Sales & Catering Manager

ExplorUS; Oglesby (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Plans

Paid Time Off

401k Program

Life Insurance

Disability Coverage

Reward & Recognition Program

Site Discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Starved Rock Lodge is seeking a results-driven Sales & Events leader to oversee the Sales, Banquets, and Activities departments. You will actively sell, plan and coordinate group events, and manage budgets and vendor relationships.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor degree in Sales or Business Management and at least five years in sales or hospitality. Illinois Licenses listed are required. This role offers opportunity in a scenic, park-side setting with a strong team culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Sales or Business Management preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Sales or Hospitality.
• Illinois Food Manager License and related certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Sales, Banquets, and Activities and actively sell.
• Direct and coordinate sales activities for groups and events.
• Prepare event sales budgets and projections; approve expenditures.
• Develop and implement a sales strategy to drive occupancy and revenue.

Skills

Sales skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor Degree in Sales/Business Management

Job description

Come work in the most scenic area in Illinois, Starved Rock Lodge, nestled in beautiful Starved Rock State Park, which hosts 2.5 million visitors every year. Join our amazing team of associates working in our historic lodge, charming log cabins, beautiful retail gift stores or award-winning restaurant among the trees, canyons, and waterfalls of the park. Whether you are looking for an entry-level hospitality position or simply want to enhance your professional skills, we are the employer who believes in providing amazing associate experiences. Come join our talented team and begin your next adventure!

Summary of Position:

Responsible for effectively overseeing the Sales, Banquets, and Activities departments and having an active selling role.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, execute, and oversee sales, banquets, and activities related to group events
• Direct and coordinate sales activities as it relates to groups and events
• Prepare event sales budgets and projections and approve expenditures
• Track and analyze sales statistics based on key quantitative metrics
• Make data-informed decisions to drive performance and resource allocation
• Identify emerging markets to find new sales opportunities
• Oversee event menu development in collaboration with Executive Chef
• Develop and foster positive relationships with key customers, third-party vendors, and referral list vendors
• Manage logistics of vendor set-up for events
• Utilize sales and marketing practices to drive client acquisition to meet goals
• Assist with event coordination, including banquet event orders
• Work closely with the marketing department to manage invitation schedules, event collateral, social campaigns, and website updates
• Develop and promote programs to attract high room night occupancy with a shift as it increases
• Develop a calendar for one year in advance with 52 weeks of programs/workshops, so guests are enticed to book early
• Attend reoccurring meetings with the sales team and General Manager
• As requested, create marketing-related recaps and reports for assigned locations. Develop highly organized material of all event and group marketing resources such as metrics, plans, events, details, photos, and videos
• Manage a team of 25-30 individuals in different roles for Sales, Banquets, and Activities departments
• Serve clients in a friendly and courteous manner and set a good example for visitors and fellow employees
• Represent the company in a professional manner; when customer-facing, always maintain a well-groomed appearance
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Position Requirements:

• Illinois Food Manager License
• Illinois Basset Certification
• Illinois Food Allergen Certification
• Ability to set sales targets and achieve them effectively
• Strong analytical skills to identify trends and sales patterns
• Ability to design and implement a successful sales strategy
• Planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills
• Advanced time management skills
• Customer-focused mindset and ability to maintain enthusiasm and project a positive company image
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with heavy multi-tasking
• Creative, organized, and detail-oriented
• Excellent customer relation skills, written and oral communication skills, and the ability to make independent decisions
• Strong sales skills with a positive attitude and a strong desire to make the sale without coming across as aggressive
• Demonstrated discretion, good judgement, tactfulness, and diplomacy
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Must be able to physically withstand excessive standing, walking, and regularly lifting and carrying up to 45 lbs.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor Degree in Sales, Business Management, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in the Sales or Hospitality field

Pay Range:

$50,000 - $65,000

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
• Paid Time Off
• 401k Program
• Life Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Reward & Recognition Program
• Site Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, and all other status protected by law.