
Outside Catering Sales Manager
- Doha, Qatar
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Qualifies new business leads and responds to incoming catering opportunities for the hotel. Standard response time is within 8 hours of receiving enquiry.
- Enters every new lead in Delphi.
- Accurately forecasts catering revenues for every lead.
- Utilizes the standard template for proposals, ensures sales process follows the handling guidelines.
- Uses negotiating skills and creative selling abilities to close on business and negotiate contracts.
- Closes the best opportunities for the hotel based on market conditions and hotel needs.
- Requests quotations from external selected suppliers (when and if needed) to provide a comprehensive quote according to the scope of work.
- Delivers site inspections in a methodical fashion adhering to the core standards.
- Hosts entertainments regularly building and strengthening relationships with existing and new customers to enable future bookings.
- Executes and supports the operational aspects of business booked (e.g., generating and filing proposal, contract, customer correspondence).
- Documents Contracts/Agreements for all events, following processes and procedures. Maintains files with all required information and/or documentation pre/post events (initial request, proposal, relevant information, signed contract, BEO's, vouchers, etc.).
- Ensures knowledge and understanding of Delphi system, and keeps up with any updates in the system.
- Identifies operational limitations to be able to deliver according to what was promised.
- Assists with selling and following-through on catering promotions.
- Greets customer during the event phase and hands-off to the Event Operations team for the execution of details.
- Ensures that events progress seamlessly by following established procedures, collaborating with other associates, and ensuring accuracy.
- Ensures billing accuracy and conducts bill reviews with the clients prior to processing the final bill.
- Responsible for Rewarding ALL Meeting Planner points posting upon completion of Eligibility Verification.
- Responsible for event actualization in Delphi.
- Uses his/her judgment to integrate current trends in event management and event design.
- Solicits feedback from the property departments to identify areas for improvement to enhance the Event Planner's and guests' experience.
- Adheres to all standards, policies, and procedures.
- Maximizes revenue by up-selling packages and creative food and beverage offerings.
- Gains understanding of the hotel's primary target customer and service expectations.
- Identifies and implements process improvements and best practices.
- Ensures successful performance by increasing revenues, controlling expenses and providing a return on investment for the owner and the business.
- Works with Cluster Director of Conference Services and Events and Sales Team to implement sales initiatives to stimulate new leads.
- Works with the management team to create and implement a catering sales plan addressing revenue, customers and market.
- Works with the property's Food and Beverage team to develop menus that drive sales.
- Interacts effectively with vendors, competitors, local community, and other hotel departments (including Sales, Kitchen and Events) in order to ensure guest satisfaction.
- Serves the customer by understanding their needs and recommending the appropriate features and services that best meet their needs and exceed their expectations, while building a relationship and loyalty to Accor.
- Monitors the effective resolution of guest issues that arise as a result of the sales process and channelling issues to property leadership and/or other appropriate stakeholders.
- Serves as a link to introduce client to banquet contact.
- High school diploma or GED; 2 years of experience in the event management or related professional area.
- 2-year degree from an accredited university in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related major; 2-year experience in the event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or related professional area preferred.