Catering Sales Manager

Position Type : Regular Full Time

Regular Full Time

What we are looking for :

GET TO KNOW THE HOTEL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND :

The Hotel at the University of Maryland (The Hotel) is a AAA 4-Diamond independent property located directly across the street from the main campus of the University of Maryland.

The Hotel is a market leader in service and guest experience and the team is focused on delivering highly personalized service.

The Hotel has 297 rooms with 24 suites and over 45,000 sq. ft. of event space handling events from 10 to 1,500. The Hotel’s focus on culture creates an environment for team members to thrive and provides opportunities to grow responsibility and advance their careers which is part of our Southern Difference.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR :

A self-reliant, high-energy catering professional that can identify, target, solicit and create relationships to book and detail catering events and programs at the hotel.

This position directly solicits new catering customers through traditional and non-traditional sales techniques as well as handles incoming inquiries, so the ability to handle multiple segments and business types is essential.

The ideal Catering Sales Manager will be able to effectively handle contracting, planning and coordinating special events and meetings while assuring the highest level of customer service.

With a focus on social catering, the ideal leader will have experience with weddings and similar social catering business with an ability to create unique experiences for our guests. WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU :

• Actively prospect / solicit and qualify new catering business for the hotel
• Negotiate food and beverage rates, guest room rates as appropriate, meeting room rental, function space, and / or hotel services within approved booking guidelines
• Accurately produce and / or review all catering contracts, and / or Banquet Event Orders (BEOs)
• Arrange and conduct special events, site inspections, and off-site presentations for potential clients
• Regularly attend industry meetings / networking events to obtain new business and gain knowledge on industry trends
• Ensure proper collection of funds for meetings and events, both directly with the client and with the hotel's accounting team
• Acts as the liaison between client and operating departments to ensure a successful event and to generate repeat business
• Attend hotel meetings as it relates to the position including BEO meeting, Accounting Meeting, departmental meetings and trainings, Food and Beverage meetings, etc.
• Acknowledge all guests and respond promptly to their needs, however busy and whatever time of day
• Report any incidents, property damage or injuries immediately to Manager / Supervisor. ensure unresolved incidents are reported to Manager / Supervisor
• Be familiar with all hotel services / features and local attractions / activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately
• Contribute to the team's success by accomplishing tasks and assisting with projects as needed
• Availability to work during peak operating times, i.e. : Weekends, Nights and Holidays
• Work as a team member to ensure our guests have the best possible experience
• Understand company's emergency procedures and be able to apply them when necessary
• Lead by example, be a positive example for team in action and attitude
• Encourage effective teamwork
• Work collaboratively with others to analyze and improve work processes
• Promote positive interaction with all levels of management and vendors
• Develop and adhere to annual action plan / quarterly SMART plans
• Contribute to team / company engagement efforts
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager and / or Supervisor

JOB KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS :

• Knowledge of hotel food and beverage operations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic and mathematical calculations
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Excellent time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Sound leadership and managerial skills
• Ability to work effectively in stressful, high-pressure situations while maintaining composure and guest satisfaction
• Technical knowledgeable and competency in necessary systems and software : Microsoft Office, Delphi FDC, Cvent
30+ days ago