Senior Catering Sales Manager

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a renowned luxury hotel brand with a global presence and a commitment to creating lasting memories for our guests. With over 30,000 colleagues worldwide, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional service, fostering a culture of excellence, and making special happen.

Hotel Overview:

Located in the heart of downtown Fairmont New Orleans will be an impressive new addition to Fairmont’s luxury portfolio, offering 250 luxury guest rooms, four food & drink venues, a rooftop pool with expansive views of the city, more than 19,000 square feet of function space, and a 10,000 square-foot spa.

This property is destined to become an illustrious destination in the Central Business District, nearby the city’s renowned and historic French Quarter.

What do we expect from you?

Reporting directly to the Director of Sales and Marketing, the Senior Catering Sales Manager is accountable for prospecting and solicitation of new catering business leads, servicing existing contracts and responsible for overall catering sales revenues.   

• Planning, conducting site inspections, selling, up-selling, and detailing of programs
• Responsible for booking and detailing events and achieving revenue goals
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategies to drive Catering revenues through direct sales
• Aggressive prospecting to further develop Weddings, Galas, Kosher Events, Luncheons, etc. 
• Collect data and prepare strategic plans to achieve annual revenue targets
• Key tasks include monthly forecasting, banquet menu pricing, and setting revenue minimums
• Set an elevated standard for the team by securing the highest quality business and inspire everyone to strive for the same level
• Remains calm under pressure and excels in problem-solving, particularly in people management
• Active participation in daily business review meetings as well as Sales and Catering meetings
• Attend weekly Catering meetings to review status of business, schedules, assignments, bookings, and all information pertinent to the department operation
• Monitor changes to Banquet Event Orders; ensure that accurate information is communicated to respective departments on a timely basis to best service the client
• Ensure that all definite functions are detailed accurately on BEOs and signed by clients
• Check function room set-ups prior to guest arrival, ensuring all details agree with client's requirements and hotel standards. Ensure deficiencies are corrected by respective personnel.
• Double check that functions are properly staffed to provide the required standard of service
• Supervise the service of functions, ensuring guest satisfaction
• Organizing and leading pre/post-convention meetings and solicit rebooking of events
• Assist Finance in following up on all billing/payment discrepancies according to hotel standard

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• High school graduate or equivalent vocational training certificate
• Minimum 3-years’ experience in hotel catering or banquets preferred
• Fluency in English both verbal and written and command of basic arithmetic
• Knowledge of various food service styles, menu development and content  
• Knowledge of room set-up styles and room capacities
• Familiarity with food and beverage cost controls
• Certification of previous training in liquor, wine, and food service and alcohol awareness program
• Work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team with minimal supervision
• Direct performance of staff and follow up with guidance when needed

Physical Demands

• Exert physical effort in transporting miscellaneous items up to 50 pounds
• Endure various physical movements throughout the work areas and reach 1-2 feet  
• Remain in stationary position for 30 minutes – ability to stand or walk 2 hours throughout work shift
• Satisfactorily communicate with guests, management, and co-workers

• If creating memories and being part of an exceptional guest experience appeals to you, perhaps you would be interested in joining the outstanding team of hospitality professionals at Fairmont New Orleans. 

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.