Catering & Group Booking Manager

The hiring salary for this position is $65,000. 

The CIA offers a substantial benefits package that includes medical coverage available at no cost to qualifying employees, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, retirement savings plan with high employer contributions, a generous paid time off program, and more!

As the benefits package at the CIA results in a significant value above the base hiring salary for this position, we encourage you to apply so that our recruiters can share more information with you about the benefits of working for the CIA.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Catering and Group Booking Manager position is responsible for the sales and booking process for all catering executed by Culinary Institute of America (“CIA”) Catering as well as group bookings in the CIA Restaurants. This position effectively communicates client needs with the departments and areas responsible for executing the events.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for selling and planning all CIA Catering events held on the Hyde Park campus and group events held in the CIA Restaurants. Events will include but are not limited to weddings, corporate events, social events, industry events, meetings, conferences, demonstrations, and seminars.
• Communicate and provide site visits and meetings with clients to prepare for their event and create client proposals and contracts.
• Collaborate with CIA Catering department to ensure successful event execution and client satisfaction.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, including corporate, social and association groups in addition to identifying new markets.
• Create promotional sales pieces to include menu, pricing, and logistics.
• Balance size and impact of group visits with educational needs of students in the restaurant.
• Act as the liaison between the client and CIA Catering and the restaurants. Be present for large events to ensure all details are communicated and executed appropriately.
• Provide friendly and courteous customer service on the phone and through site visits.
• Upsell additional services to enhance the bottom line, i.e. tour fees, room rentals, a/v charges, continental breakfasts, beverage upgrades, etc.
• Adopt a clear and strategic approach to catering sales by selling a catering offer that drives up spending per head, while keeping operational costs to a minimum.
• Communicate with CIA Catering, restaurant chefs, maître d’s, Assistant Restaurant Managers, Welcome Center, Admissions Office, RICOH, Audio Visual Technician and Accounting to ensure smooth flow of customer visits.
• Properly book all events using the proper software channels including OpenTable, Tripleseat and 25 Live.
• Coordinate special menu requests for VIP visitors in the restaurants.
• Oversee and ensure deposit and final payments for CIA Catering groups and Restaurant groups.
• Support the coordination of Special Events as it pertains to guest chefs, themed events, reservations, generating BEO’s, proofing menus and coordinating all the extra details associated with individual events.
• Support CIA Catering as requested and needed.
• Efficiently respond to all customer inquiries in a polite and timely manner.
• Create and prepare accurate catering proposals for potential customers, ensuring that the catering offer matches the profile of the event in terms of product selection and budget.
• Any and all other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Associate’s Degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel/Restaurant Management, or closely related field or combination of education and experience equivalent.

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years working experience in Catering or Hospitality Management or closely related field.
• Customer service experience required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge/experience working in the travel and tourism and/or hospitality business.
• Meeting planner certification.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Ability to effectively work within multi-disciplined work teams to respond to business needs.
• Strong phone etiquette skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and conceptual skills.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills; ability to be adaptable, dependable and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required. Must have demonstrated ability in organizational, time management, problem solving and interpersonal skills.
• Must have a proven, consistent track record showing the ability to work with all levels within an organization.
• Must display a high level of energy and self-motivation.
• Strong computer experience, which must include abilities to work effectively with MS Office suite products, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint. 
• Strong customer service skills.
• Detail oriented and thorough.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be available to work nights and weekends as required due to business needs.
• Able to bend, stoop or reach as needed.
• Regular work requires a great deal of sitting and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
• Ability to stand and work for extended periods of time during customary service hours.

Salary : $65,000