Sales Representative, Banquets & Catering

The Banquet Sales Representative is responsible for generating growth and increasing sales revenue related to all catered/banquet venue spaces within The Park & Zoo. This includes developing new clients within market segments via sales calls, telephone, on-site meetings and tours, and maintains and enhances the existing customer base. The Banquet Sales Representative is responsible for selling, booking, monitoring and processing payments for catered/banquet revenue events held on APC’s properties. Bookings are made via telephone, on-line via the website, through email/fax and in-person. This position is responsible for following up with potential and current clients for accurately recording all required information in the Park Hospitality software program and for achieving the sales target by venue.

The Banquet Sales Representative must demonstrate a professional level of interpersonal and communication skills including written and oral communication skills. This position requires attention to detail and the ability to organize workflow, establish priorities and maintain confidentiality with a high degree of accuracy. A thorough knowledge of all facilities and greenspaces is necessary in order to provide accurate pricing and information.

The incumbent must be flexible, with the ability to problem solve and adapt to changes quickly, operate within time sensitive deadlines, and handle multiple clients demands with a high degree of professionalism. The Banquet Sales & Catering Representative must work flexible hours as required in order to coordinate and execute events, including evenings and weekends.

Key Accountabilities

Sales and Service

• Serve as first point of contact for all new catered/banquet clients.
• Interact directly with clients to address inquiries, understand client event needs and book event spaces or venues.
• Increase catered/banquet event bookings across all market segments including corporate, social and associations.
• Manage key accounts on a regular basis to increase revenue streams.
• Follows up on any leads that are generated, within 24 hours.
• Conduct site venue visits/tours with potential and current clients.
• Maintain response time standards set out by the General Manager, Banquets & Catering of Assistant General Manager, Sales & Catering for communication via phone and email.
• Maintain a database of clients and be aware of the preferences as well as their current and future needs for events.
• Diarize and perform regularly scheduled outbound sales calls to corporate clients to obtain new and repeat business as planned by General Manager, Banquets & Catering.
• Represents Park Hospitality through networking with existing and potential clients, including attending various events and tradeshows.
• Follow up with all clients post-event to ensure satisfaction and explore possible re-booking.
• Negotiate event pricing and event planning in accordance with Park Hospitality’s rental rates and services with the goal of maximizing revenue returns in accordance with the business plan.
• Monitors achievement of personal sales action plan through completion of sales reports as requires

Event Coordination 

• Interact directly with clients to obtain the booking details.
• Enter all details accurately into Park Hospitality software programs to maintain CRM database and to produce contracts and invoices.
• Prepare and send all necessary documentation to clients/stakeholders.
• Maintains close liaison, communication and interaction with Catering Coordinators.

Event Support

• Contact and/or communicate with other departments regarding logistics of event and provide necessary information to ensure proper event execution.
• Ensure clients are aware of all Park & Zoo policies and conditions of use.
• Make recommendations to improve policies and processes that will increase customer satisfaction.
• Attends and participates in various meetings, as required.
• Conduct post event follow up with client to ensure satisfaction, repeat bookings, referrals, testimonials.

General Duties

• Adhere and comply with all Compass & Park Hospitality policies, safety regulations and safe work practices that will ensure a safe work environment.
• Maintain a professional image while working and provide extraordinary experiences to our park visitors while performing daily work activities.
• Demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain positive and inclusive relationships with co-workers, volunteers, and visitors.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of equity and diversity, and proven ability to work effectively with a diverse population.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Required Education, Training, Licenses and Certifications

• A high school diploma and/or GED equivalent.
• Certificate or diploma in Event Management/Planning or Marketing is considered an asset.
• Must possess a valid Manitoba Class 5 Driver’s License.
• Ability to gain proficiency in the use and operation of audio-visual equipment.

Required Experience

• Minimum 3 years sales experience.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule when required.
• Must have knowledge of catering/banquet services.
• Excellent proficiency with computer programs including Microsoft Office software and a demonstrated aptitude for quickly learning new software programs.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.