Director of Catering and Conference Services

Lanier Islands; Buford (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Catering Sales Manager to lead the growth of weddings and social catering events. This exciting role involves coordinating food and beverage bookings, supervising a team, and developing strategies to enhance sales performance. With a focus on client satisfaction and operational excellence, you'll be instrumental in crafting memorable events while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. If you have a passion for event planning and a knack for sales, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact in a vibrant and fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of catering sales experience in a high-volume property.
• Proven ability to motivate and develop sales leaders.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate booking and manage inquiries for food/beverage events.
• Supervise catering sales managers and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Management Skills

Sales Skills

Organization Skills

Multitasking

Negotiation Skills

Time Management

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in Business

Tools

Amadeus/Delphi Sales & Catering Software

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

This position is responsible for managing the solicitation and growth of Weddings and Social Catering events at Lanier Islands. In addition, supervise service & catering managers as they organize and coordinate the execution of conferences and social events, providing guidance as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Coordinate the booking of food/beverage events by managing outside solicitation and incoming inquiries
2. Identify new wedding markets and prospecting resources, in conjunction with the wedding sales team.
3. Monitor sales staff productivity and procedural efficiencies as it relates to annual budgets and goals.
4. Assist with the development, implementation and management of promotions for weddings and social catering in conjunction with the overall sales and marketing plan of the company.
5. Supervise the weekly updating of the monthly wedding sales forecast
6. Maintain daily communication with the Director of Sales in regard to potential new business, lost business, customer and operational issues, discounted events, specialized room sets, etc.
7. Use creative planning in the design and structure of weddings and catered events.
8. Oversee preparation of weekly activity and wedding pacing reports.

1. Supervises the Catering Sales Department in achieving budgeted revenue goals
2. Assist in control of marketing budget and entertainment expenses related to weddings and social catering food and beverage sales.
3. Maintain awareness of local and regional key competitors and price point trends.

Client Related

1. Supervises and develops contracts, proposals, and customized menus to meet client needs, as well as financial goals.
2. Coordinate catering events with clients to include handling inquiries related to food and beverage.
3. Coordinate with food & beverage staff and Event Coordinators as needed to ensure proper execution of catered functions.
4. Conduct facility tours and “tastings” for clients as necessary to secure business.
5. Attend pre-con and post-con meetings as needed.

Operations

1. Conduct weekly BEO & Resume Meetings to review and have a thorough understanding of all events.
2. Post all changes to service order confirmations on change log daily and follow up as needed.
3. Secures and monitors pertinent information requirements related to catered events and maintains strict timelines for information exchange between the Clients, Catering Sales, Culinary department and Catering department and Operations.
4. Ensure compliance with health, safety, and legal regulations.

Other Duties

1. Supervise the Wedding & Social Catering Sales Managers, Weddings Conference Services Managers and the Wedding Administrative Assistant in a manner consistent with Human Resource Policies and Procedures.
2. Document all department employee-relations issues and provide corrective action as necessary. Submit documentation to Human Resources in a timely manner.
3. Perform other duties, projects and reports as assigned by the Director of Sales and deemed necessary for the growth of the business.

Qualifications

1. Strong management skills and the proven ability to motivate monitor and develop sales leaders
2. Excellent sales skills including the ability to up-sell negotiate with and guide clients.
3. Strong organization, multitasking and time management skills a must.
4. Must be able to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
5. Diverse understanding of food and service functions and logistics within a banquet facility.
6. Strong computer skills to include Word, Excel, Outlook, Amadeus/Delphi Sales & Catering software.

Education and Work Experience

1. High School diploma or equivalent
2. Minimum of 5 years catering sales experience, preferably with high volume property.
3. Minimum of 5 years in event planning or related roles
4. Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience.
5. Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in business or related field preferred.