Catering Sales Manager

DELAMAR Westport- luxury boutique hotel located in Westport CT is seeking a Catering Sales Manager to assist in booking & coordinating events. This is a dream job for candidates with a passion for event planning in a luxury establishment.

Primary Responsibilities

· Responsible for local outside sales in addition to any global sales initiatives that may be required.

· Responsible for all wedding lead Inquiries, both event and social group room blocks.

· Detailing of all booked weddings and events (social/corporate) that are booked at the hotel.

· Assists the DOC and GM in the development of annual sales goals and projections for all revenue sources to implement plans for successful execution.

· Contribute to the development of a sales/marketing budget and monitor actual results against budget goals.

· Responsible for assisting in all functions of the sales effort including actively prospecting potential clients and coordination of all market segments working directly with DOC and GM.

· Builds and strengthens relationships with existing and new clients to enable future bookings by negotiating skills and creative sales tactics to close on business and negotiate contracts.

· Solicit, negotiate and book new and repeat business through various efforts, including outside sales calls, mailings, referrals, networking, trade shows, etc. to maximize event revenue

· Manages, fields, and responds to inquiries from all facets. Including managing Wedding Wire, The Knot, Cvent, CVB, etc.

· Survey, review and analyze competition, market trends, as well as customer needs and comments to develop new plans and programs and determine the potency of current plans and programs; conduct internet prospecting.

· Identifies new business to achieve personal and hotel revenue goals. Records all sales activities in sales database/tracking forms.

· Other duties as assigned by management.

Secondary Responsibilities

· Oversee the consistent successful performance of catering operations at the assigned accounts.

· Communicate effectively between clients and staff to deliver the highest level of service and organization.

· Demonstrate professionalism and respect with other employees, customers and suppliers.

· Manage department to budgeted expectations, participate in budget projections and establish and maintain accurate tracking systems for catered events.

· Strong leadership skills and the ability to prioritize events and maintain open communication, especially with handling conflicting priorities.

· Communicate daily with GM & DOC on pending accounts, projects, high priorities, and project conflicts.

· Prepare and run weekly BEO/Resume meetings.

· Prepare and manage all BEOs/Resumes and post to each department.

Job Specifications:

· Solid working knowledge of revenue management concepts and techniques.

· Excellent interpersonal, analytical, written and verbal communicating, and negotiation skills.

· Ability to work independently, with minimum direction, as well as interface effectively with all levels of management and maintain effective communication with corporate management.

· Intermediate proficiency with MS Office products, especially Excel, Word, Outlook.

· Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize work.

· Exceptional problem-solving skills.

· Ability to maintain customer focus.

· Excellent organizational and planning skills.

· Ability to work well in a team environment.

Required Qualifications:

· Minimum of 2 years’ experience in hospitality or related field.

· Degree in event management or sales preferred.

· Sales experience working with corporate clients and weddings is required -minimum of 3 years.

· Professional experience working in the fine dining food industry in a fast-paced environment in a management position.

Benefits:

· Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

· Short/Long Term Disability Coverage+ Life Insurance

· 401k program participation. (entitled after 6 months of employment)

· 401k safe harbor contribution of 3% from company regardless of enrollment

· Competitive salary+ commission

· Discounts on all hotels/restaurants/spas within portfolio