Executive Meeting Manager - Catering - Hilton Harrisburg, PA

GENERAL PURPOSE
 The Executive Meeting Manager - Catering is an integral part of the sales and catering team focused on working with smaller groups and smaller meetings in assigned markets.  This position works on all aspects of the sales process from receiving inquiry calls, booking business, confirming details and working with the group while they are on site.  This position will also assist with planning and coordinating assigned meetings and events booked by Sales Managers as assigned.   Additional responsibilities will include answering telephone inquiries and qualifying clients for meetings and events.  Ideal candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of previous hotel experience, preferably in Sales & Catering. Also, have a good knowledge of guest room and/or catering sales, possess strong organizational and administrative skills and must also possess excellent communication skills. Warm, knowledgeable service and helpful guidance reassure guests they’ve made the right choice to stay with us.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Optimize room rental charges.
• Book repeat business by having a track record of long term client relationships.
• Thorough knowledge of sales techniques including strong closing and negotiating skills.
• Comfortable with hotel site inspections and client presentations.
• Ability to generate creative and innovative menus while working closely with F&B management on pricing specialty menus.
• Work closely with banquet department on operations and event execution. Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Provide overall direction, coordination, and ongoing evaluation of operations. Detailed execution of all banquet event orders generated by the Catering Department.
• Monitor group room blocks and pick up, generate detailed resumes for the operating departments.
• Ability to work with outside vendors to ensure client satisfaction for all events/groups.
• Comply with company attendance policy.
• Assist with planning and coordinating assigned meetings and events booked by Sales Managers as assigned.
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.
• Prepare and send requested collateral materials to designated clients or guests. Common collateral materials might include catering menus, brochures, meeting room layout & seating capacity diagrams, area maps & brochures

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• High school or equivalent education required. Bachelor's or Associate’s degree preferred.
• 2+ years of past sales or catering experience preferred.
• Experience at a similar size and quality hotel preferred.
• Computer skills, including, but not limited to, use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Delphi preferred.
• Knowledge of market trends, competition and key customers of the hotel preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of sales and catering skills preferred.
• Ability to execute appropriate action plans.
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail
• Ability to set priorities, plan, organize, and delegate.
• Written communication skills to be concise, well organized, complete, and clear.
• Ability to multi-task while working effectively under time constraints and deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences, such as effectively communicating with supervisors, coworkers, public etc.
• Ability to maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance.
• Valid Driver’s License required.

Education/Formal Training/Certifications

High school education or equivalent required.   Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree preferred.

Experience

Minimum of two years past sales or catering experience preferred.  Prior hospitality experience a plus.