Catering Sales Manager

SUMMARY:

Responsible for increasing revenue through the development of Catering business. Primarily driving catering sales through incoming inquiries and active solicitation of new business. The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for selling, planning, coordination and execution of all catering events, to include specifically weddings and receptions. S/he is responsible for the event supervision by communicating with other departments and ensuring the accuracy of event details. S/he will assist Hilton Garden Inn Houston Energy Corridor in elevating and maintaining Hilton Garden Inn Houston Energy Corridor guest services standards.

The Catering Sales Manager will always conduct them self in manner which supports the guiding principles of the Hotel:

Acts with the highest ethical standards, treating others fairly & with respect.

Empower a diverse group of talented and prepared people.

Nurture lasting relationships with investors, customers and team members

Achieve optimum investment performance.

Focus on Continuous improvement of quality assets and services.

Consistently work to balance our lives and contribute positively to our communities.

The Catering Sales Manager shall strive to provide exceptional service to both internal and external guests at all times. S/he will be responsible for exemplifying the Hilton Garden Inn Houston Energy Corridor Culture as well as promoting Hilton Garden Inn Houston Energy Corridor as both the Destination and Employer of Choice!

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Proactively solicit and secure new business through networking, solicitation, site inspections and outbound sales calls.
• Participate in association events, trade shows, conventions and promotional events with the target market.
• Maintain relationships with assigned accounts through regular sales calls, client entertainment, site inspections and consistent follow up. (using traces in SalesPro)
• Consistently achieve established catering revenue goals as outlined
• Proactively pursue sales activities on weekly basis to align with achieving monthly budget, individual and team goals.
• Secure new accounts in the assigned market segment to contribute to enhancing, maximizing and maintaining a healthy portfolio of accounts.
• Maintain appropriate relationships files on each account
• Respond in a timely manner to client requests to ensure proposals and contracts meet the hotel requirements.
• Prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly and annual reports (ie: action plans, goals and forecasts on groups)
• Maintain business relationships with existing accounts for repeat groups
• Attend departmental and hotel meetings as required
• Has a network of individuals in the industry to gain understanding of new trends and competitive set
• Maximize catering revenues through specialized menus to groups and up selling at all times.
• Maintain detailed files with signed Catering Agreements and BEO's for all catering and group events booked, ensuring minimum revenues are met.
• Assisting in organize all details of the BEO ensuring all arrangements are confirmed and communicated to the Banquet Department, Chef, Food and Beverage Manager.
• Assist in coordinating specifics of the BEO and any special needs of the client with all department heads through pre-convention reports and meetings. Attend BEO meetings when necessary.
• Meet and greet customer on-site to ensure guest satisfaction
• Understand, maintain and demonstrate the 5 fundamental principles of: Sound Judgment, Integrity, Dependability, Connect, and Initiative.
• Complete additional duties as requested by Director of Sales.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the Catering Sales Manager. He or she will be required to follow other instructions and perform other work-related duties requested by his or her supervisor.

Our Company:

American Liberty Hospitality is a Houston based hospitality company with ownership interests and operation agreements on various hotel and resort ventures primarily in the Southwest region, including several new Hilton Garden Inns, a new award-winning Embassy Suites product, a golf resort in Louisiana and various other brands..

The company is a performance driven, success focused, goal-oriented organization, where passionate, competent and focused individuals are given the tools, guidance and techniques to make a difference. Based in Houston, Texas ALH operates hotels across the region. It maintains programs offering excellent starting wage, benefits and travel discounts with the opportunity for growth.

• Minimum of 2 years experience in a hotel/resort catering sales or conference services position
• Bachelors degree preferred
• Proficient with PMS and sales management systems
• Advanced knowledge of brand's loyalty program
• Computer literacy, Microsoft Office and financial management a must
• Able to deal with internal and external customers , some of whom require high level of patience, tact and diplomacy identify need and appropriate catering and event accommodations
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and customers
• Able to make sound business decisions and take action quickly based on previous experience and good judgment.
• Knowledge of hotel operations, including marketing plans, food and beverage, preparation of business plans, and sales management
• Command of the English language, both written and oral