Now Hiring - Travel Catering Sales Manager - Franchise in Richmond, VA

Overview:

Iconic history and a thoroughly modern sense of enjoyment come together at the Hilton Richmond Downtown, where genuine service and relaxed grandeur create the ultimate travel experience. A Richmond destination since 1885, the present Hilton Richmond Downtown is as storied as its past. With thoughtful amenities, exclusive partnerships, and a unique approach to service, every stay is a new chapter in the hotel's history.

Join our team as Catering Sales Manager and become one of the authors of our story. As part of the Hilton family, you will be responsible for business generation as it relates to prospecting and securing catering & event business on behalf of the Hilton Richmond Downtown in accordance with the goals and strategies outlined in the annual Business & Marketing Plan, and in conjunction with the efforts of the Sales Team.

Please note the following is not an exhaustive list of everything that needs to be done! Our sales team always finds new ways to look after the business, their guests, and their teammates.

The key responsibilities for this position are:

• Managing relationships with clients while planning their events, including menu selection, set up and overall guidance throughout the event cycle.
• Responding to special guest requests in a timely, friendly, and efficient manner.
• Staying knowledgeable of all areas of the hotel and able to negotiate & upsell within booking guidelines.
• Ensuring all details/requirements are effectively and clearly communicated to departments through generated BEOs and BEO meetings, including some interaction with vendors.
• Managing incoming social catering inquiries; sends proposals and contracts according to hotel guidelines/pricing strategy, food & beverage minimums, and rental fees. Follow all accounting procedures.
• Working closely with Kitchen & Banquets teams to ensure clients expectations are met.
• Meeting with clients; conducting site inspections; hosting tastings; handling walk-in inquiries.
• Available onsite at the start of events to welcome clients and review setup.
• Managing events in the booking system to reflect accurate, up to date information/pricing.
• Attending industry events to include wedding shows and other networking opportunities.
• Developing client menus, writing contracts and letters, as well as organizing other arrangements as they relate to social events.
• Preparing and presenting weekly and monthly Catering/Sales reports.
• Actively participating within the Sales & Marketing Team.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred not required.
• Minimum 1 to 2 years' experience directly related to hotel catering sales.
• Knowledgeable of all areas of the hotel and able to negotiate & upsell within booking guidelines.
• Excellent reading, writing & oral proficiency in the English language.
• Good organizational & communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail & ability to multitask.
• High level of creativity.
• Able to negotiate, organize, delegate & work under pressure.
• Ability to maintain a professional image that falls within the hotel and company guidelines for appearance and dress.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Must be flexible to work long and irregular hours, including some weekends and evenings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Fast-paced work environment which requires ability to manage multiple projects at a detailed level. Many of the job duties are time-sensitive and have strict deadlines for completion. Will be required to work onsite at hotel; not a work from home (or) hybrid opportunity at this time.

MORE REASONS TO CHOOSE US:

• Virginia Green Certified hotel since 2009; green hotel of the year 2021
• Composting with National Organic Processing Enterprises since 2010
• Tesla and universal charging stations & bike racks on-site
• Quarterly blood drives sponsored at hotel
• Make-A-Wish host hotel
• Donates shoes & clothing to Sole4Souls
• Donates items to Habitat for Humanity, Doorways, SPCA & others so they can be repurposed vs trash
• Bi-annual participation w/"Tourism Picks-Up" events - local trash clean-up supporting "Keep Virginia Beautiful"
• Host to J1 students from various countries throughout the world