Assistant Sales Manager, Catering & Event

Vancouver Aquarium Careers; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 58,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant Manager to drive catering and event sales. This dynamic role involves generating new business, maintaining client relationships, and ensuring exceptional service during events. You will work closely with the Senior Sales Manager to develop strategic sales plans and deliver compelling presentations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in sales, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Join a team dedicated to creating memorable experiences and exceeding guest expectations in a vibrant and engaging setting!

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in catering, banquet or event sales.
• Degree in Sales Management or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Generate catering and event business through networking and client meetings.
• Develop and implement sales plans to achieve revenue targets.
• Maintain strong relationships with corporate clients and event planners.

Skills

Sales and negotiation skills

Knowledge of catering and event industry trends

Time management

Budget management

Ability to perform under pressure

Independent and collaborative work

Result orientation

Creativity and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

Degree or diploma in Sales Management, Business Administration, Hospitality

Job description

Vancouver Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, prides itself on working towards bringing families closer together and to creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values – greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, constantly improving – give us purpose and guidance.

SUMMARY:
Reporting to Senior Sales Manager, Catering & Event Sales, the Assistant Manager is responsible for generating catering and event business through networks, developing new clients, and maintaining existing client databases. This role is directly responsible for revenue generation through client meetings and networking and requires experience in the Vancouver marketplace.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Assists in developing and implementing a sales plan to achieve catering & events revenue targets.
2. Identifies and pursues new business opportunities through proactive sales efforts.
3. Builds and maintains strong relationships with corporate clients, event planners and other potential customers. Responds to inquiries, facilitates site visits & tastings, provides quotes for catering services.
4. Assists the Senior Manager in generating costing and menu options by working closely with kitchen & café teams.
5. Delivers compelling sales presentations to showcase catering and events services. Assists in the setup and breakdown of event spaces, ensuring all arrangements are in line with client’s requirements.
6. Addresses and resolves issues or complaints from clients promptly during events, ensuring minimal disruption to service.
7. Monitors service levels during events to exceed guest expectations.
8. Assists in managing resources & controlling costs to stay within event budget and deliver profitability.
9. Maintains constant communication with clients before and while on-site during events to handle last-minute requests promptly.
10. Gathers client feedback, assesses event’s success, and identifies areas of improvement for future events.
11. Prepares and submits accurate and timely sales reports.
12. Works closely with marketing team to develop promotional materials and campaigns.
13. Any other projects or tasks as assigned by Senior Sales Manager, Catering and Events and Director, Business Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

1. A degree or diploma in Sales Management, Business Administration, Hospitality, or a related field is preferred.
2. 3+ years of experience in catering, banquet or event sales in hotels or other similar tourist attractions.

Skills:

1. Strong sales and negotiation skills.
2. Strong knowledge of catering and event industry trends including customer preferences, pricing, and profitability.
3. Strong time management and multitasking ability.
4. Ability to manage budgets and control costs effectively.
5. Ability to perform under pressure.
6. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multiple departments and cross-functional teams.
7. Result orientation with a track record of exceeding sales targets.
8. Creativity and problem-solving skills to tailor offerings to clients’ needs.
9. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
10. Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.

Working Conditions:

1. Job requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
2. Flexibility and availability in schedule are required during the week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Events occur both indoor and outdoor – incumbent must be prepared to work in all weather conditions.
3. Job constantly involves listening and reacting to requests for information.
4. May be required to carry a radio and be accessible for calls.

Salary: $58,000 - $70,000 per year