Catering Sales Manager

AN INSPIRING CAREER AWAITS YOU!

The Kessler Collection is made up of 11 artful hotel and resort properties, 25 restaurants, and over 1,800 Grand Performers across 7 states, we continue to grow and so will you! The opportunities are endless. Our mission of inspiring places, intuitive service, and exuberant guests means we are committed to our Grand Performers learning, development, and well-being.

Our Grand Performers Receive Many Benefits Including:

• Marriott Employee Discounts Worldwide
• Competitive Wage & Discretionary Bonus Program
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Company-Sponsored Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• 401(K) with Discretionary Company Matching Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program

JOB SUMMARY

The overall objective and purpose of the Catering Sales Manager are to oversee the operation of the catering department. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating the activities of the conference personnel and room reservations team to make arrangements for group meetings, conferences, and social events. They are to provide inspiring and strategic leadership while directing the activities of the banquet department in support of the mission, core values, standards, and goals established by the company.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Have a working knowledge of the hotel and surrounding area including the history, culture and points of interest.
• Continually target and prospect new business using marketing and sales resources
• Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with competitive set and customers and actively participate in community organizations and professional associations to maintain visibility and market share
• Determine, develop and execute against existing and new accounts to achieve and exceed sales revenue expectations.
• Effectively use Kessler branded collateral throughout the sales process
• Assist marketing team through monthly/weekly update of wedding websites and social media with photographs, testimonials, and special promotions
• Travel as recommended to conduct outside sales calls and participation in trade shows
• Maximize revenue by selling all facets of the hotel to include restaurant, spa, gallery and outlets
• Knowledge of all Kessler Collection hotels to effectively cross-sell
• Qualify incoming leads and send proposals, contracts and addendums as needed to negotiate catering business using marketing and sales resources
• Conduct tours of property to potential customers while informing of all hotel services available; entertain customers on property during site inspections, pre-planning trips, and program operation when appropriate. Complete required site forms to alert the hotel of the tours
• Follow up on outstanding proposals and contracts to effectively close business
• Collaborate with culinary operations in creating custom menus specific to clients’ budget needs
• Negotiate food and beverage minimums, meeting room rental, function space, and hotel services within approved booking guidelines
• Process definite contracts and route information effectively and appropriately to the hotel turnover catcher who in turn will forward on to the following Grand Performers using the turnover process:
• Event Services Manager
• Accounting Department
• Establish method of payment, collect initial deposit, and create posting master account prior to turnover to Event Services Manager
• Attend daily business review meetings to discuss catering opportunities
• Actively participate in all required sales/operational meetings
• Competently utilize the required systems/equipment and platforms to effectively evaluate availability, profitability and track the progress of groups from proposal through execution
• Maintain accurate, organized and up-to-date files including computer filing and sales platform records (attachments, traces, activities, etc.)
• Manage account details so all pertinent aspects of solicitation and closing are complete and documented in required sales and catering system
• Track monthly production towards quarterly sales goals set forth by management using required documentation.
• Complete all required reporting and documentation
• Analyze competition, market trends and customer needs to continually assess the productivity against established goals and budgets:
• Annual comp set review of menus and pricing
• Quarterly review/ tour of comp set venues
• Use logic, integrity and sound judgment when making business decisions by considering the big picture, operational needs and impact on other departments
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet business needs

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Marriott Systems Experience – preferred
• College Degree – preferred
• Hospitality or related industry experience – required
• Previous event planning experience – required
• Valid Driver’s License – required

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be comfortable working in a shared space, with constant noise, without the use of a private office.
• Must be able to cope with frequent changing priorities and deadlines with a high degree of optimism, professionalism & collaboration.
• Schedules may vary from week to week based on business demands in excess of 40 hours with or without notice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to lift, reach with hands and arms, stand for extended periods of time and use fingers (keyboard etc.) to handle or feel.

The Kessler Collection is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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