Catering Sales Manager

The AVENUE CROWNE PLAZA CHICAGO DOWNTOWN  MAGNIFICENT MILE, has an immediate opening for a top and talented CATERING SALES MANAGER!!  We are looking for proven hospitality professional with 3+ years experience.  The ideal candidate is an energetic professional with demonstrated success in hotel catering sales management for large full-service upscale hotel in downtown Chicago market.

Come make a difference while growing your career with established nationwide hotel management company!!

***EXCELLENT BENEFITS - health, dental, matching 401k, +++!

In this creative role, your focus will be F&B, meetings, events, and catering sales for the hotel.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Follow up on leads and oversee catering events.
• Book catering functions and assist with the development of menus.
• Develop a target sales and marketing plan with focus on catering functions.
• Participate in 30-60-90 day forecasting, coordinate in-house sales promotions and associate functions, and help with budgets.
• Coordinate and communicate catering details to management.
• Maintain detailed records and up sell to improve revenue generation.
• Greet clients and be available during functions for consultation.
• Assist with site reviews and conduct client exit interviews to solidify repeat business and evaluate results.
• Maintain professionalism while responding to guest requests, complaints, or questions.
• Effectively develop and manage relationships with key accounts.

• 3+ years in catering and sales management, preferable full-service hotel in downtown Chicago. 
• College degree in sales, hospitality management, or similar, preferred.
• Forecasting experience and able to develop management reports, presentations, and statistical reports.
• Proven success with leading and directing a team and closing sales.
• Creativity with passion for food and events!
• Attention to details with excellent follow up, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Must have a comprehensive knowledge of hotel departments, functions, and interdependencies.
• Able to implement compliance with applicable Federal, state, and local health, safety, and legal regulations.
• Flexible schedule required to accommodate client needs and assist with events.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  Multilingual a plus.
• Represent the hotel in professional manner with community, vendors, customers, and staff.

**LOCAL candidates with experience in downtown Chicago market, preferred.

The AVENUE CROWNE PLAZA CHICAGO DOWNTOWN - Magnificent Mile, is a stunningly contemporary luxury boutique hotel offering exquisite views of downtown in 350 studio and one-bedroom suites.  We are just steps from the Magnificent Mile's trendy shopping, dining, and entertainment and walking distance to many of Chicago's attractions, museums, and landmarks like Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, John Hancock Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Oak Street Beach and Chicago Theater.  We offer a business center, fitness center, rooftop pool and lounge, the Elephant and Castle Pub, wifi, kid-friendly rooms with video games and toys, and over 18,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting/event space including 14 versatile event spaces with breathe-taking city and lake views and our elegant Grand Ave Ballroom.  We are perfect for both business or leisure stays and meetings or special events!  For more information, please visit: www.avenuehotelchicago.com

DRIFTWOOD HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT (DHM) is one of the nation's leading hotel management and development companies.  We are recognized as an innovative industry leader!  Our portfolio of properties range from resorts to extended stay, award winning brands to boutique, pet friendly to green certified.

GREAT BENEFITS:

• Medical (with Basic Life, AD&D, and LTD - no additional cost!)
• Dental and Vision Benefits – eligible 1st of month following hire!
• Prescription
• 401(k) Retirement Savings with company match!
• Voluntary Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life and Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Flexible Spending Plans
• Hotel Lodging Programs & Discounts
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave Programs
• Cross-Property and/or Brand Training and Transfers!
• Bonus Plans!

This position is BONUS eligible!

For more information, visit: www.driftwoodhospitality.com

APPLY ONLINE with your resume, cover letter, CURRENT SALARY, and SALARY REQUIREMENTS. 

EEO.  We are proud to be an EEO/AA/M/F/D/V employer.