Catering Sales Manager

ASM Global has an excellent and immediate opening for a full time, Catering Sales Manager, with ASM Global Knoxville. As the world’s leading venue management company and producer of live event experiences, ASM Global is the preeminent management and content partner with over 350 venues worldwide. Operating and investing in the world’s most important stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and theaters requires unmatched dedication and the most profound expertise. Through investments in growth, resources, and technology we strive to enhance the experience of our internal Team Members and to continue creating amazing live experiences for the guests that we serve.

This position is responsible for taking the lead role in soliciting, booking & planning all local one-day Food & Beverage Events and planning of Concessions Only Events.  The position will also gather and detail all food and beverage and logistics components of these events to execute them successfully.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assume lead role in soliciting, booking & planning all local, one-day food & beverage events to include weddings, proms, galas, fundraising events & meetings and planning of concessions only events such as sporting events and public shows.
• Develop proposals for potential clients and follow through on potential bookings.
• Generate catering contracts and establish payment arrangements in compliance with Finance Department and venue guidelines.
• Guide clients in preparation for events by interpreting & explaining contract provisions, policies & procedures.
• Keep clients informed as to the status of deadline schedules including, but not limited to, contracts, deposits, insurance requirements, menus, guarantees & other relevant event details.
• Detail all banquet event orders, concessions event orders, resumes, floor plans and cost estimates for assigned groups.
• Obtain client signature on contracts, banquet event/concessions event orders and cost estimates.
• Finalize & distribute all banquet event/concessions event orders, resumes & floor plans to the Events, Finance and Food & Beverage staff at least two (2-3) weeks prior to the event.
• Coordinate activities & schedules with the various service contractors/vendors for assigned events.
• Conduct client site visits & inspections as needed.
• Meet with clients to plan & organize food and beverage and logistics details for assigned events.
• Prepare event budgets, monitor event expenditures, produce revenue projections & monitor final billing.
• Maintain effective communication lines with Event, Operations, Food and Beverage, and Finance Departments.
• Follow-up on client requests, concerns and problems related to event details and escalate as needed to senior management.
• Follow up promptly with customers from first contact till the end of the event.
• Provide on-time service to guarantee client satisfaction.
• Ensure successful events by conducting routine and thorough checks of food standards and quality, room set up, and clients' satisfaction level, before, during and after the event.
• For repeat clients, review past events to keep apprised of event details and clients’ expectations.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external guests.
• Develop and maintain a local customer base.
• Report to the Director of Food and Beverage information on potential sales leads and existing client relations.
• Maintain an active role in the local hospitality community & professional associations.
• Attend appropriate planning, organization and other departmental meetings in support of facility operations.
• Serve as Manager on Duty as required.
• Other duties as assigned.           

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks.

Education and/or Experience         

• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Certification in Hospitality, Event Management, Food & Beverage Management or Related Field Preferred
• Knowledge of Sales and Marketing Principles
• 1-2 Years Experience in Hospitality, Sales or Event Services Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communicator; ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written format to management and staff as well as all types of clients
• Exceptional time management, sales & organizational skil