Ascent Hospitality · 1 day ago
Area Catering & Sales Manager
Birmingham, AL
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$40K/yr - $50K/yrAscent Hospitality is a company focused on providing memorable experiences for its team members and guests. They are seeking an Area Catering & Sales Manager to coordinate events and ensure high-level services from pre to post-event while maximizing revenue opportunities. The role involves collaborating with team members and managing relationships with clients to create outstanding events.
HospitalityHotelTravel Accommodations
Responsibilities
Own catering and group sales for corporate and entertainment segments; prospect, qualify, propose, negotiate, and close business that aligns with hotel objectives
Ensure billing accuracy, conduct bill reviews with the customer prior to processing the final bill
Coordinate sales-driven room blocks and meeting space for average to large-sized assigned groups; partner with Revenue Management and Operations for fulfillment (no event planning responsibilities)
Identify operational challenges associated with groups and collaborate with property teams and customers to develop sales-oriented solutions and alternatives
Participate in customer site inspections and support the sales process as needed
Strengthen community and public relations by ensuring property participation in local, regional, and national tradeshows and client events to drive catering and group sales
Conduct sales calls with Sales & Marketing to acquire new business and/or close business
Identify PR opportunities and coordinate activities to support the overall marketing communication strategy
Forecast group sleeping rooms and catering revenue for assigned groups; assist with revenue forecasting to support sales strategies
Support the General Manager in coordinating crisis communications when needed
Partner with Human Resources, Engineering, and Loss Prevention to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and/or union requirements
Execute and support Service and Brand Standards; deliver exemplary customer service throughout the sales lifecycle (pre-sale, contracting, and post-sale handoff)
Perform other sales-related duties as assigned to meet business needs
Manage accounts proactively using technology to maintain relationships with each account’s key buyers and intermediaries
Assist management with sales strategy development and implementation within Global Sales Office (GSO) partnered accounts to increase sales
Manage all aspects of RFPs: analysis, coordination, submission, and follow-up
Assist management in analyzing internal/external data to select properties for inclusion in account proposals
Engage appropriate resources to verify timely RFP completion; correspond with properties promptly
Utilize sales and negotiation skills to close business
Verify proper processes are in place to execute agreed strategies
Report on and analyze account information and data; identify new business opportunities within market segments and collaborate with sales partners on solutions
Work with sales partners to maximize team-based selling for partnered accounts, driving revenue and customer satisfaction
Maintain complete, up-to-date account information in SFA & ESSIS for accurate reporting, including needs, buying processes, history, plans, org structure, and strategies
Build and maintain business relationships with key buying influencers
Respond to customer inquiries promptly, aligned with customer expectations
Build customer loyalty through consistent interaction and relationship development that influences buying decisions
Improve the ease of doing business with Marriott throughout the buying process
Qualify business opportunities and recommend Marriott products aligned with customer needs and hotel business goals
Negotiate contract terms, conditions, and commitments to enhance sales opportunities and relationships
Influence customer decisions to create mutual wins
Negotiate and leverage customer needs, liaising between the sales team, properties, and customers
Proactively solicit new and existing accounts through their final disposition
Collect and analyze key customer business information
Identify sales opportunities aligned with Marriott’s business goals
Articulate financial benefits of proposals tied to customer objectives; leverage corporate and market resources (area leadership, group sales, property leadership) for account saturation and pull-through at local property level
Develop strong partnerships with local buyers to penetrate and grow market share and drive property sales
Serve the customer by understanding their business
Monitor, update, and communicate lead status with customers and internal sales channels
Perform consistently in sales, meeting production goals
Proactively identify new accounts, contacts, and opportunities to expand the account base and meet production expectations
Inform leadership of trends, opportunities, and market changes as needed
Perform additional responsibilities as requested by management
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Marriott brands, business strategies, pricing strategies, and market demands
Demonstrate knowledge of various segments and business requirements for each brand
Develop a close working relationship with operations to monitor strategy execution at the property level (post-sale)
Establish coordinated sales efforts that are complementary and non-duplicative
Drive customer loyalty through excellent customer service throughout the sales process
Serve the customer by understanding needs and recommending appropriate features/services that best meet those needs
Build and strengthen relationships with existing and new customers to enable future bookings
Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
Establish clear expectations for customers and properties throughout the sales process
Resolve guest issues that arise as a result of the sales process; escalate to leadership teams as appropriate
Qualification
Required
High school education is required
Must have prior experience in Sales Manager or Supervisor role
Must be able to effectively lead and motivate a team
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; familiarity with SFA & ESSIS strongly preferred
Must have a valid driver's license and be able to operate a vehicle
Preferred
College education is preferred
Previous experience as a Catering & Events Manager or Supervisor (preferred hospitality industry)
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!
Company
Ascent Hospitality
Ascent Hospitality specializes in the development and management of hotel properties.
Founded in 2012
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageRecent News
Birmingham Business Journal
2025-03-10
Birmingham Business Journal
2025-03-06
Company data provided by crunchbase