OVERVIEW

Working within the Catering Sales team, this position has the responsibility for responding to all banqueting & events enquiries without accommodation in order to maximize revenue & utilization of meeting space, working to ensure, at a minimum, delivery of budgeted revenues. The Catering Sales Manager will manage and convert all business, including contracting, and the actual operating of the function in addition to managing the function diary inventory. The Catering Sales Manager must demonstrate high energy levels & provide consistently high levels of customer service, in accordance with W Standards & Programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Processes & Procedures:

• Conduct site inspections for prospect, tentative event and catering business
• Compile contracts, be ready to negotiate clauses, calculate cancellation and attrition policies that guarantee the reception of the event revenue on time. Assisted by the DoCS.
• Ensure the standard W template of responses is used and that enquiry handling follows the EAME Divisional Event Enquiry handling guidelines
• Responsible for the organization of small-scale events and short-term enquiries.
• Manage the wedding planning from start to finish, guiding and advising, until the coordination of the wedding.
• Ensure correct timeline for response back to client is defined by client expectations, which will vary for each request and must be confirmed with client at time of enquiry. (Standard response time is within 24 hours of receiving enquiry)
• Identify operational limitations and sell only what we advertise and can effectively manage operationally
• Work closely with the Group Sales team to action enquiries and convert business.
• Maximize revenue by managing minimum consumptions depending on the dates
• Participate in trainings and other sales-related meetings as required
• To ensure that all enquiries are entered into and reviewed on Recaps in order to review suitability of business.
• Creation of BEOS, to effectively communicate to all the hotel departments the information necessary to successfully execute the event's needs while maintaining a good client relationship.
• Follow up on deposits due as well as ensure 100% pre-payment is done before the arrival.
• Participate as a team player with all departments

Departmental liaison:

• To provide all requested credit information to credit manager including timely communication to client of credit policy, receipt of signed contract and deposit
• Attend events briefings providing accurate updates on details of bookings and enquiries
• To attend weekly catering sales meeting chaired by the DoCS
• To ensure tentative business block information is updated on a continuous basis & provide accurate updates to the DoCS
• Ensure regular updates in Opera on specific bookings within the appropriate timeframe are provided in order to assist in accurate forecasting

Self-Management:

• Take responsibility & be empowered to make decisions in quoting for business, adhering to the pre-set strategic guidelines using tools available.
• Effectively manage time ensuring the completion of all pre-set tasks on a daily basis.
• To participate in departmental and Marriott courses as required
• Ensure site inspections are conducted in a methodical fashion adhering to the core standards of the department
• Participate in annual Engagement survey
• Must demonstrate an awareness of the importance of body language in communication and interaction with others
• Be involved in the ESS surveys and take part in special projects as directed by the DOCS and DOS

Specific job knowledge, skills and abilities

• Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace
• Proven luxury hotel sales experience.
• Analytical capabilities
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written in Spanish and English
• Good organizational skills: has the ability to prioritize tasks and to manage the workload by her/his own initiative
• Enjoys working as part of a team
• Must possess computer skills, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel. Good knowledge of Opera Sales & Catering & PMS systems

Hours:

The typical working days of the Catering Sales Coordinator should be from 09.00 AM to 17.00 PM from Monday to Friday, but are flexible according to evening events taking place in the hotel and on events and wedding business.