Catering Sales Manager

Crescent Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for an experienced Catering Sales Manager for the grand opening of JW Marriott Reston Station.

Nestled overlooking Reston Row in Reston, VA, this upcoming complex is set to redefine luxury hospitality with its 26-story hotel boasting 250 guest rooms, 15,000 square feet of meeting space, two distinctive restaurants, and a plethora of amenities.

At Crescent Hotels & Resorts, we are a team of hospitality professionals that are deeply connected to & proud of the exceptional experiences we provide for our guests. More than that, we know our Associates are the shining stars of what we do!

We understand what it takes to be a part of something great. We will encourage you to bring your true self to work every day, we will celebrate you and we will cheer you on as you shine bright in your career journey. Whether it be our health & wellness programs, best in class learning and development or our travel discounts that 'feed your inner explorer', we work hard to create and deliver on what YOU need. We are ready for you to start your journey with us where You Belong. We Care. Shine Bright.

We are committed to providing you with:

• Generous compensation package
• An exceptional benefit plan for eligible associates & your family members
• 401K matching program for eligible associates
• Discounts with our Crescent managed properties in North America for you & your family members

What you will be doing?

• The successful candidate will proactively pursue leads and existing accounts through telephone solicitation, outside sales calls, site inspections and written communication
• Attend trade shows, community events, and industry meetings against assigned market (s). Utilize your sales savvy and hospitality expertise to develop and maintain knowledge of market trends, competition and customers
• Ensure all sales agreements and functions contracts entered into with the clients are communicated to other departments to assure guest satisfaction
• Assists and works with the Director of catering / Convention Services in successful achievement and implementation of sales activities related to the Catering Sales Marketing plan
• Conducts tours of the hotel and banquet facilities; entertains qualified potential clients in accordance with company and property policies and procedures
• Possess outstanding leadership, organizational skills, strong yield and revenue management skills, excellent written and verbal communications, a guest service focus, a team orientation and a passion for sales. In addition to your selling skills, we need creativity, motivation and dedication for this position
• Maintains a professional image at all times through appearance and dress. Responds quickly to guest requests in a friendly manner, and follows up to ensure guest satisfaction
• Communicate regularly with key wedding planners, social contacts, and other industry support. Establish account information. Call on major contacts (personally or phone) and continually promote the property.
• Actively pursue new business both locally and nationally, including visiting new offices and businesses, attending CVB & Chamber of Commerce functions and continually seeking leads that will provide catering business.
• Maximize use of all available hotel space to generate food and beverage revenues.
• Provide accurate and concise information to all departments with regard to group needs. These documents include Banquet Event Orders, Resumes and Internal Communications.
• Maintain proper documentation changes and special requests.
• Manages function details to ensure complete satisfaction and repeat business.
• Exceed client satisfaction by anticipating problems and needs and delivering high levels of service.
• Review event bills for accuracy, and approve payment.
• Conduct post-event evaluations in order to determine how future events could be improved.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What is required?

• Prior Catering Sales experience with track record of accomplishments is required.
• Hotel sales experience is highly preferred.
• Must possess exceptional customer service and a high sense of urgency.
• Self-starting personality with an even disposition.
• Can communicate well with guests.
• Must be willing to "pitch-in" and help co- workers with their job duties and be a team player.
• Can do, problem solver personality.
• Friendly disposition with a passion for hospitality.
• Team player who strives to support others and likes to win as a team.