Catering Sales Manager

Are you a seasoned sales hotelier with a passion for curating extraordinary experiences? The Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago Downtown is in search of an exceptional Catering Sales Manager to join the team at this iconic property. Nestled within the architectural masterpiece that is the Aqua Tower and situated in the heart of Chicago's vibrant downtown, our hotel represents the pinnacle of hospitality.

Benefits When You Make It Your Choice:

• Employee discounts on thousands of hotels

• Full benefits package to our full-time employees, including health, dental, vision, short & long term disability, auto insurance, and more

• Employee Assistance Program

• Employer paid Accident insurance and HSA contribution

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000 Annual

Key Areas of Responsibility Include

Achieves market share and revenue goals by working with the Director of Sales

(Marketing)/Director of Catering (Convention Services) on individual and team goals within assigned market segments

• Prepares proposals and contracts that are geared to maximize profit while satisfying client needs
• Responds to Request For Proposals (RFPs) as they relate to customer inquiries in alignment with brand standards
• Communicates booked and assigned clients' requests to all departments in an effective and timely manner via group resume(s) and details Banquet Event Orders (BEOs)
• Solicits files on a timely basis to confirm business
• Uses outside sales calls, prospecting, hotels tours and hosting of clients to solicit new business

Delivers and sells hotel’s features and benefits to meet clients' needs

• Contacts in-house customers to retain and grow existing business, repeat bookings or referrals to other Radisson Hotels
• Reviews individual goals on a weekly basis; recommends and takes appropriate actions to achieve objectives in key result areas
• Ability to pivot in both markets and team role pending changing economic and team dynamics
• Ensures maximum occupancy, daily, by performing follow-ups on progress of groups booked with events services team and meeting planners
• Ensure all materials used are in accordance with brand standards
• Potential travel to trade shows and customer events, representing RHGA and your hotel within company expectations

Participates in the development and implementation of business strategies for the hotel which are aligned with Radisson’s overall mission, vision values and strategies

• Develops and implements strategies for achieving individual sales goals
• Maintains proper flow of information to sales team, reviews sales work file of assigned accounts
• Assists with the completion of monthly booking report(s)
• Prepares reports and forecasts as necessary to improve management decision making and critical evaluation of work activities

Creates 100% guest satisfaction by providing the Radisson experience through
performance that demonstrates the standards of, genuine hospitality and exceeding guest expectations

Responsibility #1 (70%): Sales initiatives, managing RFPs, detailing BEOs. generating new leads, and providing clear, strong and creative negotiation and accommodation for current and potential client catering services requests.

Responsibility #2 (20%): Conduct market research and analysis to align with industry trends and opportunities for soliciting business and maintaining client loyalty for future bookings. Following up with new leads to achieve objectives.

Responsibility #3 (10%): Attend networking events, participate in community involvement opportunities, and serve as a strong presence for hotel service and brand advocacy.

Requirements/Skills

• High school diploma required, associate or bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum one - three years hotel catering or convention experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong mathematical skills
• General knowledge of contract laws
• Local market knowledge preferred
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite®, Delphi and/or Opera
• Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) desirable
• Able to collaborate effectively with other hotel employees and managers to ensure teamwork