Sales and Catering Manager

Job description: Sales & Catering Manager

The Hillside Boutique Hotel Sales and Catering Manager is responsible for soliciting new business through lead generation, networking, and sales calls to secure and execute events such as conferences, weddings, corporate meetings, and social gatherings. Additionally, the Sales and Catering Manager develops and executes sales strategies to maximize hotel revenue by securing group reservations, corporate contracts, and transient bookings while maintaining customer relationships. The goal is to meet or exceed occupancy and sales targets through strategic planning and sales initiatives and to ensure synergy between food and beverage and hotel operations.

Key responsibilities:

• Sales generation
• Client relationship management
• Menu planning and pricing
• Contract negotiation
• Event coordination and management
• Site inspections
• Sales reporting and forecasting
• Marketing and promotion
• Sales strategy development
• Market Analysis
• Lead Generation
• Team Leadership

Required skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong sales and negotiation skills
• Knowledge of catering industry trends
• Organizational and time management skills
• Strong sales acumen
• Negotiation skills
• Customer service focus
• Market knowledge
• Leadership abilities
• CRM proficiency

Where You Can Make an Impact:

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring their catering needs and expectations are met with precision and professionalism.
• Manage all aspects of catering events, including planning, menu selection, logistics, and on-site execution.
• Coordinate with culinary, banquet, and other hotel teams to ensure seamless delivery of food and beverage services.
• Create detailed event orders and timelines, communicating specifications to all relevant departments.
• Conduct site visits and tastings to provide clients with a personalized experience.
• Monitor and manage budgets for catering events, ensuring profitability while meeting client expectations.
• Handle client inquiries, negotiate contracts, and close sales for catering services.
• Stay informed about market trends, competitor offerings, and new opportunities to enhance catering services.
• Resolve any issues or last-minute changes during events, ensuring client satisfaction and smooth operations.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in catering sales, event planning, or related roles within the hospitality industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing high-profile or large-scale catering events.
• Experience in negotiating contracts and managing budgets to achieve financial goals.
• Prior experience in a luxury or upscale hotel or venue is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong sales and negotiation skills to secure catering contracts and build long-term client relationships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with clients, vendors, and internal teams.
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in event management software, property management systems (PMS), and sales tools.
• Creative problem-solving skills to address challenges and adapt to client needs.
• In-depth knowledge of food and beverage trends, dietary requirements, and menu planning.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure, ensuring flawless event execution.
• Financial acumen to manage event budgets, analyze profitability, and implement cost-effective solutions.