Catering Sales Manager

Job Description Summary

The Catering Sales Manager sets the tone for Sonesta's Culture of Caring. We expect leaders to focus on creating amazing moments for guests, planners, and team members and dig deep to find ways to create success for their team. The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for maximizing Catering Corporate and Social revenues and profits for the hotel. The Catering Sales Manager will uncover new business opportunities, foster client relationships, and ensure the successful execution of events. This position will be based out of the Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown and report to the Area Director of Catering.

Job Description

Job Description

Principle duties and responsibilities (Essential Functions) include:

• Operational/Functional:
  • Provide direction and manage all aspects of the banquet service department in all capacities thereby ensuring top efficiency and high guest satisfaction.
  • Responsible for arranging all food and beverage details for all functions, including linens, table set ups and decorations.
  • Coordinate and supervise the preparation, presentation, buffet set ups, layouts and service of food and beverage products of functions assigned to ensure highest quality at all times.
  • Visually inspect rooms set-ups and equipment to ensure adherence to quality standards.
  • Interview, hire, train, and promote Banquet staff. Provide consistent feedback and recommend disciplinary action when appropriate.
  • Develop and maintain lasting relationships with in-house groups to ensure excellent service and retention of business.
  • Process payroll after each function or event and accurately calculate number of hours worked and gratuity distribution.
  • Coordinate proper execution of food preparation and set up by informing kitchen staff when to start plating dishes etc.
  • Discuss with the Catering and Convention Services Manager all details of events and functions and plans for flawless execution.
  • Review guest satisfaction survey results with employees.
    Ensure all Sonesta safety and sanitation standards are adhered to.
  • Respond to guest complaints and ensure proper follow-up is completed.
  • Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming.
  • Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.
  • Assumes responsibility for the Kitchen in absence of the Executive Chef.
  • Assist in leading the Culinary Department and in providing direction for day to day operations in absence of the Executive Chef.
    o Supervise and coordinate the food preparation and production. Assign specific tasks to the kitchen staff.
  • Monitor payroll, approve timesheets, and process payroll at the end of the pay period for both Banquet/Culinary Team.
  • Assist Executive Chef to conduct regular inventory of food items and equipment.
  • Asist Executive Chef to manage Kitchen department expenses and ensure food cost is reviewed daily.

• Strategy and Planning:
• Prepare weekly work schedules in accordance with staffing guidelines and labor forecast and adjust schedules throughout the week to meet business demands.
• Analyze guest satisfaction data to develop and implement plans to achieve established goals related to guest satisfaction scores.
• Investigate new and improved cleaning instruments and methods.
• Conduct inventories of linen, supplies and equipment as needed.

• Financial Management:
• Achieve budgeted revenues, control labor costs & expenses, and maximize profitability within the Banquet Department.
• Manage staffing levels to ensure that guest service, operational needs and financial objectives are met.
• Enter billing information into POS and generate a final guest check in a timely manner.
• Control liquor costs and manage the banquet beverage inventory.
• Actively participate and advise in the budget and forecasting processes which support the overall objectives of the hotel.

• Managing your Team:
• Attract, retain, and motivate your team to uphold company standards and practices.
• Ensure employees receive proper training applicable to their position and career aspirations in accordance with company policy and/or local laws.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings with staff and review all information pertinent to the day's business.
• Conducts regular department meetings with the Banquet team.
• Monitor, measure, and recognize performance of employees. Assist in the annual performance evaluations.
• Coach team by providing specific feedback to improve knowledge, skills and performance.
• Ensure employees are treated fairly and equitably. Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner.

• Leading with Passion:
• Ensure and provide exceptional customer service.
• Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and corporate office.
• Motive employees to perform to their highest standard and establish a trusting environment to enrich the culture.
• Focus on the mission and well-being of the departments, hotel and company.
• Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect.
• Inspire your team to embrace and demonstrate Sonesta's core values and the guest service standards.

Qualifications and Skills

A candidate for this position must possess the following applicable knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to demonstrate and provide applicable examples to support his/her competency.

• Must have comprehensive knowledge of food and beverage preparations, service standards, guest relations and etiquette.
• Must have the ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Must possess the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Must have the ability to operate various food and beverage equipment present at a function.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Extensive knowledge of hotel and hospitality industry.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Additional Job Description

• Must be able work in a fast-paced environment.
• Majority of work takes place indoors.
• Must be able to tolerate extreme temperatures - i.e. kitchens, freezers.

Physical Demands

• The person in this role may be exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects of up to 25pounds.
• The person in this role will be frequently standing up, bending, climbing, kneeling and moving about the hotel.

Expected Hours of Work

• Must be flexible to work variable days of the week to include weekends and holidays.
• Must be flexible to work variable shifts (days, nights, overnights).
• Ten to twelve hour shifts sometimes required.

Education and Experience

• High school graduate, some college or equivalent.
• Must have a minimum of 2 years' experience in the event management, food and beverage, or related professional area.
• Experience in a hotel or a hospitality-related field preferred.
• Understanding of and previous experience in a union environment a plus.

Additional Job Description

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts

Additional Job Description

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts

Additional Job Description

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts

Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered.