Catering Manager

We are looking for a energetic and driven Catering Sales Manager to join our team at the Hyatt Centric- Arlington Hotel. The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for soliciting, booking, and coordinating catering events as well as working with definite group clients to detail and finalize all group bookings with and without associated catered events. 

The CSM is responsible for liaising between the client and the hotel sales and operations departments to plan and execute successful group and catering events to meet/exceed revenue/profit goals and create repeat business where possible. 

DUTIES & FUNCTIONS 

•Solicit, negotiate and book new and repeat catering business through various efforts including    outside sales calls, telemarketing, mailings, referrals, networking etc.  

•Respond to all RFP’s received via all channels including internet/website, direct inquiries, third party lead sites, and walk-ins.  Create and send proposals, collateral, and menus, follow up with potential clients and log all activity in Envision. 

•Work with clients to obtain all final booking details, i.e., food & beverage, room set-up, audiovisual requirements, complete rooming list and meeting agenda. 

•Anticipate and ensure quick, efficient responses to customer issues, comments, and problems to ensure a quality experience and enhance future sales prospects.   

•Develop and continually enhance relationships with key group and catering clients to maintain and increase market share. 

•Ensure Group Resumes and Event Orders (EOs) are accurate and provide all relevant information to departments giving them ample time to plan and execute. 

•Hold regular meetings with operations and F&B/banquet departments to review Resumes and EOs for upcoming events and updates on other groups/events as needed.

•Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all property offerings, food & beverage minimums, room rental and hotel rates, strategies, discounts/promotions, meeting space layout, capacities, and catering menus with pricing. 

•When needed, participate in trade shows, community, professional, and industry organizations to maintain high visibility/exposure for hotel.  

•Maintain accurate and comprehensive records and files to provide sales history and continuity of quality service.

•Participate in the preparation and coordination of and after-hour hotel events and fundraisers that include setting up, interacting with the guests/customers, assisting in clean up and ensuring that the events are successful. 

•Coordinate with hotel’s finance team to ensure final bills include all charges including appropriate room, catering and attrition/cancellation revenue. 

•Coordinate and communicate with Sales, Front Office, Banquets and Reservations in order to monitor guest room blocks and special reservation needs as outlined in the Resume/EO. 

•Plan and conduct pre and post-convention meetings with clients and respective departments. 

•Ensure site inspections and client visits to the hotel are successful by planning carefully and communicating accurate details in advance to all departments. 

•Effectively communicate all hotel policies, procedures, and charges in regard to services being provided to the client. 

•Perform administrative duties relevant to account responsibilities in compliance with corporate guidelines. 

•Fill in and support coworkers and team as needed to ensure efficient operation. 

•Perform special projects and other duties as assigned and participate in task force and committees as requested by management.   

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS 

•Outstanding customer service skills and ability to engage with guests and associates in an attentive, friendly, courteous, and service oriented manner.

•Excellent communication skills in terms of the ability to negotiate, sell, and influence clients and meeting attendees.

•Must be able to speak, read, write, and communicate in English to adequately perform the duties of the job.  

•Knowledge of event planning/hospitality principles and practices.

•Ability to travel to area businesses and accounts to solicit new business as needed. 

•Ability to make decisions based on established policies and procedures and guidance from the DOSM.  

•Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying inquiries made by guests, staff and corporate officers.  

•Ability to multitask and prioritize daily workload.  

•Outstanding organizational and time management skills.  

•Ability to handle sensitive material with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.  

•Must be energetic, a self-starter, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.  

•Must be detail-oriented and able to work both independently and with a team. 

•Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary. 

•Must be able to show initiative, including anticipating guest and/or operational needs. 

•Must be able to maintain standards of attendance and punctuality and must be able to work varying schedules that include evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as business dictates.  

Education & Experience:  

•Associate college degree or equivalent education/experience. 

•2+ years of experience in a catering sales or convention services position.  

•Proficiency in the use of Envision and Opera as well as Microsoft Word and Excel preferred.