Now Hiring - Director of Sales and Catering in Temecula, CA

About our Company

Ponte Family Estate Winery opened in 2003 and is a California based company operating in the heart of the Temecula Wine Country. We have been farming our vineyards since 1984 and are a real working winery, growing and producing over 20 estate grown varietals within certified sustainable facilities.

We are located right next to our Four Diamond, 90 room, boutique hotel Ponte Vineyard Inn, and are surrounded by 300 acres of mature vineyards and views of rolling hills. We are a short drive from most of Southern California and enjoy hosting folks who want a break from city life. Our guests visit us seeking a relaxing day or overnight stay in the country.

We have become the benchmark for great service among Temecula wineries. Our associates are dedicated to delighting guests by providing excellent hospitality and serving great wine and food in a beautiful environment.

Summary:

Under the directive of the General Manager, the Director of Catering and Sales will lead and manage all day-to-day activities related to the sales function with a focus on building long-term value-based client relationships with corporate clientele and solid relationships with social and wedding clients. You will lead your team by example, demonstrating professional sales and organizational techniques leading to exemplary events.

You will be responsible for developing sales, systems, and staff to meet budgeted objectives by contracting and delivering all sales, weddings, and corporate events at Ponte Winery, Ponte Vineyard Inn, and BOTTAIA Winery.

This position to coordinate and oversee all internal and external catering events, guiding the sales team, event coordinators and banquet team to a successfully and satisfying experience both before, during and after the event. Participate in ongoing menu development as well as costing and marketing functions as they relate to the catering department, for both internal and external weddings and events.

You will implement labor cost controls and food cost controls, collaborating with the Executive Chef and banquet team leaders. You will be responsible for meeting the financial goals and budget set out for the department.

Compensation:

• $80,000 - $95,000 DOE
• New Hire Bonus
• Discretionary Bonus Based on Performance

Benefits:

• Health, Vision & Dental
• 401K Matching
• Paid Time Off
• 2 Paid Holidays (Thanksgiving + Christmas) + 2 Floating Holidays

Schedule:

• Wednesday - Sunday at minimum based on business needs.
• Weekends, Holidays, Nights.

You Will be a Candidate for this Position if you have the Following:

• 5 years of proven experience in a senior sales and leadership role in weddings and events within a hospitality environment.
• Leadership to delegate, train, develop and motivate sales staff.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Business Administration, or Marketing.
• Proven sales, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of banquet set up and execution.
• The ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.
• The ability to think, quickly, with concise decision-making.
• Approachable demeanor, strong problem-solving skills, and a keen eye for detail.
• Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Windows applications.
• Knowledge of Triple Seat event management program a plus.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability and willingness to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to communicate verbally clearly and pleasantly in writing in English with guests, management, and co-workers.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule with nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 40lbs. and push/pull/carry up to 50lbs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop an annual marketing plan to penetrate new market segments, increase revenues, and control expenses.
• Know local competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, economic trends, and supply and demand, and be competitive.
• Interview, train, teach and manage the sales staff to convert leads and site tours into social and corporate contracts.
• Manage the full cycle process of onsite tours, proposals, contracts, guest correspondence, and event execution.
• Prepare, present, and negotiate group booking and lodging agreements in collaboration with the Hotel Manager.
• Build rapport and communicate with prospective clients to initiate, negotiate, and close contracts.
• Conduct individual and group sales meetings and hold staff accountable to expectations.
• Conduct weekly meetings with the Banquet Manager for department updates.
• Conduct weekly banquet event order meetings to review event details with Coordinators, Banquet Department and Culinary.
• Direct and execute all event logistics in coordination with collaborating departments.
• Monitor the effective resolution of client issues during the sales process or event execution.
• Implement Ponte’s service strategy and brand initiatives to drive guest loyalty by delivering exceptional service excellence
• Solicit wedding and social event business by participating in trade shows, conventions, and events within the winery, hotel, and trade-related organizations.
• Understand and adhere to the Ponte values, and Service standards and ensure they are implemented and adhered to by the banquet and sales staff.
• Understand and adhere to environmental standards set by the winery.
• Ensure the safety of guests and associates.
• Perform any other duties, as assigned by the General Manager.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Are you 21 years or older?
• What are your compensation expectations?

Work Location: In person