Catering sales managers often have extensive party planning experience.
Hotels, resorts, and other catering facilities often employ one or more catering sales managers. The primary function of a person in this position is to promote and sell venue space, along with food and beverages, for all kinds of special events. He or she usually has extensive experience planning parties such as wedding celebrations, awards banquets, fundraising galas, and other social and corporate functions. A catering manager doesn’t just sell food, drinks, and space for an event, they sell an overall experience.
Catering sales managers sell venue space along with food and beverages.
The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for selling event space to prospective businesses or individuals planning large or small celebrations. This can be done by offering tours of the property, while also pointing out the benefits of hosting an event at the location you represent. Location, amenities, menu options, and existing décor are all factors that can influence a buyer’s decision.
Once an event at a venue is booked and confirmed, the catering manager typically arranges a tasting menu for client approval. At that time, the host of the party can sample the items on the proposed menu that their guests will be able to enjoy. Often the food and beverage manager and chef will introduce themselves to the customer during this meeting.
Once the menu is selected, a Banquet Event Order (BEO) is created to outline the specific needs of the role. The BEO is basically a communication form sent to all the areas that have some participation in the event. Often many people work together to ensure that carefully crafted plans are executed correctly.
The catering sales manager is usually responsible for creating a floor plan of the chosen space, such as a ballroom or marquee, if the event is held outdoors. He usually indicates where the tables will be placed, the size and location of the dance floor and stage, and other items that can be used. Any additional energy required for the event is also usually calculated and noted. If additional power is required for entertainment or special lighting, the catering manager is generally responsible for communicating this information in advance to the appropriate department.
On the day of the event, the Catering Sales Manager is typically on-site while team members take care of setup. He or she acts as a point of contact for the client, event planners, and outside vendors. During the royal feast, this person often works alongside the designated banquet captain to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
As the title implies, much emphasis is placed on the sales side of the industry. The catering sales manager often has to spend a considerable amount of his or her time acquiring new business and maintaining communication with previous clients in hopes of securing new business. This person also engages in industry-related events to publicize the hotel or location.