Banquets & Convention Services Lead

Sonesta International Hotels; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company M–

Paid Vacation and Sick Days

Sonesta Hotel Discounts

Educational Assistance

Parental Leave

Life Insurance

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels is seeking a Convention Services Manager to ensure flawless banquet and catering event execution and maximize profitability. You will coordinate group assignments from Sales, monitor room blocks, and manage contracts with clients across multiple departments.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in hotel sales/catering, strong negotiation and presentation skills, and the ability to upsell and meet revenue goals in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of sales/catering experience in a hotel with at least 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
• Experienced in client negotiation, upselling, enforcing deadlines, reviewing room blocks.
• Deep understanding of Corporate and Association group markets.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in sales systems (Delphi.fdc) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Professional presence and ability to represent the hotel brand with authenticity and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Maintain strong client relations and ensure convention specs are executed for successful meetings.
• Manage room blocks and contract terms to maximize hotel revenue.
• Review contracts, block details, cutoff dates, concessions, and attrition with clients.
• Forecast group rooms and F&B revenues for assigned groups and upsell bookings.
• Distribute convention resumes and BEOs 10–14 days before events.
• Coordinate site visits and Pre/Post Convention meetings with clients.
• Lead meetings and communicate updates to hotel departments.
• Perform other duties to support hotel operations.

Skills

Bachelor's degree preferred

5+ years sales/catering in hotel

Client negotiation experience

Corporate/Association group markets

Excellent negotiation/communication/pq

Strong organizational skills

Proficient in Delphi.fdc and MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality/Business

Tools

Delphi.fdc

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Sonesta International Hotels is seeking a Convention Services Manager to ensure flawless banquet and catering event execution and maximize profitability. You will coordinate group assignments from Sales, monitor room blocks, and manage contracts with clients across multiple departments.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in hotel sales/catering, strong negotiation and presentation skills, and the ability to upsell and meet revenue goals in a fast-paced environment.