Catering & Events Manager

Ascent Hospitality has an extensive portfolio of hotels and a strong pipeline of new properties and acquisitions, but we're not about numbers...we're about people and that remains our foundation. Our culture expresses a memorable experience for all of our Team Members and guests alike. So we're constantly looking for individuals who work well together for a unified purpose. For our leadership, we're looking for accomplished individuals with a passion to serve others, strong communicators who clearly understand the needs of others and trendsetters who excel at challenges and change. If this is what you're all about, consider joining our Team.

Ascent Hospitality is looking for a uniquely qualified hospitality leader to be our Catering & Events Manager!

The Catering & Events Manager is responsible for coordinating events while ensuring high level services to the customer from pre to post event. This position will recognize opportunities to maximize revenue opportunities by up-selling and offering enhancements to create outstanding events. The Catering & Events Manager works hand in hand with other team members to ensure a seamless experience for customers.

BENEFITS:

• Competitive Salary!
• Benefits - Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and other supplemental options!
• 401k with employer MATCH!
• Paid PTO!
• Uniforms Provided for most positions!
• Team Member Hotel Discount Program!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensures that events progress seamlessly by following established procedures, collaborating with other employees and ensuring accuracy.
• Ensures billing accuracy, conducting bill reviews with the customer prior to processing the final bill.
• Manages group room blocks and meeting space for average to large-sized assigned groups.
• Identifies operational challenges associated with groups and determines how to best work with the property staff and customer to solve these challenges and develop alternative solutions.
• Uses good judgment to integrate current trends in event management and event design.
• Acts as liaison between field sales person and customers throughout the event process.
• Participates in customer site inspections and assists with the sales process as necessary.
• Solicits feedback from the property departments to identify areas for improvement to enhance the Event Planner's experience.
• Develop strong community and public relations by ensuring property participation in local, regional and national tradeshows and client events.
• Participate in sales calls with members of the Sales and Marketing team to acquire new business and/or close on business.
• Identify public relations opportunities and coordinate activities to augment the overall marketing communication strategy.
• Forecasts group sleeping rooms and event revenue groups.
• Assists in the sales process and revenue forecasting for customer groups
• Support the General Manager by coordinating crisis communications.
• Work with Human Resources, Engineering and Loss Prevention to ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations and/or union requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet business needs.
• Execute and support Service and Brand Standards.
• Execute exemplary customer service to drive customer satisfaction and loyalty by assisting the customer and ensuring their satisfaction before, during and after their event.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly responsible, reliable, and ethical
• Well organized and detail-oriented
• Ability to multi-task
• Must be able to identify and address customer opportunities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Previous experience as a Catering & Events Manager or Supervisor (preferred hospitality industry)
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to operate a vehicle

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to sit for long periods of time; using hands and fingers repetitively; view computer screens for long periods of time; use office equipment, including a telephone; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel or crouch and frequently required to walk, climb stairs, talk and hear.
• May be required to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Must be capable of effectively using close vision, distance vision, and color vision.
• Able to operate in mentally and physically stressful situations

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

• High school education is required. College education is preferred.
• Must have prior experience in Sales Manager or Supervisor role.
• Must be able to effectively lead and motivate a team.

EEO Employer