Conference and Events Services Manager at InterContinental Washington DC - The Wharf

InterContinental Hotels Group; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 85,962,240 - 100,289,280; Full time

Job summary

IHG Hotels & Resorts is seeking a Catering Sales Manager for InterContinental Washington DC – The Wharf. You will develop business through direct sales solicitation, secure new accounts, and manage relationships to maximize profitability and guest satisfaction.

The role requires coordinating with hotel departments, negotiating rates, and overseeing function setups for events. Responsibilities include maintaining client accounts, producing sales forecasts, attending trade shows, and following up

Qualifications

• Some College plus 1-2 years sales or catering related experience.
• Knowledge of hotel and food & beverage operations preferred.
• Must speak fluent English. Other languages preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop business through direct sales solicitation and secure new accounts.
• Maintain existing accounts and execute tactical sales plans strategy to maximize hotel profitability and guest satisfaction.
• Oversee client functions to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Negotiate guest room rates, meeting room rental, function space, and banquet/catering event orders.
• Monitor and handle inquiry calls and provide client proposals according to policies.
• Work with other hotel departments to facilitate services agreed with clients.
• Check function room setups prior to guest arrival to meet client requirements and hotel standards.
• Entertain clients in accordance with company policies and guidelines.
• Produce monthly sales-related reports and forecasts for assigned area.
• Attend and represent hotel at trade shows and conventions and participate in sales trips.
• Follow up with guests during and after departure to secure future bookings.

Skills

Fluent English

Sales experience

Catering experience

Negotiation

Education

Some College

Job description

About Us

IHG Hotels & Resorts is one of the largest hotel companies in the world and one of the world’s leading hotel and resort companies with a family of 19 brands. Our purpose – True Hospitality for Good – comes to life in every one of our collections. With luxury and lifestyle, we are taking it to new heights.

Five visionary brands – InterContinental, Regent Hotels, Six Senses, Vignette Collection and Kimpton Hotels – make up our luxury collection. Individually, they are icons. Together, they bring unforgettable and unparalleled experiences to travelers in over 430 hotels and resorts in 100 countries around the world.

Having recently added a host of incredible properties to our portfolio, we now stand as one of the world’s leading luxury operators. Each of our hotels cultivates a distinctive style and ambience where we embrace every opportunity to give our guests unforgettable and unparalleled experiences.

About the hotel

A luxurious hotel destination at The Wharf on D.C.’s Waterfront, the InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf in the reimagined Wharf neighborhood brings sophistication to its contemporary style. Perfectly placed on the beautiful Potomac River, InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf enjoys the most incredible waterfront views of D.C. Steps away from America’s political epicenter, the hotel embraces guests with an exquisitely curated resort destination that reignites the river’s edge and a captivating sanctuary in the center of The Wharf neighborhood, paying homage to the maritime and industrial‑working heritage of its setting. Featuring a relaxing seasonal rooftop pool with striking Potomac River views and the indulging full‑service spa, The Spa at The Wharf, modern luxury, culture, and a rich history combine in the Wharf neighborhood to create a perfect atmosphere for guests and locals alike.

About the Conference Services Manager position

Our hotels bring people together. We’re searching for a Catering Sales Manager capable of juggling bookings, building strong client relationships and pulling together truly unforgettable events, meetings and conferences.

A little taste of your day-to-day

As a Catering Sales Manager, you will develop business through direct sales solicitation; secure new accounts, maintain existing accounts and execute tactical sales plans strategy to maximize the profitability of the hotel while maintaining guest satisfaction. Oversee client functions to ensure customer satisfaction.

