Catering & Convention Services Manager

Sheraton Dallas Hotel by the Galleria
Dallas, TX

JOB SUMMARY

Solicit, book, plan and coordinate meetings/functions while maximizing the banquet space to meet/exceed sales goals. Utilize prospecting skills and strong business sense to consistently exceed catering revenue goals. Report all Catering activities to the Director of Catering Sales or Director of Sales & Marketing. Enliven the Westmont Standards within the Department and the hotel. Support all Corporate and hotel initiatives as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

This description is a summary of primary responsibilities and qualifications. The job description is not intended to include all duties or qualifications that may be required now or in the future. The Hotel operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so operational demands require variations in shift days, starting times, and hours worked in a week.

BUSINESS RESULTS

  • Responsible for all sales-related activities, including prospecting for new group opportunities, respond to incoming leads from various channels (Cvent, Marriot GSO, etc.), conduct site visits, client appointments, outside sales calls and industry events for all potential catering/meeting groups.
  • Solicit, negotiate, and book new and repeat business through efforts (sales calls, telemarketing, mailings, networking, etc.) while maximizing banquet space to meet/exceed revenue goals.
  • Execute a territorial marketing strategy to capture the maximum amount of revenue and meet/exceed sales goals.
  • This position will contract local catering and meeting events that do not have guest rooms, or request no more than 9 rooms on peak night.
  • This position will provide all details (BEO's, group resumes, etc.) for group events contracted by the group sales managers and their own bookings.
  • Closes the best opportunities for the hotel based on market conditions and hotel needs.
  • Understands competitors’ strengths and weaknesses and knows how to sell against them.
  • Uses negotiating skills and creative selling abilities to close on business and negotiate contracts.
  • Effectively develops relationships within community to strengthen and expand customer base for catering sales opportunities.
  • Effectively manages and develops relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ensures a high level of customer satisfaction.
  • Builds and strengthens relationships with existing and new customers to include sales calls (to include outside sales calls), prospecting/solicitation calls, entertainment, bridal shows, etc.
  • Effectively use sales resources and administrative/support staff.
  • Conducts site inspections.
  • Possesses strong overall sales skills.
  • Understands contract management and legalities.
  • Possesses operational knowledge and/or appreciation of operations challenges.
  • Is knowledgeable of food trends, food and beverage composition, and menu planning. Exercises creativity in designing catering sales solutions.
  • Understands need time strategy as developed by the Revenue Management Team (i.e. Director of Sales & Marketing and Director of Catering Sales).
  • Follows all Free Sell guidelines as specified by the Director of Catering Sales & Director of Sales & Marketing.
  • Follows all sales strategy as specified by the Director of Catering Sales & Director of Sales & Marketing.
  • Understands and achieves team and individual goals.
  • Possess software and systems knowledge (Microsoft Office, CI/YT etc.).
  • Participate in communication and professional organizations to maintain high visibility and promote sales.
  • Due to the nature of the business the individual may be required to do other duties and special projects as assigned by the supervisor.
  • ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNER
  • Actively pursues learning and self-development to enhance personal, professional, and business growth; shares learning; demonstrates depth of knowledge in technical or specialized areas.
  • Acts independently to improve and increase skills and knowledge.
  • Demonstrates an awareness of personal strengths and areas for professional improvement.
  • Shares learning, innovations, and best practices with others.
  • Is willing to learn from others.
  • Performs all technical/procedural requirements of the job.
  • KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
  • Experience
  • 2 or more years of hotel catering experience or similar industry
  • Proven track record of a consistent ability to provide quality service
  • Skills and Knowledge
  • Strong verbal and written English communication skills
  • Knowledge of the Hotel, Westmont and brand policies and procedures
  • Knowledge of catering, food & beverage with banquet knowledge
  • Skills needed to manage the people and variables encountered in the development and implementation of major functions
  • Computer literate in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Strong communication skills (verbal, listening, writing)
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Strong customer and associate relations skills
  • Strong presentation and platform skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Strong “closing skills”
  • Strong ‘persuasion” skills
  • Ability to use standard software applications and hotel system
  • Effective decision-making skills
  • Effective influence skills
  • Sheraton Dallas Hotel by the Galleria

    Hotel with 317 Rooms

    Spacious Dallas hotel rooms next to the Galleria

    Explore the heart of North Dallas, Texas, when you stay at this upscale hotel near the Galleria in Dallas. Our hotel offers an ideal location in Farmers Branch, TX, near Dallas Love Field Airport and within walking distance of the upscale Galleria Dallas. Enjoy easy access to popular attractions in downtown Dallas, as well as numerous Fortune 500 companies within North Dallas. Embark on hassle-free travels when you use our complimentary shuttle service to popular restaurants and bars in Farmers Branch. Retreat to spacious Dallas hotel rooms and suites with luxury bedding, ergonomic work areas, high-speed Wi-Fi and bottled water. When hunger strikes, visit our on-site restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner. During downtime, work out at our 24-hour fitness center and swim in our outdoor pool. Hosting a business or social event during your trip? Reserve one of our flexible meeting rooms. Find everything you need for a successful stay in Texas at Sheraton Dallas Hotel by the Galleria.