Catering/Conference Services (CS) Manager

We’re Sonesta International Hotels.
The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast.

An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect.

Together We Thrive—bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting.

Job Description Summary

The Catering/Conference Services Manager is responsible for effectively coordinating meetings, conventions and other special events that are booked through the sales department as well as selling the meetings & event spaces/suites, food and beverage, and function planning services of the hotel to maximize revenues and profits for the hotel .The Catering/Convention Services Manager establishes new accounts, generates revenues, monitors booking pace, books repeat business, synchronizes the needs of the group contact planning the event and the staff of the hotel to effectively execute the event function. The Catering/Convention Services Manager will act as the primary liaison between the client and the hotel operations team to ensure the success of the event and/or room blocks.

The ideal candidate is guest-focused (both internal and external) and has superior organizational and communicational acumen with a keen interest in honing their leadership skills in the Catering and CS arena of the hotel.

Job Description

Location

This is a muti-property role that represents all the Sonesta Hotels in NYC. Sonesta Hotels is the 8th largest hospitality company in the United States, with 1,200 hotels both domestically and abroad. The company is on a serious expansion path, and we are a great fit for candidates who are seeking opportunities to grow within the hotel industry.

This position is an in-person role that requires the candidate to reside in the NYC Metro area. The role will primarily be on-site, with some flexibility for occasional hybrid work, adhering to Sonesta’s work policies. Hybrid opportunities are not consistent or guaranteed at any point in time.
           

Work Environment

• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Majority of work takes place indoors.

Physical Demands

• The person in this role may be exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects of up to 25pounds.
• The person in this role will be frequently standing up, bending, climbing, kneeling, and moving about the hotel.

Expected Hours of Work

• Must be flexible to work variable days of the week to include weekends and holidays.
• Must be flexible to work variable shifts.
• Ten to twelve hour shifts sometimes required.

 Education and Experience

• High school degree or equivalent required. College course work in related field preferred.
• 1-2 years hotel experience required, experience in sales and/or front desk is a plus.
• Proficiency in Salesforce FDC and/or Opera is a plus.
• Intermediary knowledge of MS Outlook and Words is required.
• Proficiency in English reading and writing is a must. Bilingual or muti-lingual skills are a plus.

Principal duties and responsibilities (Essential Functions) include:    

Operational/Functional:

• Detail and service all assigned bookings with group rooms and/or event space that is turned over by the sales team.
• Ensure that all room blocks, and event spaces are managed and maintained the Sonesta guidelines.
• Conduct all important functions and audits that will ensure smooth operation and servicing of groups and events including but not limited to taking deposits, entering room lists, sending confirmation numbers, monitoring pick up, extending group blocks and rates, creating resumes, reviewing invoices and commissions.
• Prepare and distribute all Banquet Event Orders (BEO). Ensure all BEO paperwork is completed in a timely and accurate manner. Attend daily BEO meetings.
• Assist the client in menu planning, food and beverage coordination, table arrangements, decorations, traffic flow, room set-up, group room blocks and VIP services, etc. 
• Check function/event room set ups prior to guest client arrival, ensuring all details are in agreement with client’s requirement and hotel standards. Ensure deficiencies are corrected by appropriate personnel.
• Coordinate and/or lead meetings such as pace review, resume meetings, internal and external pre-cons, credit meetings etc. as per the (internal and external) clients’ needs.
• Coordinate functions and activities with other department heads as appropriate and communicate the Meeting/Event planner’s needs to appropriate staff.
• Arrange and conduct special events, site inspections, and off-site presentations for potential clients.
• Prospect, solicit, negotiate, and book new and repeat business to ensure maximization of revenue in order to achieve and/or exceed budgeted revenue goals.
• Establish client base of individuals, organizations, associations, social, and/or corporate businesses through direct outside and inside selling to secure business for the hotel.
• Ensure that the Sonesta CRM is maintained in accordance with Sonesta guidelines, and contains accurate and most up to date information
• Achieve personal and team goals as assigned.
• Negotiate guest room rates, meeting room rental, function space, food and beverage prices, function space, and hotel services within approved departmental guidelines. 
• Accurately produce and/or review all sales contracts, addendums rate agreements, and/or banquet/catering event orders.
• Monitor and handle inquiry calls and provide client proposals in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.
• Attend weekly sales, revenue and department meetings as necessary.
• Assist the Director of Sales & Marketing/Director of Conference Services with Budget and Forecast and complete special projects and assignments as designated.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming.
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.

Financial Management:

• Maintain client files and update information daily in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures. 
• Review daily postings of charges to master accounts of clients and resolve any discrepancies, or process necessary adjustments. 
• Review final bill prior to presenting to client.
• Assist in the preparation of the departmental budget and implementation of the hotel’s catering and conference strategy.

Leading with Passion:

• Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and corporate office.
• Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect.
• Inspire your coworkers to embrace and demonstrate Sonesta’s core values and the guest service standards.

Qualifications and Skills

A candidate for this position must possess the following applicable knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to demonstrate and provide applicable examples to support his/her competency.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.
• Knowledge of hotel and hospitality industry.

Additional Job Information/Anticipated

Pay Range

Hourly Compensation Rate: $28.34 - $33.65

Base pay offered may vary depending on various factors including but not limited to job related knowledge, skills, and job specific/overall experience.

In addition, this position is eligible to participate in the Sales Incentive Plan.

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts
• Hospital Indemnity
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance

Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered.