Catering Manager

For more than 40 years, our hotel has been a landmark in the Houston hospitality scene. Today, The Houston Grand – River Oaks is entering an exciting new chapter. Under the vision of new local ownership with deep Houston roots, the property is preparing for a full renovation, and a complete luxury rebrand that will restore the hotel as one of the premier destinations in the city. We are committed to elevating every aspect of the guest and associate experience. Our team is a tight knit, family like community with many long tenured associates who take pride in their craft and the exceptional service they deliver. We value passion, professionalism, and the desire to grow—because when our associates and their families thrive, our hotel thrives. Associates enjoy a complimentary meal each shift, free parking, and meaningful opportunities for career development within both the hotel and the broader HEI portfolio. Join us as we write the next chapter of a Houston legacy—your future could be part of something extraordinary.We value U.S. military experience and invite all qualified military candidates to apply.**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 effectively communicating with 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.**Compensation**### ### ## **Benefits**HEI 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.###Recognizing that our success starts and ends with our associates under our pioneering culture of HEI Loves, we invest in and develop the most passionate and talented people in our industry. We show our “love” to our associates by providing market-leading compensation packages, generous PTO and flex-time initiatives, outstanding career development and advancement opportunities, and job-appropriate assets and resources. We’re always looking for associates who share our passion for hospitality. With a variety of world-class brands in our portfolio, hotel locations throughout the United States, and an unparalleled suite of tools, technology, and training, we’re able to provide our associates with a truly unique opportunity to grow and build their future. Find the career that aligns with your goals by beginning your online search today. #J-18808-Ljbffr