Centerplate is the food and beverage services partner for The Javits Center in New York, NY. We currently seek an experienced, talented and dynamic Catering Sales Manager. Centerplate and our partner venues have been defining extraordinary experiences through thoughtful hospitality, expertly delivered, for more than 80 years at gathering places across North America and the United Kingdom. As the pioneer and leader in live event hospitality, we are committed to making the time that people spend together more rewarding and more valuable. Making it better to be there since 1929. TM Principal Function: The Catering Sales Manager will be directly responsible for creating unique dining experiences by directing, selling, up-selling and actively participating in the planning of catered functions. Working closely with clients, as well as with the sales, culinary and operations staff, they are responsible for ensuring that events are coordinated and executed smoothly and in accordance with all client expectations and specifications. The Catering Sales Manager will focus on the development, implementation and measurement of the revenue objectives contained within the unit's annual marketing plan. The Catering Sales Manager will support the planning of and preparation for events according to anticipated attendance, and will provide hands-on management and oversight in the areas of service and F&B operations during events. Skills & RequirementsEssential Responsibilities:
- Maximize Centerplate's catering revenue through creative sales techniques and customer focus.
- Provide leadership and direction to operations staff.
- Contribute to goal of making Centerplate #1 in Event Hospitality and the #1 Employer of Choice through personal commitment and leading by example.
Key elements:
- This position would be perfect if you are a Catering Sales Coordinator looking to move up to your first Sales Managers position.
- The Catering Sales Manager is part of the sales team focused on working with convention exhibitors.
- This position works on all aspects of the sales process from receiving inquiry calls, explaining menus and policies, booking Catered events, confirming details and working with the Operations Department to ensure that clients expectations are met.
- Excellent organization and hospitality skills are required for this position.
- Supports management in all aspects of a full-service event company.
- Ensures that the catering proposals, contracts, pre-payment forms and deposit information are prepared and sent out to clients.
- Keeps track of the deposit due dates and collects deposits according to the venue policy.
- Attends weekly BEO meetings, is attune to industry trends, and brings new ideas to the venue.
- Must be computer literate and have excellent Microsoft Office Suite and internet skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication, organization, ability to multitask in fast paced environment and a professional appearance are required.
- Proactive, self-motivated, energetic and an excellent team player as well as independent and organized.
- Committed to delivering a hospitality experience that exceeds our clients expectations.
Qualifications/Skills:
- Bachelors degree in business, hotel/restaurant management or a related field, and/or appropriate combination of education and experience to support on the job effectiveness.
- Prior experience in a similar venue with more than $5M in food and beverage sales.
- Demonstrated financial acumen; P&L accountability and/or contract-managed service experience
- Must possess strong knowledge of food and wine for menu development.
- Must possess strong knowledge of food and beverage financials, operations procedures, controls and administration, as well as awareness and ability to perform all sales-related functions.
- Solid and proven track record for sales and leadership success.
- Tech savvy, with high proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs.
- Demonstrated success in interfacing with a variety of organizational functions and divisions to accomplish tasks.
- Flexibility, ability to work extended or irregular hours to include nights, weekends and holidays.
Additional Requirements:
- Proven ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and management; Ability to promote and participate in team environment concepts.
- Self-starter who can work independently and on several tasks/projects simultaneously, and who can contribute to functional areas of the business outside of retail operations.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Initiative in identifying and resolving problems timely and effectively.
Other requirements include but are not limited to: Subject to wet floors, temperature extremes and excessive noise; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds in weight; must be able to maneuver in an often tightly-quartered environment. **Please include salary requirements when applying.** Thank you for expressing interest in employment with Centerplate. While only those candidates considered for this position will be contacted, your resume will remain on file for 90 days. Centerplate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.