Catering Manager

VH Hospitality; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

PTO

401(k) with company match

Life and disability insurance

Employee discounts

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Vinayaka Hospitality is seeking a catering sales professional to prospect corporate markets and secure new business. You will plan and administer all catering events, managing client needs, site inspections, and BEO details to ensure successful execution.

The role emphasizes meeting revenue goals, maintaining relationships, and coordinating with the Sales & Catering team to deliver outstanding guest experiences across properties in Illinois.

Qualifications

• Must be able to speak, read, write and understand English.
• Good communication skills in verbal and written form are required.
• Most tasks are performed independently or in a team environment with the employee acting as a team leader.
• Must possess basic computer skills.
• Knowledge of hotels and competitive markets is important.
• Ensure guest satisfaction is consistently obtained and maintained.
• Ability to make decisions with only general policies and procedures for guidance.

Responsibilities

• Prospect and solicit corporate markets to generate catering business and meet monthly/annual catering goals.
• Maintain customer relations and develop new relationships.
• Conduct property tours and prepare information for site inspections.
• Attend industry meetings and build referrals with competitors.
• Meet budgeted sales catering goals including food, beverage, room rental, and A/V.
• Prepare monthly forecast reports and manage workload with attention to detail.

Skills

Communication skills

Team leadership

Basic computer skills

Hotel knowledge

Decision making

Job description

Description

Vinayaka Hospitality was founded in 2008 on a foundation of innovation, intelligence, and compassion. Our team takes pride in combining a passion for hospitality with practical hotel management. By collaborating with renowned brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt, we efficiently manage 11 properties across diverse locations. Committed to ongoing growth, we actively seek opportunities and are dedicated to helping both our team and hotels thrive. We remain responsive and proactive in our strategies for sales, marketing, and revenue, ensuring swift adaptability to market changes. Beyond Management, we cultivate strong partnerships with major industry players, showcasing our dedication to success in the ever-evolving world of hospitality

JOB SUMMARY

Prospects and solicits corporate markets to generate new catering business to ensure monthly/annual catering goals are met. Plans and administers all catering events by assuring that the following duties are accomplished personally and through subordinates:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains established customer relations and generates new relationships.
• Consistently solicits new clients through phone calls, emails and local outside sales calls. Minimum requirement of ten new, ten old, and ten existing target account calls monthly.
• Handle account details so that all pertinent aspects of solicitation and closing are complete and documented.
• Conducts property tours and prepares information for site inspections.
• Conducts competitive set site tours; build relationship with competitive set to gain referrals.
• Attend industry related meetings and events.
• Conducts local outside sales calls to promote the hotel and review competition reader boards to develop leads.
• Meet budgeted sales catering goals of food, beverage, room rental, and audio/visual.
• Responsible for monthly forecast reports.
• Manages time and workload with attention to detail.
• Responds to sales leads within 24 hours.
• Conducts weekly sales calls to build on existing relationships and solicit new opportunities.
• Communicates with Sales and Catering team in S&C meetings with written materials.
• Works with clients to determine specific needs and designs a program to fit the requirements outlined by the client.
• Responsible for detailing of all events.
• Creates BEO and follows through on all details with Banquet Supervisor, banquet staff and client.
• Works events as required to welcome group contacts upon arrival at function to ensure satisfaction.
• Responsibilities subject to change to best meet the needs of the hotel.

Requirements

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.
• Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Most tasks are performed independently or in a team environment with the employee acting as a team leader.
• Must possess basic computer skills.
• Knowledge of hotels and competitive markets.
• Ensure that guest satisfaction is consistently obtained and maintained.
• Ability to make decisions with only general policies and procedures available for guidance.

AVAILABILITY

This company operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Generally, the position works Monday through Friday with hours varied based on business demand. At times it may be necessary to move you from your accustomed work day, to include Saturdays and Sundays, or time of work if business or task assignments demand. In addition, it should be understood that business needs determines the amount of hours that you work.

In accordance with Illinois law, the anticipated pay range for this position is:

$65k-$75k per year

The final offer will be based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, internal equity, and market conditions.

Eligible team members may have access to a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (vacation, sick time, holidays)
• Six paid company holidays and one floating holiday
• 401(k) with company match (up to 4%)
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee assistance programs
• Employee discounts (hotel and travel discounts)

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on position, employment status, and tenure.

Additional Compensation

• Bonus or incentive programs
• Commissions (if applicable)

Details will be provided during the interview process.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws