
Catering Manager
- Edmonton, AB
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Lead and support the Operations team on day of events
- Work collaboratively on menu planning with clients and Executive Chef, and identify revenue generating opportunities
- Assist in production, hiring, employee training, staff scheduling, associate supervising, as well as addressing and resolving employee relations issues
- Develop team and provide performance improvement programs
- Full cycle sales including but not limited to qualifying leads, site visits, negotiating contracts
- Meet and greet clients, schedule and conduct tastings, promote our services and answers client inquiries
- Prepare quotes, contracts and letters, as well as organize all other arrangements as they relate to corporate and social events
- Reply to emails regarding bookings in a timely manner
- Consult with clients to discover creative solutions to recognize their vision and objective for each event
- Schedule and coordinate meetings and appointments with clients
- Work with customer throughout the contract process and be available to solve problems and/or suggest alternatives to previous arrangements
- Develop leads, secure re-bookings and assist with promotion efforts
- Actively participate in weekly revenue meeting as well as prepare and present weekly and monthly sales reports
- Recognize opportunities to maximize revenue opportunities by up-selling and offering enhancements to create outstanding events
- Effectively manage client relationships and multitask in a fast paced, high volume environment
- Participate in the development of marketing materials such as quarterly newsletters and social media content as well as attend relevant trade shows and industry events to promote the venue
- Develop and maintain complete knowledge of the operations, policies and procedures for Gourmet Cuisine
- Access and input data into a computer system to generate account history reports.
- Create and maintain sales department files in an orderly manner, and ensure and maintain confidentially of all sensitive communication and materials
- Develop relationships with meeting and event planners and follow up to ensure they are informed of new promotions
- Develop relationships with funeral homes to promote memorial business
- Participate in reviewing competitors’ pricing, websites, etc.
- Actively participate in training, regional initiatives and meetings as required
- Minimum 2 years of experience in a Catering Sales Manager role for a Catering Company, venue or hotel
- High school diploma, college or university degree or relevant work experience preferred
- Strong organizational and time management skills and able to work with minimal supervision
- Proven decision making, analytical and problem solving skills
- Positive attitude, flexible and motivated to be successful
- Dependable, self-disciplined and team oriented with strong attention to detail and initiative
- Excellent verbal and written communication, negotiation and presentation skills
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and Outlook, with the ability to learn new software
- Knowledge of catering software an asset
- Exceptional customer relationship management skills
- Flexible to work evening and weekends as business needs require