Franchised Director of Catering Sales

Additional Information: This hotel is owned and operated by an independent franchisee, Meyer Jabara Hotels. The franchisee controls all aspects of the hotel’s employment policies and practices, including the selection and hiring process. If you accept a position at this hotel you will be employed by a franchisee and not by Marriott International.

Position Summary:

We are currently looking for a Director of Catering Sales to join our brilliant team. This person will be responsible for selling, planning, and executing all the meeting, social and wedding events of the banquet space in the Hotel.  This position will report directly to the General Manager and work closely with the Director of Hotel Sales. They will also lead the Catering department staff from prospecting, sales, detailing and smooth execution of events. 

Essential Functions:

• Event Planning & Execution
• Respond to inquiries and leads regarding all types of catering events
• Proactively interact with customers/leads; as a representative of the Hotel, it's important that the Director responds promptly and professionally, whether by phone or email, throughout the entire planning and pre-event process, and creates written communication confirming all details discussed.
• Develop proposals, including menu, rentals, service, creative needs, and contract terms, taking customer's vision and budget into account. Ensures the quotes are correct and helps/supervises to ensure all the details are captured correctly.
• Supervise, Lead and Keep Motivated the Catering Department to oversee all the aspects of events, such as ordering, rentals, finding & managing staff, floral/decor, client/guest interaction, setup & tear down
• Develop tools/aides (checklists, task plans, etc.) to help streamline event planning & execution from start to finish
• Setup weekly BEO meeting with the all the staff in the hotel, to have a smooth execution of events.
• Also confirms event with the customer and make arrangements and gets the proper deposit and payment as per the signed and agreed agreement.
• Must participate in budget creation, and provide sales activity logs and communicate weekly on Catering Activity.
• Business Development
• Research & solicit potential leads for new business.
• Develops networks and relationships with Local Community, Chamber of Commerce, CVB and find avenues to build new business and retain existing business.
• Setup and host tastings/sales presentations at client's location
• Develop and maintain relationships with leads through the entire sales process, and continuing as they become repeat customers.
• Contribute to other marketing efforts, email newsletters, social media, etc.
• Knowledge of CI/TY (Marriott's booking tool) is helpful as is knowledge of Marriott Brand Standards

Education & Experience:

The Position of Director of Catering Sales requires a four year College degree with a preferred degree in Hotel or Restaurant Hospitality. In addition, the Director of Catering Sales should have at least 4 years of catering or sales experience in Hospitality.

Requirements:

• Strong Interpersonal and organizational skills
• Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written)
• Solicitation, negotiation and closing winner
• Attention to detail
• Flexibility with hours
• Report generation and comprehension 
• Marriott CI/TY, Excel, Hotelligence, Word
• Problem solver and decision maker
• Local travel for outside sales calls
• Some overnight travel 
• Multi-tasker with a positive, delighted to please personality
• Proactive planner who executes and delivers results.

This company is an equal opportunity employer.

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