Catering Sales Manager

Shopping Center Management d b a Turnberry Associates; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

JW Marriott Nashville is seeking a Catering Sales Manager to prospect, sell and negotiate catered events, conduct hotel tours, and schedule tastings with clients. You will be the primary liaison between the client and the hotel throughout preplanning and execution to ensure a seamless planning process and exceptional events.

The role requires 3–5 years of convention/event servicing and catering experience, strong culinary and beverage knowledge, and proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of convention/event servicing and catering experience required.
• Degree in Hotel/Hospitality Administration preferred.
• Excellent English communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership and ability to coordinate cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of hotel guest services and banquet operations.

Responsibilities

• Manage contracts for groups per the Sales Manager and JW Marriott standards.
• Maximize food, beverage and ancillary revenues through menus and experiences.
• Communicate group details to all hotel departments via BEOs and internal notes.
• Coordinate pre-conference meetings with clients and hotel staff.
• Forecast banquet revenue and staffing needs accurately.

Skills

Event planning

Leadership

Communication

Catering experience

MS Office (Word/Excel/Outlook)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hotel/Hospitality Administration

Tools

Sales & Catering

CI/TY

Social Tables

MS Office Suite (Word/Excel/Outlook)

Job description

General Summary of Duties:

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for prospecting, selling and negotiating catered events at the hotel. This position will conduct tours of the hotel, schedule menu tastings/ meetings with clients and be the point of contact between the client and the hotel throughout the preplanning and execution phases. The Catering Sales Manager’s goal is to provide a seamless planning process and produce events that exceed the expectations of clients. This position is responsible for the successful outcome of programs from pre-arrival through to post-departure by collaborating effectively and in a timely manner with the operational teams on all execution details. This person should have extensive knowledge of event planning and management as well as food & beverage.

Examples of Duties (includes but is not limited to the following):

• Manage and execute the terms of the contract for the group/convention/program as outlined by the Sales Manager and per JW Marriott standards
• Maximize food, beverage and auxiliary revenues by selling menus, themes and experiences/activities
• Communicate all details of assigned groups/conventions/weddings/programs to all departments in a professional, thorough and timely manner by using Convention and Social Group Resumes, Banquet Event Orders and internal correspondence effectively
• Establish close working relationships with clients and JW Marriott Nashville employees
• Efficiently reserve and utilize function space to maximize revenues while minimizing space consumption
• Facilitate pre-conference meetings with clients and key hotel staff
• Work closely with the client and hotel departments throughout the duration of assigned groups/conventions/programs by being available to assist the client and provide information to hotel departments at the appropriate times
• Maintain a high level of service by continually providing accurate and timely information and feedback to all supporting departments
• Accurately forecast Banquet revenue, covers and average checks based on group assignments
• Conduct pre-planning site meetings and assist in the sales process where required
• Maintain the integrity of Sales & Catering at all times
• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned

Position Requirements:

• Ability to speak, read, write and understand English
• Professional demeanor appropriate for a luxury environment
• 3-5 years of convention/event servicing and catering experience required
• Strong culinary and beverage knowledge and interest
• Knowledge and understanding of the Hotel guest room inventory
• Proven ability to plan and organize events effectively, with an acute sense of detail
• Assertive, professional and positive approach with a proven ability to develop and lead in a team environment
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Expert working knowledge of Sales & Catering, CI/TY and Social Tables
• Ability to work independently and maintain a positive attitude within a busy environment
• Proven leadership and staff development skills with good decision making ability
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Must be organized, personable and enthusiastic

Education:

• Degree in Hotel / Hospitality Administration from a recognized University/College/Polytechnic Institute preferred

Typical Physical / Mental Demands:

• Must be able to stand walk, sit
• Must be able to bend, stoop, crouch
• Must use hands to reach, grasp, handle, pull and push
• Must have good near and far vision
• Must be able to hear, talk, smell