being, including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

• Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay

• Associate Discounts on Hotel Stays & Dining

• Career Development & Training Opportunities

• Employee Assistance Programs & Wellness Resources

Join our team and be part of a culture that emphasizes service excellence, career growth, and creating memorable experiences for our guests.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.