Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Catering Manager to originate catering bookings through solicitation of new business and rebooking of past business to achieve prescribed goals. Coordinate the success of conference meeting business as assigned. Assist in implementing and administering the pre-planning and actual conference of group business. Ensure that all departments are coordinated to achieve the goal of a successful conference for the guest and the hotel. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in catering sales, is familiar with hospitality, and has exceptional leadership skills to ensure the highest level of customer service and services provided. This role requires a passion for sales and the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously while maintaining quality and efficiency.
Essential Functions:
- Ensure Financial Results are achieved in the Sales/Marketing department. These results include but are not limited to the following:
- Originate catering bookings through solicitation of new business and rebooking of past business to achieve established goals
- Recommend hotel products and services based on event goals
- Upsell hotel offerings to clients where applicable
- Meet the individual and team goals and objectives of the catering department
- Establish or adhere to credit policy (establish credit, receive deposits and final payments)
- Ensures Operating Results are achieved in the Sales/Marketing department. These results include but are not limited to the following:
- Assist in the coordination of all conference needs and requirements, including meal functions/menus, meeting room arrangements, exhibits, guest housing, and any special requests and responding to customer with appropriate pricing
- Coordinate event space assignments against contracted space, confirming agenda.
- Work with DOSE on pricing and options for menu requests outside of published menus
- Review program file during turn-over process in order to accept the assignment of executing the function
- Review meeting room set-ups prior to the start of each function to verify accuracy· Schedule and facilitate pre-conference meetings
- Ensure accurate post event information is clearly documented in sales system
- Provide welcome upon arrival for event delegates
- Connect with the point of contact responsible for booking the group (while members are still in the hotel), and either re-books the group or uncovers their future meeting plans
- Responsible for VIP arrivals with appropriate letters, gifts, amenities etc.
- Liaison between primary delegates and operations team
- Meets established timelines relating to distribution of event details
- Ability to multi-task, follow through and re-prioritize well to meet deadlines.
- Assists in handling calls for sales office
- Office procedures which include but are not limited to: preparing proposals, letters, BEO’s, lost business reports, thank-you notes and follow-up
- Distributing comprehensive reports upon completion of group
- Completion of personal month end reports
- Other duties as assigned
- Positively impacts hotel environment:
- Conducts self in a professional manner at all times and adheres to the Holiday Inn Portland-Columbia Riverfront grooming policies
- Ability to communicate and develop an effective working relationship with fellow associates, managers, outside representatives
- Complies with all policies and procedures set forth by the Holiday Inn Portland-Columbia Riverfront Employee Handbook
Qualifications:
Position requires a minimum of 3 years hotel sales experience. A college degree is preferred. Other requirements include:
- Knowledge of restaurant and hotel operations
- Knowledge of banquet facilities including room sets, audio/visual equipment, room capacities, fire codes, etc.
- Knowledge of yield management
- Working knowledge of Windows, Word, Excel
- Knowledge with Delphi FDC preferred
- Attention to detail in all areas of responsibility including correspondence, reports and daily organization
- Effective communicator
- Excels in a fast paced environment with ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to work with a minimum of supervision
- Team player
- Ability to read and follow both verbal and written instructions
