Catering Sales Manager

Join Our Passionate Team at The Study at University of Chicago – We're Seeking an Exceptional Catering Sales Manager!

Position Summary: 
The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for assisting the property with their sales effort. Primary responsibilities include the selling, planning, detailing, and support of all catering events, as well as driving guest loyalty by delivering thoughtful and engaging sales and event planning experiences.

Job Responsibilities:

• Sell, negotiate, detail and service all catering events. Including, but not limited to, business development and solicitation, hosting site inspections, menu planning, agenda setting, group event detailing and catering event contracts.
• Prepare, review, and process Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Work closely with the Banquets team and external vendors (A/V, décor, entertainment, etc.) to deliver exceptional event experiences.
• Serve as the primary liaison between clients and operational departments, ensuring client needs are met and fostering repeat business
• Maintain comprehensive records of client interactions, inquiries, and sales activity in SCS (or relevant CRM system).
• Contribute to setting and meeting catering sales targets through strategic planning and execution.
• Have an active involvement in the establishment of catering sales goals and forecasts and work consistently to achieve them.
• Establish and maintain communication with clients prior to events to initiate, negotiate, and close contracts for all catered functions.
• Cultivate effective relationships with preferred vendors and local event planners.
• Ensure seamless event execution by coordinating with hotel staff before, during, and after each event.

General Functions:

• Maintain a safe and clean work environment.
• Effectively communicate (verbal, nonverbal, and visual) understanding and clarifying concerns with all levels of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous, and service-oriented manner. 
• Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions. 
• Effectively handle problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary. 
• Evaluate and understand complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives. 
• Must be able to maintain the confidentiality of information

Qualifications:

• Education/Experience: Undergraduate degree from a four-year college or university; or three (3) to five (5) years related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred. At a minimum, one must possess at least three (3) years of related sales experience and training, an associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college, technical school, or an equivalent combination of education and related sales experience. Experience in hotel catering and/or sales required.
• Language Ability: Must be able to read, interpret and comprehend documents in English, such as emails, memos, contracts and instructions. Write routine reports, correspondence, business letters, summaries, and reports in English using a prescribed format, conforming to all punctuation, grammar, diction, and style rules. Must be able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Computer Skills: Must have sufficient computer skills that will allow them to be able to use, in a proficient manner, all Company-issued software programs implemented at the hotel, including but not limited to the following:  
    
  • Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel  
  • Property Management System (PMS) programs  
  • Central Reservation System programs  
  • Payroll programs  
  • Company-issued internet browser programs  
  • Company-issued electronic mail programs  
  • Company-issued software programs implemented may be changed from time to time; this position is required to learn the new programs and upgrades as soon as practicable after such items are provided to the hotel.  
     
• Math Ability: Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance
• Reasoning Ability: Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Use mathematical skills to interpret financial information and prepare budgets. Read and interpret business records and statistical reports. Must be able to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Make business decisions based on production reports, similar facts, and your own experience and personal opinions.
• Physical Demands: The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.
   

Salary: $65,000 per year

Benefits of Joining Us:

• A comprehensive benefits package for full-time team members, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, plus paid time off and holidays.
• A workplace that truly values diversity and inclusivity, where everyone is welcome.
• A creative and inspiring environment, designed to foster discovery and connection.

About Us:
The Study at University of Chicago is not just a hotel; it's a place of inspiration, designed for guest interaction and connection. Located in the heart of Chicago, our hotel is a vibrant community hub, designed to reflect contemporary living and encourage guests to engage with each other and the world around them.

Ready to make a difference and be part of our energetic team? Apply now to join us at The Study, where your career is not just a job, but a journey filled with endless opportunities to excel and make an impact.

Study Hotels and its affiliated companies are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We expect all members of our team to contribute to creating and upholding an environment where all employees and guests feel welcome, valued, and respected.

Our employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment in the workplace. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status as defined by applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Note: We are a drug-free workplace, and pre-employment screenings are part of our hiring process.