Catering Sales and Event Manager

About UsCome join our winning hospitality team, we invite you to be part of Cleveland's future! The Westin Cleveland is a stunning 484 room hotel located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, around the corner from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center and Cleveland Convention Center. For sports lovers, the Huntington Bank Field and Rocket Mortgage Field House Arena are less than a mile away. This beautiful property features refined spaces highlighting dynamic works from local artists adding a touch of class and sophistication to our hotel lobby. Here at The Westin Cleveland, we are looking for individuals who have a passion for outstanding service and creating memorable experiences for our guests to visit us again and again!Don't meet every single requirement of this job? At HEI we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still send in your information. You may be the perfect candidate for this or for other roles within our organization!We value U.S. military experience and invite all qualified military candidates to apply.OverviewManage catering accounts to achieve guest satisfaction and to solicit past and new business to ensure all revenue goals are achieved or exceeded. Responsible for soliciting new catering sales accounts, entertaining, and maintaining relationships with existing accounts to meet and exceed revenue goals in food, beverage and room rental segments.At the end of May 2026, we will complete our full renovation of all group space and our 484 guest rooms, making the Westin the newest product in Cleveland! Join the dynamic team at The Westin Cleveland as our Catering Sales and Event Manager, where your passion for hospitality and event planning will shine!In this energetic role, you will lead the development and execution of memorable events, drive sales growth through strategic marketing and upselling, and deliver exceptional customer service. Your expertise will ensure seamless coordination from initial inquiry to event completion, creating unforgettable experiences that delight clients and elevate our venue’s reputation. This position offers a vibrant environment where your organizational skills and hospitality background can truly thrive.ResponsibilitiesSales & Business DevelopmentMaximize revenue by selling all facets of the hotel to previous, current and potential clients, including room rental, A/V and other revenue generation opportunities.Solicit new and existing accounts to meet and exceed revenue goals through telephone prospecting, outside sales calls, site inspections and written communication.Consistently book repeat business by having a track record of long-term client relationships.Experience selling to a variety of market segments.Actively participate in industry-related organizations (NACE, MPI) and community/civic activities to maintain awareness within the community and to create booking opportunities.Leverage knowledge of sales techniques, including closing skills as well as negotiating skills.Conduct hotel site inspections and client presentations.Participate in trade shows and sales blitzes.Maintain knowledge of market trends, competition, and key hotel customers.Event ExecutionProvide overall direction, coordination, and ongoing evaluation of operations of catering events sold.Provide detailed execution of all banquet event orders generated by the associate.Work closely with the banquet department on operations and event execution, with the ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.Generate creative and innovative menus while working closely with the Chef on pricing specialty menus.Utilize creative skills to provide innovative set-ups, menus, and functions for groups.Provide A/V equipment and operate A/V as a profit center.Ability to work with outside vendors to ensure client satisfaction for all events/groups.Strategy & AdministrationAssist with understanding both monthly forecasting and the annual budget process, as well as pace and productivity.Apply an understanding of yield management skills and the use of historical data.Evaluate every catering business opportunity to maximize revenue and profitability while achieving customer expectations.Participate in the research of the competition’s products, services and pricing and use it to develop strategic business plans.Ensure effective use and teaching of computers, specifically Delphi, Word and Excel.Comply with attendance rules, be available to work on a regular basis, and perform any other job-related duties as assigned.Qualifications1+ year in catering sales required.Bachelor's degree preferred.Proven experience in catering sales, event management, or hospitality roles such as restaurant or hotel experience with a focus on banquet services.Strong negotiation skills with the ability to upsell effectively while maintaining positive client relationships.Knowledge of event marketing strategies alongside expertise in event planning and coordination.Exceptional customer service skills paired with excellent communication and organizational abilities.Familiarity with budgeting processes, contracts management, and event logistics.Experience in banquet operations or large-scale events management is highly desirable.Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines through effective time management.Why Join Us?Join us in creating extraordinary events that leave lasting impressions! We’re dedicated to fostering a lively workplace where your enthusiasm for hospitality can make a real difference in guests’ experiences.Comprehensive Benefits Package:Health, Dental, and Vision insurance401(k) matchingPaid time off and Parental leaveHealth savings account and Flexible spending accountLife insuranceMarriott Associate and HEI Hotels and Resorts Travel DiscountsCompensationSalary Range: $56,000.00 - $66,000.00 AnnuallyTipped/Service Charge Eligible? NoDiscretionary Performance Bonus Eligible? YesBenefitsHEI Hotels and Resorts is committed to providing a comprehensive benefit program that offers you choices for your physical, mental and financial wellness, creating value in your most important investment - you!For your physical and mental wellness we offer competitive Medical and Dental programs through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as well as Vision insurance programs through EyeMed. Our Vacation, Sick and Holiday programs are available for you to rejuvenate with time off. HEI also provides pet insurance through the ASPCA. For your financial wellness, HEI provides a wide array of coverage, including Supplemental, Spousal and Child Life insurance as well as Short and Long-Term Disability plans. Our 401(k) Savings Plan with matching funds, and discounts through our 'YouDecide' and Hotel Room Discount programs provide additional incentives for choosing HEI as the employer of your future. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Marriott-International