• Establish client base of individuals, organizations, associations, social, and/or corporate businesses through direct outside and inside sales efforts to secure business for the hotel to ensure that catering revenue goals are met or exceeded. Actively prospect and qualify new business.
• Negotiate guest room rates, meeting room rental, function space, and/or hotel services within approved booking guidelines. Accurately produce and/or review all sales contracts, rate agreements, and/or banquet/catering event orders.
• Monitor and handle inquiry calls and provide client proposals in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures
• Work closely with other hotel departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients. Disseminate sales‑related information to other departments as appropriate.
• Check function room set ups prior to guest arrival, ensuring all details are in agreement with client’s requirements and hotels standards. Ensure deficiencies are corrected by appropriate personnel.
• Welcome group contact upon arrival at function and ensure guest satisfaction.
• Monitor and ensure all functions are set up, refreshed, and broken down in compliance with scheduled times and departmental procedures.
• Arrange and conduct special events, site inspections, and off‑site presentations for potential clients. Entertain clients in accordance with established company and hotel policies and guidelines.
• Maintain client files and update information daily in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures. Produce monthly sales‑related reports and sales forecasts for assigned area of responsibility.
• Attend and represent hotel at trade shows and conventions and/or participate in sales trips to key feeder markets.
• Follow up with guests regularly during and after departure to ensure satisfaction and secure future bookings.
• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments. Key departmental contacts include all hotel departments.
• Interact with outside contacts:
• Guests – to ensure their total satisfaction
• Airlines, wholesalers, corporate accounts, travel agencies, ad agencies, etc. – to ensure repeat business, follow up on events, and generate new business
• Other contacts as needed (Professional organizations, community groups)
• May assist in developing and implement sales actions plan as assigned. May also participate in the annual budgeting and planning process.
• May assist client in menu planning. May coordinate food, beverage, table arrangements and decorations with Banquet Department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What we need from you

This job is a catering sales professional for a full service, luxury, or resort hotel with catering and/or convention facilities for more than 500. At a small full service hotel, this job may be the only Catering Sales position reporting directly to the Sales Director.

Qualifications and Requirements

Some College plus 1-2 years sales or catering related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of hotel and food & beverage operations preferred. Must speak fluent English. Other languages preferred.

This job requires ability to perform the following:

• Frequently standing up or moving within and outside of the facility
• Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 25 pounds
• Handling objects
• Bending, stooping, kneeling

Other

• Communication skills are utilized a significant amount of time when interacting with others; demonstrated ability to interact with guests, employees and third parties that reflects highly on the hotel, the brand and the Company.
• Reading and writing abilities are utilized often when completing paperwork and management reports, interpreting results, giving and receiving instructions, and training
• Mathematical skills, including basic math, budgeting, profit/loss concepts, percentages, and variances are utilized frequently.
• Problem solving, reasoning, motivating, organizational and training abilities are used often.
• Ability to travel to attend workshops, tradeshows, conventions, etc.
• May require a valid Driver’s License.
• May be required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

What you can expect from us

We give our people everything they need to succeed. From a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work to a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life – including impressive room discounts and some of the best training in the business.

The salary range for this role is $30.00 to $35.00. This is the lowest to highest pay scale we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. This rate range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in Washington, DC. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the pay range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs.

This job is also eligible for bonus pay.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401k, and many other benefits to eligible employees.

Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate difference and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance by always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

IHG Hotels & Resorts gives every member of the team the room they need to belong, grow and make a difference in a collaborative environment. We know that to work well, we need to feel well – both inside and outside of work – and through our myWellbeing framework, we are committed to supporting wellbeing in your health, lifestyle, and workplace. So, join us and you’ll become part of our ever-growing global family.

At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we’ve made a promise. As one of the world’s leading hotel groups, we’re here to deliver True Hospitality for Good. Making our guests and colleagues feel welcome, cared for, recognized and respected – wherever they are in the world. Want to be part of the journey?

As the world’s first and most global luxury hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has pioneered international travel since the 1940s and we are passionate about sharing our renowned international know-how and cultural wisdom in truly impressive surroundings. We all take great pride in being genuine ambassadors of the InterContinental brand and to be part of the brand you will have a thirst for travel, a passion for culture and an appreciation for diversity. We create inspiring experiences for those seeking a richer perspective on the world. If you’d like to embrace a world of opportunities, we’d like to welcome you to the world’s most international luxury hotel brand.