Catering Sales Manager

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Job Description Summary

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is seeking a passionate and results-driven Catering Sales Manager to lead our wedding sales efforts. Our ocean-facing resort offers the perfect canvas for dream weddings-and we're looking for a professional who knows how to turn that potential into unforgettable celebrations. If you thrive in a dynamic hospitality environment, love love, and have a flair for event design and client service, this is your moment.

Job Overview: Develop business through direct sales solicitation; secure new accounts, maintain existing and execute tactical sales plans strategy to maximize the profitability of the hotel while maintaining guest satisfaction. Oversee client functions to ensure customer satisfaction.

Job Description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Proactively sell and book wedding events, including ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and bridal showers

• Manage client relationships from initial inquiry through the post-event follow-up, ensuring a seamless and exceptional experience

• Conduct on-site tours with prospective clients and craft customized proposals and event packages

• Collaborate with the culinary, banquet, and operations teams to plan and execute flawless weddings

• Meet and exceed sales goals and revenue targets specific to the weddings segment

• Maintain accurate records in the resort's CRM and booking systems

• Represent the resort at bridal shows, networking events, and industry mixers

• Stay up to date on wedding trends and contribute to marketing strategies targeting wedding clientele

• Establish client base of individuals, organizations, associations, social, and/or corporate businesses through direct outside and inside selling 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.

• Produce monthly sales-related reports and sales forecasts for assigned area of responsibility

• 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 clients' requirements and hotels standards. Ensure appropriate personnel correct deficiencies.

• 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. Procedures monthly sales-related reports and sales forecasts for assigned area of responsibility.

• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments. Key departmental contacts include all hotel departments.

• 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.

• Interact with outside contacts:

• Guests - to ensure their total satisfaction

• Airlines, wholesalers, corporate accounts, travel 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 implementing sales plans. May also participate in 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.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Minimum 2-4 years of experience in catering sales or event planning, preferably in the luxury resort or hospitality sector
• CWP preferred, but not necessary
• Proven track record in booking and executing weddings or social events
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in sales software, CRM platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work weekends and evenings as needed for events and client meetings
• Frequently standing up or moving within and outside the facility
• Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 25lbs
• Handling objects
• Bending, stooping, kneeling
• 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.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the essential nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be ALL responsibilities or qualifications of the job.

Sonesta Resort is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Additional Job Information/Anticipated

Pay Range

The Catering Sales Manager position is Bonus Plan Eligible

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts
• Hospital Indemnity
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance

Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered.