Catering Sales Manager

Choice Hotels International; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Choice Hotels International, a leading lodging franchisor, seeks a Catering Sales Manager to drive revenue through proactive prospecting and successful event execution across our properties. You will close opportunities, respond to RFPs, and coordinate with marketing, operations, and catering teams to deliver guest‑centric experiences.

Travel to trade shows and events is possible; base salary is $70,000, exempt.

Qualifications

• Requires strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to negotiate contracts.
• Experience in hotel catering or conventions is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of contract law and business etiquette is expected.

Responsibilities

• Achieves revenue goals by working with sales leadership on market segments and catering events.
• Prepares proposals and contracts to maximize profit while meeting client needs.
• Responds to RFPs in alignment with brand standards and coordinates with hotel teams.
• Communicates client requests to all departments and ensures timely follow-up on bookings.
• Delivers and presents hotel features and benefits to clients and prospects.
• Maintains relationships with in-house customers to grow repeat business and referrals.
• Creates and tracks progress toward quarterly and monthly sales objectives.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Negotiation skills

Mathematical skills

Team collaboration

Relationship management

Education

High school diploma; associate’s or bachelor’s preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Opera

Delphi

Job description

Choice Hotels International, Inc (NYSE:CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. A challenger in the upscale segment and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice® has more than 7,400 hotels, representing over 625,000 rooms, in 45 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that run the gamut from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay and economy enables Choice® to meet travelers' needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges® loyalty program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visitwww.choicehotels.com. The ability to model Choice’s Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity are key to our success in inspiring Loyalty, Growth, and the Hospitality Spirit. Our managed hotels portfolio includes Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Red, Park Plaza, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. As a Catering Sales Manager, you will be primarily responsible for ensuring that revenue goals are achieved or exceeded by proactively prospecting, closing and facilitating catering business opportunities; as well as event execution to ensure guest satisfaction. This is an exempt, salaried position with an annual base salary of $70,000.

Key Responsibilities

• Achieves market share and revenue goals by working with the Director of Sales (Marketing)/Director of Catering (Convention Services) on individual and team goals within assigned market segments
  • Prepares proposals and contracts that are geared to maximize profit while satisfying client needs
  • Responds to Request For Proposals (RFPs) as they relate to customer inquiries in alignment with brand standards
  • Communicates booked and assigned clients' requests to all departments in an effective and timely manner via group resume(s) and details Banquet Event Orders (BEOs)
  • Solicits files on a timely basis to confirm business
  • Uses outside sales calls, prospecting, hotels tours and hosting of clients to solicit new business
  • Delivers and sells hotel’s features and benefits to meet clients' needs
  • Contacts in-house customers to retain and grow existing business, repeat bookings or referrals to other Radisson Hotels
  • Reviews individual goals on a weekly basis; recommends and takes appropriate actions to achieve objectives in key result areas
  • Ability to pivot in both markets and team role pending changing economic and team dynamics
  • Ensures maximum occupancy, daily, by performing follow-ups on progress of groups booked with events services team and meeting planners
  • Ensure all materials used are in accordance with brand standards
  • Potential travel to trade shows and customer events, representing RHGA and your hotel within company expectations
• Participates in the development and implementation of business strategies for the hotel which are aligned with Radisson’s overall mission, vision values and strategies
  • Develops and implements strategies for achieving individual sales goals
• Maintains proper flow of information to sales team, reviews sales work file of assigned accounts
  • Assists with the completion of monthly booking report(s)
  • Prepares reports and forecasts as necessary to improve management decision making and critical evaluation of work activities
• Creates 100% guest satisfaction by providing the Radisson experience through performance that demonstrates the standards of, genuine hospitality and exceeding guest expectations
  • Gives personal attention, takes personal responsibility, and uses teamwork when providing guest service
  • Listens, apologizes with empathy, finds a solution, and follows through when resolving guest problems
  • Provides Yes I Can! genuine hospitality and teamwork on an ongoing basis
  • Assumes the responsibility to notice when the guest is not satisfied and uses their best judgment as to when it is appropriate to use the 100% Guest Satisfaction
• Performs other duties as required by Management to provide 100% Guest Satisfaction and genuine hospitality to our Guest

Responsibility 1 (70%):

Sales initiatives, managing RFPs, detailing BEOs. generating new leads, and providing clear, strong and creative negotiation and accommodation for current and potential client catering services requests.

Responsibility 2 (20%):

Conduct market research and analysis to align with industry trends and opportunities for soliciting business and maintaining client loyalty for future bookings. Following up with new leads to achieve objectives.

Responsibility 3 (10%):

Attend networking events, participate in community involvement opportunities, and serve as a strong presence for hotel service and brand advocacy.

Requirements/Skills

• High school diploma required, associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum one - three years hotel catering or convention experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong mathematical skills
• General knowledge of contract laws
• Local market knowledge preferred
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite®, Delphi and/or Opera
• Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) desirable
• Able to collaborate effectively with other hotel employees and managers to ensure teamwork

Physical Demands

• Required to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods of times
• Lift, carry, or otherwise move and use of force or exertion up to 75 lbs.
• Use of manual dexterity of common office equipment; such as but not limited to, computers, printers, phones etc..

Ability to model Choice’s Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity are key to our success in inspiring Loyalty, Growth, and the Hospitality Spirit.

Choice Hotels International is an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer. Employment practices and decisions are not influenced by an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or express, disability veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, this offer of employment is conditional upon your presenting documents verifying your identity and legal authorization to work in the United States. All offers of employment are conditional upon the satisfactory completion of a background check and E-Verify.

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