Catering Manager

About Us Set in the heart of beautiful Orange County, Costa Mesa Marriott provides excellent service, upscale amenities and a Southern California location that allows guests to explore the area with ease. As an associate at the Costa Mesa Marriott, you will enjoy many great perks! We hold town hall meetings monthly with incentives and team building activities, as well as holiday parties, treat carts, ice cream socials, and lunches with the General Manager. Additionally, you will have access to free shift meals! What are you waiting for? Join us today at the Costa Mesa Marriott. We value diversity and inclusion. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to still apply. We value U.S. military experience and invite all qualified military candidates to apply. Compensation Salary Range: $72,000.00 - $75,000.00 Annually. Tipped/Service Charge Eligible? No. Discretionary Performance Bonus Eligible? Yes. Overview Manage catering accounts to achieve guest satisfaction and drive revenue growth. Responsible for soliciting new catering sales accounts, maintaining relationships with existing clients, and ensuring all revenue goals for food, beverage, and room rental are met or exceeded. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Prospect and solicit new and existing accounts to achieve or exceed revenue goals through telephone, email, outside sales calls, site inspections, and written communication. Understand and utilize monthly forecasting, annual budget processes, pace management, and productivity metrics to achieve financial targets. Apply yield management techniques and analyze historical data to maximize revenue and profitability. Evaluate catering business opportunities to ensure alignment with client expectations and hotel profitability. Conduct market research on competitors’ products, services, and pricing to inform strategic business plans. Sell all aspects of the hotel, including room rental, A/V, and other revenue-generating services, to maximize account value. Build and maintain long‑term client relationships, ensuring repeat business. Actively participate in industry organizations and community/civic activities to maintain awareness and create booking opportunities. Utilize effective sales techniques, including closing and negotiating skills, for a variety of market segments. Conduct hotel site inspections and client presentations with professionalism and confidence. Participate in trade shows, sales blitzes, and networking events to generate leads. Collaborate with culinary and banquet teams to design creative menus, event setups, and specialty functions, ensuring seamless execution. Oversee the execution of all catering events sold, coordinating with banquet staff and vendors to ensure client satisfaction. Manage A/V equipment as a profit center when applicable. Maintain accurate records in sales and event management systems (e.g., Delphi) and ensure proper documentation for all events. Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and key client accounts to identify growth opportunities. Perform any other job‑related duties as assigned. Qualifications and Skills Prior hospitality experience with specific experience in catering sales is essential. Minimum 1+ year in catering sales required. Experience at a similar size and quality hotel preferred. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and hotel sales system. Strong sales and revenue management skills, with the ability to train and motivate peers. Knowledge of hotel features, benefits, and competitive landscape. Understanding of hotel operations, including marketing plans, personnel and labor relations, budget forecasting, and quality assurance. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences, such as supervisors, coworkers, public, etc. Ability to work effectively under time constraints and adapt communication style to different audiences. Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and client service skills. Benefits HEI Hotels and Resorts is committed to providing a comprehensive benefit program that offers choices for your physical, mental and financial wellness, creating value in your most important investment – you! We provide competitive medical and dental programs through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision insurance through EyeMed, and Vacation, Sick and Holiday programs. We also offer pet insurance through the ASPCA and a wide array of coverage including Supplemental, Spousal and Child Life insurance, Short and Long‑Term Disability plans. Our 401(k) Savings Plan with matching funds, and discounts through the 'YouDecide' and Hotel Room Discount programs provide additional incentives for choosing HEI as your employer. Specific details and eligibility of these programs vary by location and employment status. HEI Hotels and Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr