Catering Sales Manager

Benchmark’s company culture is central to our management philosophy. The company’s stated purpose is “to provide an entrepreneurial environment where determined people dare to create, share, and build futures.

To be the “benchmark” by which all others are judged takes passion, courage, and dedication. We invite you to explore our extraordinary offering of unique opportunities, all with a common goal of providing an unforgettable journey.

Job Description Summary:

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for selling, planning and managing group business for all weddings, social catering groups, family groups and birthday party events while maximizing the banquet space to meet/exceed sales goals.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

This position solicits, negotiates and books new/repeat business by via outside sales calls, telemarketing, mailings, networking, etc.
This position is responsible for coordinating services for clients and in-house guests. Additionally, this position will have knowledge of administrative and sales support. These responsibilities may include: respond to client calls and special requests and obtain final details, dates, times, and hotel room and meeting room requirements; administrative duties such as typing proposals, letters, contracts, etc.; coordinate outside vendor services needs where appropriate; and follow-up with client to ensure that arrangements meet their needs. 
This position may also perform other duties as assigned.

•  Responsible for sales, planning and management of specific social groups such as weddings, holiday parties, social birthday gatherings of all ages, anniversary celebrations, corporate dinners and special family events requiring coordination with resort operations.
• Gains understanding of the resort’s primary target customer and service expectations; serves customer by understanding their business, business issues and concerns, to offer better business solutions both prior to and during the program/event.   
• Executes exemplary customer service to drive customer satisfaction and loyalty by assisting the customer and ensuring their satisfaction before and during their program/event. 
• Serves the customer by understanding their needs and recommending the appropriate features and services that best meet their needs and exceed their expectations, while building a continuing relationship and loyalty to Benchmark. 
• Provides accurate, complete and effective details and information to Resort Operations.
• Coordinate outside vendor services where appropriate, such as specialty linens, chairs, tents, etc…
• Conduct site visits of the property and discuss potential business opportunities with the client.
• Carry out the policies and procedures of Benchmark Hospitality International at Stonewall Resort while maintaining the highest degree of professionalism and teamwork atmosphere as per standards of service. 
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality in regard to all resort matters.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel
• Proficient with Microsoft Word
• Proficient with Delphi Sales Information System
• Perform all duties in a professional manner and in accordance with company policies
• Maintain a flexible work schedule to include weekends and evenings as resort business levels dictate.
• Follow all safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment. 
• Sets a positive example for guest relations.
• Interacts with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels; effectively responds to and handles guest problems and complaints.
• Attends pre- and post-convention meetings to understand group needs, obtain feedback on quality of product (e.g., rooms, meeting facilities and equipment, food and beverage), service levels and overall satisfaction.
• Observes service behaviors of associates and provides feedback to individuals and/or managers; continuously strives to improve service performance.
• Reviews event satisfaction survey, guest satisfaction survey and comment cards results to understand level of guest satisfaction; continuously strives to improve service performance.
• Continuously focused on improving guest satisfaction to create customer loyalty and increase market share.
• Ability to work in a busy atmosphere and manage multiple priorities while maintaining excellent customer service.
• Knowledge of general resort operating procedures and duties and capabilities of each department.
• Provide assistance in other job classifications as deemed necessary by the Director of Sales and Marketing .

General Requirements

Requirements of the position include a thorough knowledge of the practices and procedures of the catering, food & beverage and hospitality professions; effective communication skills, and the ability to negotiate, influence and sell professionals and/or prospective hotel guests.

• Advanced Microsoft Word and Excel skills required.
• Previous project management experience required.
• Must be able to prioritize multiple tasks and be flexible to meet changing needs of the Catering Department.
• Outgoing personality and professional demeanor.
• Must live in the local area or within commuting distance.