Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Proactively solicit and qualify new and existing business through sales calls, trade shows, promotions and inbound inquiries to achieve personal and hotel revenue goals
- Manage client relationships by drafting proposals and contracts, responding to inquiries, and organizing all event arrangements from setup to execution
- Develop new client partnerships while nurturing existing relationships (evenings and weekends as required)
- Communicate with clients to ensure all event details are accurate, complete and on time, using sound judgment to balance client satisfaction and hotel profitability
- Conduct site inspections and maintain expert knowledge of all meeting and function spaces
- Ensure events run seamlessly by following established procedures and collaborating closely with other departments
- Prepare and distribute accurate, timely Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) with all required information
- Direct meeting and catering logistics across all departments and team members responsible for event execution
- Communicate all special needs and requests to the responsible team members to ensure every requirement is met
- Resolve client concerns related to pricing, menus, banquet facilities and seating arrangements
- Identify operational challenges early and work with the client and team to develop solutions
- Keep the sales and catering system current with event details and client communication
- Ensure billing accuracy by reviewing bills with clients before final processing
- Follow up after every event to confirm guest satisfaction and build repeat business
- Respond to and resolve guest concerns and complaints
- Attend in-house meetings and complete administrative duties as required
Minimum Qualifications and Skills
- 4 to 5 years of catering sales, sales or event planning experience in a hotel environment
- Post-secondary diploma or degree in hotel or hospitality management or event planning
- Strong understanding of food and menu creation
- Proven sales, negotiation, closing and upselling skills
- Customer service-oriented, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Self-motivated and detail-oriented, with strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Available to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
