The Wildbirch Hotel - Catering Sales Manager

Primary mission:

Responsible for the establishment of new relationships while maintaining existing relationships with corporate and social accounts while consistently striving to maximize revenue and promote relationships through effective negotiation of services, and assist Director in maintaining the daily operation of the Catering Department.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represents the hotel and conducts conferences with individual corporate customers by telephone or in-person to solicit catering business. Meets with and entertains customers, conducts property tours, and promotes facilities and services. Responds to customer inquiries and negotiates contracts with customers and vendors.
• Assumes responsibility for the successful set-up and execution of social and corporate meetings, meals and special events. Provides direction and supervision of meeting and/or catering logistics to affected departments and team members.
• Develops customer menus, drafts contracts and letters, as well as organizes all other arrangements as they relate to social and corporate events.
• Prepares and presents Catering forecasts and reports as required.
• Prepare and distribute concise resumes and banquet event orders that clearly represent a convention's requirements for all departments.
• Maintain the integrity of sales management and property management systems including; Envision, Opera, etc.
• Work with the hotel accounting department on all methods of payment, client responsibility for deposit schedules, payments and contractual obligations.
• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel. Nights and weekend may be required when group events or clients are on property.
• Providing Audio/Visual equipment assistance.
• Ensure hotel costs are effectively controlled.
• Maintain professional image at all times through appearance and adhering to dress code standards of personal appearance and grooming.
• Participate in trade shows and community and professional organizations to maintain high visibility and the achievement of sales and revenue goals.
• Perform special projects and other responsibilities as assigned.
• Participate in hotel committees, MOD program and task force assignments.

EXPERIENCE:

• Prior Experience:
  • 3 years of employment in a related position with this company or other companies.
• IT Expertise:
  • Advanced knowledge of computer software (including Microsoft Office, outlook) and web analytics tools is preferred.

• Education:
  • A four-year college degree or equivalent education/experience.
• Subject Expertise:
  • Requires advanced knowledge of the principles and practices within the sales/marketing/hospitality profession. This includes experiential knowledge required for management of people, complex problems and efficient sales activities.
  • Makes decision within the standards of the position which can impact more than one department, but usually not more than one hotel. One general policies and procedures are available for guidance and superior is kept informed only of general directions of assignment.
  • Requires analyzing activities or information involving some original data manipulation or interpretation to arrive at logical conclusions.
  • Must possess highly developed communication skills to frequently negotiate, convince, sell and influence other managerial personnel, hotel guest(s) and/or corporate clients.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of all property safety and security procedures as required maintaining a secure and safe environment for employees as well as guests.
  • Read and abide by all the regulations and rules of conduct stated in the Associate Handbook.
  • Must be service oriented with excellent customer service and sales skills
  • Must be energetic and outgoing
  • Must possess excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Must be able to follow directions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy
  • Must be a team player with the ability to work under minimal supervision
  • Must be able to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment
  • Must be able to understand and work with basic financial information and solve basic arithmetic problems
  • Must be able to type 45 wpm and have the ability to input data and access information on the computer
  • Must be able to exercise confidentiality and discretion.

OTHER EXPECTATIONS:

• Abide by payroll policies, procedures and rules of conduct as stated in the Associate Handbook.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of all company safety and security procedures.
• Travel required: As needed for hotel familiarization, content creation shoots and to meet with colleagues.
• Hours Required: Must primarily work during business hours, Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm (AKDT), while understanding that the hotel business functions 24/7 and some weekend or holiday work may occasionally be required.