CATERING SALES MANAGER - WESTIN CRYSTAL CITY

Description

Reports To: Director of Sales, General Manager

Supervises: N/A

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic Sales and Catering Manager to join our team and create memorable experiences for Westin Crystal City at Reagan National Airport guests.

This role is pivotal in driving revenue through strategic sales initiatives, with a focus on social events and multicultural markets. The ideal candidate will have a passion for hospitality and a deep understanding of diverse cultural needs and preferences. This role will be responsible for soliciting, booking and servicing the business and social community, and generating a high profile & quality perception in the catering marketplace.

Key Responsibilities and Job Duties:

• Meet or exceed pre-determined booking goals for covers and revenue; meet or exceed budgeted costs and revenue on a monthly average with the liberty to negotiate as needed on individual functions within established guidelines yet maintaining the overall revenue goals
• Responsible for prompt handling (within the business day) of inquiry calls and monitoring the efficient flow of paperwork relative to confirming function details to the client
• Compiles lists of prospective clients for use as sales leads based on information from newspapers, business directories and other sources
• Solicit new and repeat banquet and meeting business
• Maintain client base of key accounts and conventions
• Determine the guest's needs, space availability, meeting details and food and beverage requirements
• Make outside sales calls to obtain business; also utilize site inspections and on-site luncheons to book business
• Monitor pricing, service levels, facilities and function activities at competitive facilities to ensure the Hotel remains in a competitive position
• Evaluate each potential piece of business for profitability and overall benefit to the Hotel
• Complete coordination of the Catering Sales group functions; accurate and timely preparation of detailed Banquet Event Orders, accurate Banquet Checks, and Group Resumes as necessary to ensure a common quality understanding of what the client is to receive in terms of products and services
• Review function contracts prior to distribution to client and hotel staff
• Follow up on bookings and solicit repeat business
• Represent hotel in community affairs and industry related events
• Provide guest sleeping room accommodation information as needed for groups with less than 10 sleeping rooms per night
• Check function prior to guest arrival and make personal contact with client at the time of function with proper introduction of service staff who will handle the event

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in hotel sales, event management, or a related field, with a focus on social and multicultural events with three to five years’ experience in a similar role.
• Strong understanding of diverse cultural traditions and preferences.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and days of the week based on business needs.
• Willingness to travel for networking and client meetings.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or a related field.

Experience 

• Minimum 2 years hotel sales, event management experience with a focus on social and multicultural events or the equivalent amount of industry experience; OR, equivalent combination of education and work experience.