About the Role
The Catering/Conference Services Manager is responsible for coordinating meetings, conventions, and special events, maximizing revenues and profits by selling event spaces, food, and beverage services. This role acts as the primary liaison between clients and the hotel operations team to ensure successful event execution. The ideal candidate is guest-focused with superior organizational and communication skills, seeking to develop leadership abilities in catering and conference services.
Responsibilities
- Detail and service assigned bookings with group rooms and/or event space.
- Ensure room blocks and event spaces are managed according to Sonesta guidelines.
- Conduct functions and audits to ensure smooth operation and servicing of groups and events.
- Take deposits, enter room lists, send confirmation numbers, monitor pick up, and extend group blocks and rates.
- Create resumes, review invoices and commissions.
- Prepare and distribute Banquet Event Orders (BEO) accurately and timely.
- Attend daily BEO meetings.
- Assist clients with menu planning, food and beverage coordination, table arrangements, decorations, traffic flow, room set-up, group room blocks, and VIP services.
- Check function/event room set ups prior to client arrival to ensure agreement with client requirements and hotel standards.
- Ensure deficiencies are corrected by appropriate personnel.
- Coordinate and/or lead meetings such as pace review, resume meetings, internal and external pre-cons, and credit meetings.
- Coordinate functions and activities with other department heads and communicate client needs to staff.
- Arrange and conduct special events, site inspections, and off-site presentations for potential clients.
- Prospect, solicit, negotiate, and book new and repeat business to maximize revenue and exceed budgeted goals.
- Establish client base through direct selling to secure business for the hotel.
- Maintain the Sonesta CRM with accurate and up-to-date information.
- Achieve personal and team goals.
- Negotiate guest room rates, meeting room rental, function space, food and beverage prices, and hotel services within approved guidelines.
- Produce and/or review sales contracts, addendums, rate agreements, and banquet/catering event orders.
- Monitor and handle inquiry calls and provide client proposals.
- Attend weekly sales, revenue, and department meetings.
- Assist with budget and forecast, and complete special projects.
- Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
- Maintain client files and update information daily.
- Review daily postings of charges to master accounts and resolve discrepancies.
- Review final bill prior to presenting to client.
- Assist in the preparation of the departmental budget and implementation of the hotel’s catering and conference strategy.
- Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and the corporate office.
- Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect.
- Inspire coworkers to embrace and demonstrate Sonesta’s core values and guest service standards.
Requirements
- High school degree or equivalent required.
- College course work in a related field preferred.
- 1-2 years of hotel experience required.
- Experience in sales and/or front desk is a plus.
- Proficiency in Salesforce FDC and/or Opera is a plus.
- Intermediary knowledge of MS Outlook and Words is required.
- Proficiency in English reading and writing is a must.
- Bilingual or multi-lingual skills are a plus.
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be flexible to work variable days of the week to include weekends and holidays.
- Must be flexible to work variable shifts.
- Ten to twelve hour shifts sometimes required.
- Must reside in the NYC Metro area.
Skills
- 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.
- Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.
- Knowledge of hotel and hospitality industry.
Location
- NYC Metro area
Work Type
- On-site
- Hybrid
Experience Level
- 1-2 years hotel experience
Education Level
- High school degree or equivalent
- College course work in related field preferred
Salary/Compensations
- $28.34 - $33.65 per hour
- Eligible for Sales Incentive Plan
Benefits
- 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
- Hospital Indemnity
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Accident Insurance
About the Company
- Sonesta International Hotels is the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S., with a diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties in major cities.
- The company is driven by the human side of hospitality, delivering service with passion and loyalty.
- Sonesta operates over 1000+ properties in eight countries and is on a significant expansion path.
- We are a great fit for candidates seeking opportunities to grow within the hotel industry.
Equal Opportunity
- Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
- All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
