Position Summary

The Senior Catering Sales Manager is responsible for proactively selling and servicing weddings, social and other markets as assigned by Director of Sales and Marketing; responding to leads within agreed time frame, prospecting and soliciting new business, building new client relationships, closing business and managing current clients. Other duties include reviewing contracts, detailing groups as needed, facilitating communication between departments to ensure high level of service. The Senior Catering Manager is a steward of the team building positive team spirit.

What's in it for you…

• Insurance enrollment available from DAY 1!
• Paid time off available from DAY 1!
• Holiday pay available from DAY 1!
• 401(k) enrollment after 30 days!
• Hotel and travel discounts at worldwide destinations!
• Professional development and promotion opportunities!

Essential Duties

• Quick response to all leads with the intent to set up site tours
• Close prospects and move to contract
• Meet with clients to capture catering order specifics, such as menu dishes, dates and times, logistical requirements in regard to tables and chairs.
• Draft and submit the sales contract to client for review, approval and payment.
• Report progress of catering sales to the Director of Sales and Marketing as applicable.
• Ensure operational compliance with health and fire regulations regarding food preparation and serving.
• Coordinate with banquet and culinary departments with detailed event orders.
• Investigate and resolve complaints regarding food quality or service.
• Weekly outside sales calls and site visits.
• Meet due dates for sales and catering processes
• Represent the hotel at expos, conventions, and industry mixers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

• Ability to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives. Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Implements and maintains all policies and procedures.
• Exercises sounds and accurate judgment with regards to decision making in a timely matter.
• Prioritizes and plans work effectively and efficiently.
• Observes and implements all safety and security procedures.
• Ability to meet deadlines with frequent change delays and unexpected events.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and people management skills
• High computer literacy
• Must possess basic ability to analyze bids and understand budgets.
• Superior Communication Skills (written & verbal, including phone skills)
• Sales Software Knowledge - Marriott CI/TY a plus (i.e. CI/TY and Social Tables)
• Professional Demeanor
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, manage time and work well under pressure
• Superior Negotiation Skills - Proven ability to close deals
• Sales Skills - Possesses strong ability to influence and/or persuade buying decisions and to close sales or gain commitment from others; creates good rapport and exhibits the ability to grow and maintain key partnerships.
• Communication - Has both verbal and written skills, to effectively execute meetings and events this includes keeping the appropriate departments informed with EO's and other necessary information; actively listens to extract essential information in order to maximize revenue and execute successful meetings and events.
• Organizational Skills - Ability to determine priority tasks and maintain strong attention to detail..

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management or related field;

2-3 years of similar sales management capacity and Previous hospitality industry experience preferred

Marriott CI/TY and Social Tables experience a plus.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

Illinois Food Handler card.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, for an extended time period. The employee will need to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds without assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees at Ambassador Chicago are made in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression, veteran status, age, FMLA status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state or local statutes

About First Hospitality...

Founded in 1985 and based in Chicago, First Hospitality is a forward-thinking hotel development, investment, and management company. First Hospitality’s strategic vision is to create value for all through excellence and an openness to doing things differently.

First Hospitality seeks to attract and retain a high-performing and diverse workforce in which employee’s differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the customers we serve. FH fosters an inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, flexibility, and fairness. Equal Opportunity Employer.