Catering Sales Manager

• Meeting the needs of prospect & secured business (MICE) from enquiry, contracting and compilation of event order through to on site care and appropriate after function follow up.

What is in it for you:

• Employee benefit card offering discounted rates in Accor worldwide
• Learning programs through our Academies and the opportunity to earn qualifications while you work
• Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world!
• Ability to make a difference in the local community through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities, like Planet 21

What you will be doing:

• Assist in the maintenance of conference database of key contacts / clients.
• Formulation of quotations for conference proposals covering venue, function, menu and accommodation costs.
• Complete organisation of conference activity / events from confirmation to post-event follow-up in order to ensure client satisfaction.
• Co-ordination and hosting of familiarisation and site inspection activity including follow-up, including promoting conferences, conventions and trade shows to potential clients.
• Maintain existing businesses with clients and develop new accounts.
• Conduct sales campaign by direct sales call/ visits/ mailing for group businesses, meeting and banquets from all sources for bookings and lead.
• Keep clients advised of the latest information regarding the hotel’s development.
• Provide after-sales service and in particular to ensure all guests complaints are brought to the management’s attention.
• Submit monthly/ weekly reports on sales activities, competitor information, market trends, new business opportunities, and forthcoming appointments.
• Answer all correspondence and inquiries received during the working week within 24 hours of receipt; maintain good public relations with customers.
• Assist as required in the management of food and beverage service within the conferencing and outside catering areas.
• Ensure that there is a high level of cleaning and maintenance of conference area, back of house, tableware, utensils and other materials and equipment used by conferencing
• Regular liaison with Maintenance ensuring maintenance requests are completed quickly focusing on guest needs as a priority.
• Co-ordinate between Catering Sales and other relevant departments to ensure that preparations for conferences have been made.
• Ensure constant liaison with the Food and Beverage Department to achieve the objectives of the conference dept.
• Adherence to Emergency Communication procedures ensuring that enquiries from the media are only responded to by the nominated spokesperson
• Strive to implement the Accor Vision and demonstrate active use of Accor and Sofitel Values.

Your experience and skills include:

• Minimum of 1 year experience in a similar role in a Hospitality Sales environment
• Projects professional image at all times through personal presentation / interpersonal skills.
• Initiates contact and establishes rapport easily.
• Organises time and work efficiently.
• Proficient in using Opera, Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines to achieve results
• Appreciates and maintains an effective outlet for stress.
• Excellent numeracy, verbal and written communication skills.
• Has the ability and willingness to undertake further development.
• Works under pressure without negative impact.
• Develops and maintains co-operative working relationships.
• Good team player; contributes to and assists co-workers without being asked
• Initiative to work unsupervised and be self motivated

Your team and working environment:

In alignment, with Sofitel's passion for luxurious hospitality, we strive to build a team of dedicated individuals with expertise to create an unforgettable experience for our guests.

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