Catering Sales Manager

The Ameswell Hotel is seeking a passionate and motivated Sales Manager (SMERF & Weddings) We are a company that prides itself on our employees, and we are looking for someone who is equally proud of what they do. This is a challenging yet rewarding position with great opportunities for growth.

The Sales Manager (SMERF & Weddings) is responsible for proactively prospecting, facilitating, and closing group and catering business opportunities. Additionally, they are responsible for special events execution, focusing on multiple markets such as SMERF, Weddings, Tour & Travel, and Associations. Management-level associates are expected to work as much of each workday as is necessary to complete their job responsibilities; for OEM associates’ overtime does apply and is calculated accordingly.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish SMERF (Social, Sports, Military, Educational, Entertainment, Religious and Fraternal), Tour & Travel, and Wedding client base of individuals, organizations, associations, and social business through direct outside and inside selling to secure business for the Ameswell Hotel to ensure revenue goals have been met or exceeded.

• Provide competitive market intelligence in SMERF segments

• Schedule and host site inspection appointments for upcoming social events, weddings, rehearsals, and receptions.

• Coordinate weddings with places of worship, vendors, music, and facilities.

• Negotiate and execute group contracts that meet or exceed hotel revenue and incentive goals

• Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all departmental policies/service procedures/standards

• Provide effective written communication to the hotel operations team regarding onsite groups and events

• Effectively utilize hotels' Group Rooms Control (GRC) reports for recording group opportunities to measure YOY performance and determine need periods when it may be necessary to adjust strategies to drive more SMERF group revenues

• Identify operational problems that impact the effectiveness of overall sales performance and work closely with appropriate Departments on solutions

• Cultivate collaborative, mutually supportive relationships with and among customers, as well as the Ameswell Hotel community, sales office, and hotel staff

• Adhere to the hotel's sales guidelines and book profitable business based on needs and times

• Create, implement, and monitor short and long-range sales strategies for SMERF segments to optimize revenue and profitability

• Ensure group account base room night potential is identified and solicited in a timely manner

• Arrange and conduct special events, site inspections, and off-site presentations for potential clients

• Maintain client files and update information daily in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures

• Follow up with clients regularly during and after departure to ensure satisfaction and secure future bookings

• Assist in developing and implementing sales plan and activities

• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments

• Participate in local networking organizations, wedding shows, community, and industry events while representing the Ameswell Hotel in a professional manner

• Perform other duties as assigned

• Meet with clients to understand needs.

• Work with local venues that deal with SMERF business (churches, sporting complexes, etc.) and establish relationships.

• Identify opportunities to cross-sell and up-sell services to optimize total revenue potential and guest experience.

• The individual will be responsible for effectively servicing clients/groups and maintaining the contracted food and beverage minimum.

• The SMERF Sales Manager will work in conjunction with the Director of Sales or Director of Sales to achieve the hotel’s revenue meeting planner satisfaction scores and food and beverage goals.

• Host or participate in site inspections and client presentations to ensure property's offerings are showcased.

• Maintain appropriate contact with customer contact to ensure accuracy and work out any details.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise:

• 2 + years of successful experience in proactive hotel sales and the ability to effectively close SMERF group business.

• Be comfortable working in a team selling environment.

• Proven experience in maintaining and building relationships within the SMERF market, and aggressively developing new business.

• Strong presentation skills.

• Proficient in English language.

• Excellent writing skills (grammar/punctuation/spelling).

• Advanced computer skills.

• Familiar with common computer software programs, including Microsoft Office.

• Must be willing to work varied hours.