Catering Sales Manager

Graves Hospitality Corporation; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Graves Hospitality Corporation in Minneapolis is seeking a Catering Sales Manager to drive catering and event revenue. This role involves managing the sales process from initial inquiry to contract execution, ensuring a seamless experience for clients.

The ideal candidate possesses strong sales expertise and exceptional communication skills, essential for building lasting relationships. Experience in hotel catering sales is required, along with a commitment to luxury service standards.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in hotel catering sales or hospitality sales required.
• Ability to build client relationships and negotiate contracts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Generate catering and event revenue through prospecting.
• Manage the sales process from inquiry to contract execution.
• Conduct site tours and client appointments to promote the hotel.

Skills

Sales expertise

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Client relationship management

Upselling strategies

Tools

Delphi.fdc

Social Tables

Microsoft Office

Job description

CATERING SALES MANAGER

WHAT’S THE JOB?

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for generating catering and event revenue by selling and coordinating meetings, events, and special functions at the hotel. This role manages the sales process from initial inquiry through contract execution, building strong client relationships while creating customized event solutions that meet client objectives and maximize hotel profitability. Success in this position requires a combination of sales expertise, attention to detail, and exceptional communication skills to ensure a seamless experience for both clients and hotel operations.

YOUR DAY-TO-DAY

• Generate catering and event revenue through proactive prospecting, account development, and timely response to incoming inquiries.
• Manage the sales process from initial inquiry through contract execution, ensuring a seamless client experience.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, building strong relationships and delivering exceptional service throughout the planning process.
• Conduct site tours, client appointments, outside sales calls, and industry networking events to promote the hotel and secure new business.
• Develop customized proposals, menus, and event solutions that align with client objectives while maximizing hotel profitability.
• Collaborate with Culinary, Banquets, Conference Services, and Operations teams to ensure successful event execution.
• Coordinate all event details including food and beverage, meeting space, audiovisual, transportation, rooming lists, and billing arrangements.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the guest experience through strategic upselling and customized offerings that reflect the luxury standards of the InterContinental brand.
• Maintain accurate client records, activities, forecasts, and event details within Delphi.
• Monitor client satisfaction and meeting planner feedback, taking proactive steps to exceed expectations and strengthen repeat business opportunities.
• Participate in forecasting, budgeting, and revenue strategy discussions to support department and hotel goals.
• Contribute innovative ideas, promotions, and sales initiatives that enhance the hotel's catering offerings and drive revenue growth.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Previous experience in hotel catering sales, event sales, conference services, or hospitality sales required; luxury hotel experience preferred
• Experience selling and servicing catering events, meetings, conferences, and special functions within a hotel or hospitality environment preferred
• Proven ability to build client relationships, negotiate contracts, and convert leads into confirmed business
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and client requests in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with Delphi.fdc, Social Tables, Microsoft Office, and other hospitality sales systems preferred
• Knowledge of the Twin Cities hospitality, corporate, and social event market preferred
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-oriented when working with guests, clients, and colleagues
• Ability to proactively anticipate guest needs and deliver exceptional service
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork, accountability, and the luxury service standards of the InterContinental brand
• Ability to understand and support the hotel's mission, vision, values, and business objectives