Catering Sales Associate Specialist

Principle Responsibilities / Position Purpose

The Catering Sales Associate Specialist is the liaison between the sales department and banquet operations department. As Catering Sales Associate Specialist, you will drive an innovative, unique catering program in a funky atmosphere, dynamic setting including events as well as technical delivery of day-to-day catering needs throughout the brewery. This position will execute at all levels to include event planning/coordination, event management/sales, and client follow-up.

Catering offerings will range from casual to high-end and will take place on and off-premises (minimal). Responsibilities of this role include:

• Client relations, and hands on event management.
• Provides supervision for catering services at an account/unit to ensure client satisfaction and retention for the Company.
• Implements business practices order to uphold company mission and values.
• Contributes to account revenue and operating profit contribution through the implementation of services and creation of opportunities for growth.
• Assist in planning projects, including defining objectives, methods, timetables, and budget to support client and Funky Buddha’s strategic plan.
• Take lead position on all of Funky Buddha Festivals; be the driving force on Oktoberfest, Anniversary & MBCP, track spending via spreadsheets, coordinate schedules with all departments. Be the liaison with the City of Oakland Park with permitting and necessary documentation to be successful with all events. Develop innovative ideas to make the next festival better than the previous.
• Provides creativity and innovation to develop services and offerings that consistently evolve to drive customer and client satisfaction.
• Effectively engages with client partners at the highest level of the client organization to drive client confidence and loyalty.
• Oversees the Banquet Event Order (BEO) distribution process, floor plan arrangement of the catering space, change log and daily information report. Assigns groups to banquet captains for the execution of the functions.

This position works closely with client customers, the Executive Chef, and Director of Catering to exceed guest expectations and deliver outstanding food quality and service.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Clear understanding of both monthly forecasting and the annual budget process. Understanding of pace and productivity.
• Strong yield management skills with an understanding of optimizing the catering mix of business and the use of historical data.
• Experience evaluating every catering business opportunity to maximize revenue and profitability while achieving customer expectations.
• Maintain or exceed budgeted sales and profits in all catering areas.
• Assist in the development and implementation of effective marketing plans for generating catering revenues.
• Participate in the research the competition s products, services and pricing and use it to develop strategic business plans.
• Optimize room rental charges and quoting correct menu pricing.
• Experience selling to a variety of market segments.
• Consistently book repeat business by having a track record of long-term client relationships.
• Actively participate in industry related organizations (NACE, MPI).
• Thorough knowledge of sales techniques including strong closing skills and negotiation skills.
• Participate in trade shows and sales blitzes.
• Track record of strong prospecting efforts.
• Actively participate in community/civic activities to maintain awareness within community and to create booking opportunities.
• Excellent creative skills to provide innovative set-ups, menus, and functions for groups. Ability to generate creative and innovative menus while working closely with Chef 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 development and coordination of all banquet event orders to be distributed to the Catering Department.
• Experience providing Audio Visual equipment and operating Audio-Visual equipment.
• Excellent…