Catering Sales Manager

Ocean Place Resort & Spa; Long Branch, Town of Hempstead (NJ, NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks a Director of Weddings & Social Events to manage and coordinate various events, ensuring exceptional customer experiences. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in catering sales, particularly with weddings, and possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years experience in catering sales or similar.
• Experience in wedding and event sales is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Manage all outbound sales efforts for weddings and social events.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage event logistics from contract to completion.

Skills

Sales

Negotiation

Customer-focused

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality or business management

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Opera PMS

Job description

Director of Weddings & Social Events

Job Description

Overview:

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for booking and coordinating various events including Weddings, Corporate, and Social Events. The Catering Sales Manager must ensure customer satisfaction and provide exceptional experiences for both large and small events. Under the purview of the Catering department, the successful candidate will solicit new catering accounts while maintaining relationships with existing accounts to maximize profits. The Catering team works closely with the Banquets Team to ensure all guest needs and expectations are met.

Responsibilities:

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for booking, planning, and coordinating weddings and various social events while serving as the main liaison between the client and Ocean Place Resort and Spa. You will be an integral member of the Catering Sales team, managing all outbound sales efforts for both weddings and social events. The role involves delivering unique experiences and nurturing lasting relationships with clients, focusing on building long-term, value-based relationships. Experience working with prospective brides and in corporate sales is required. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain a high level of hospitality professionalism is essential.

Job Summary:

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience working with prospective brides and social and corporate sales. Organization skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment are crucial, along with a strong commitment to hospitality excellence.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead outbound efforts to fill social space and maximize revenue
• Meet or exceed catering budget goals
• Respond to inbound inquiries within 24-48 hours, conduct site tours, and provide venue information
• Follow up effectively with new and existing clients
• Negotiate, influence, and upsell prospective and current clients
• Leverage industry contacts and potential leads
• Plan, coordinate, and manage event logistics, including timelines, menus, floor plans, and A/V needs
• Create detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) for seamless event execution
• Develop, organize, and manage events from contract to completion
• Exhibit excellent time management and communication skills
• Maintain exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with a results-oriented approach

Education, Experience, and Skills Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in hospitality, business management, or related field
• Minimum of three (3) years experience in hotel or conference center catering sales or similar; management experience preferred
• Experience in wedding and event sales is mandatory
• Strong sales, negotiation, and closing skills
• Creative, enthusiastic, and flexible personality
• Customer-focused with excellent attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge of Opera PMS is helpful

In accordance with New Jersey State Legislature (Bill S2310 Sca (1R)), this position offers a salary range of $50,000 - $60,000 per year, dependent on experience. We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.