Now Hiring - Service Systems Associates - Director of Catering Sales in San Antonio, TX

Full description of the position

SSA Group at San Antonio Zoo is looking for a talented Director of Catering Sales to join our team!

DIRECTOR OF CATERING SALES

Reporting Relationship
The Director of Catering Sales reports directly to the General Manager.

Are YOU the perfect addition to our team? We are looking for the following traits:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, General Manager and HQ personnel.
• Responsible for management of all food and beverage sales.
• Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
• Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning and leadership skills.
• Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
• Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
• Goal-oriented and flexible to meet the needs of the operation.
• Demonstrates desire to lead the team in innovation and success.

Responsibilities
People

• Maintain communication with other General Manager, Catering Managers, and Executive Chef to ensure events are executed within operational excellence.
• Ensure your direct team is managed with the business need in mind: hire & recruit for new talent, integrate new team members, supervise assigned personnel, evaluate performance, develop, coach, issue documentation, and manage employee exits.
• Develop training programs to train, motivate, and mentor employees.
• Remain knowledgeable of and manages in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.

Operational Excellence

• Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client.
• Plan, upsell and detail functions with the client including space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes, decorations, etc.
• Work with client team and/or manage external relations to solicit, negotiate and book new and return business through use of a defined sales process.
• Respond to client requests in a timely manner and take action to ensure client satisfaction. Knowledge of menu planning, including the ability to guide selections and services.
• Maintain communication with vendors, including pricing knowledge and negotiation, uphold active list of resources for client and internal operational use.
• Maintain communication with the clients facility coordinator/event staff.
• Responsible for post event follow up, engagement and continued client development.
• Maintain a strong positive relationship with the client.

Growth

• Develop and execute plan for coordinating department Sales Goals with budget and operational plan
• Develop, meet and exceed monthly and annual sales budgets and annual plan.
• Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities. Practice and implement yield management and forecasting on a frequent basis.
• Report weekly and monthly sales through contract system, as well as SSA standard PACE reporting.
• Reviews all invoices, bills and accounting related documents within the Sales department for accuracy and communicated necessary changes to Account Receivables.
• Minimize controllable costs associated with the operation. Continually strategize with team on revenue avenues, areas of opportunity.

Social Responsibility and Culture

• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach at the Unit.
• Supports unit in being an example for Company & Client guidelines with regard to Sustainability/Conservation efforts. Displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
• Supports SSA / Unit in driving community effort through hiring efforts, engagement activities, and focus on opportunities of giving back.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

Job Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, General Manager and HQ personnel.
• Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
• Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
• Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning and leadership skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

Previous Experience

• Five years minimum catering sales, operations and/or event planning management in off-site catering, hotel or cultural attraction catering venue preferred.
• BEO knowledge and execution a must.
• All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. The Company reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)