Catering & Conference Service Manager - Schulte Companies

Collegiate Hotel Group®, is seeking a Catering & Conference Services Manager to join Graduate by Hilton Evanston and its wonderful team of hospitality enthusiasts.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

* Understand and champion the Graduate brand and strategy; be a storyteller!

* Drive customer loyalty in order to grow share of the account by delivering service excellence throughout each customer interaction.  

* Identifies and solicits new accounts from telemarketing, appointments, site tours, cold calls, and inquiries via email, phone, and in person interactions.

* Respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. Provide prompt and accurate responses to all client requests for proposals and information 

* Provides advice to clients on all aspects of hotel facilities and services when proposing and contacting groups and events. 

* Meet with representatives of groups and organizations to discuss what they have in mind for their meeting or special event. 

* Quote pricing to clients within provided guidelines and utilize business reviews as needed. Seek approval by the Director of F&B or Chef as needed  

* Entertains qualified potential clients in accordance with company and property policies and procedures. 

* Achieve all predetermined sales goals for revenue and sales activity. 

* Organize banquet or catering services and plan any changes to the configuration of the event space.

* Upsell any catered events; work to book events from groups already committed on the rooms side.

* Service, plan and greet all groups as needed. Work with operational team to create, distribute and coordinate event orders and resumes, lead BEO & resume meetings.

* Monitor events and address unexpected problems as they arise to make sure that the functions go as planned 

* Log all inquiries and communication in Delphi and utilize OnQ & Synxis as needed. Ensure all pertinent aspects of solicitation, closing, and customer communications are complete and documented. Maintain existing accounts with active trace/follow up system. 

* Make sure billing is up to date; follow up on any deposits and make sure commissions are clearly marked.

* Coordinates conference rooms and coordinate services for groups and organizations holding meetings, conventions and other events at the hotel 

* Sign contractual agreements

* Participate in Quarterly/Annual Business and Marketing Plans and assist with the budget process 

* Ensure understanding of sales strategy and effective implementation of the strategies for each segment to help upsell and maintain client loyalty.  

* Other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

* Minimum of High School education, post-high school education preferred 

* Minimum of 3 years in hotel or conference Catering/Sales preferred 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

* Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing 

* Excellent listening and problem-solving skills 

* Ability to exceed expectations of guests and team members 

* Negotiating Skills 

* Strong computer skills 

* Must have flexible work hours that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays 

* Experience with Delphi.fdc & OnQ preferred

BENEFITS/ PERKS

* Work today, get paid today, with Daily Pay!

* Free telemedicine and virtual mental health care access for all team members starting day one!

* Multiple health insurance and life insurance options

* 401k plan + company match

* Paid time off for eligible team members

* Holiday pay/ paid holidays

* Pet insurance

* Employee Assistance Program

* Discounted hotel rooms

* Savings Marketplace discounts on event tickets, electronics, gym memberships + more!

*The hiring process may consist of a phone interview, manager(s) interview, drug screen, background check, reference checks, and potential employment assessment. This job description is only intended to provide a general description of the benefits and compensation applicable to this position. Paid Time Off (PTO) is available for eligible associates in accordance with the Company's Paid Time Off policy. Specific compensation and benefit details will be discussed during the interview process.

*Collegiate Hotel Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled