Position Purpose: SA Hospitality Group is looking for an energetic, personable, and process-driven person to serve as a Catering and Events Director This individual will partner with the Special Events Team of SA Hospitality Group to manage special events for our off-premise catering department. The ideal candidate is a goal-oriented individual with extensive events knowledge. The representative ... will work closely with clientele and staff to produce exceptional events that drive referrals and positive public opinion. With these responsibilities come unlimited opportunities to build and grow as a hospitality and sales professional in SA Hospitality Group.
Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
• Plan, coordinate, and execute all off-site catered events from start to finish ensuring the highest quality of product and service throughout.
• Lead and serve as primary contact for all external client events catered by SAHG special events at Sotheby’s from start to finish ensuring the highest quality of product and service throughout.
• Facilitate repeat and new business and client relationships for event functions to exceed the sales expectations of the Special Events Department.
• Work closely with Catering Director in planning and execution of all marketing and outreach programs with a focus on nurturing existing client relationships and developing new clients.
• Use professional sales techniques to negotiate the best possible terms and conditions that satisfy customer (internal and external) requirements.
• Respond all event inquiries in timely manner. For Monday to Friday requests and weekend urgent requests answer same day. If not deemed urgent weekend request, respond next business day (Monday).
• Communicating all beverage, warehouse, transportation, staffing and rental needs to our event production and operations team, providing support when needed.
• Providing support as needed to event service and planning within the catering department.
• Entrepreneurial approach to building the business and problem-solving attitude.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment focused on growth and development.
• Excellent track record of exceeding budgets and exceeding guests’ expectations.
• Negotiate prices and arrangements with clients, draws up contracts, and secures client’s signature and deposit.
• Ensuring constant communication and organization with Culinary department
• Manage the customer decision and relationship process.
• Ensuring pre-event information is complete prior to the event and communicating all details to event operations manager and event staff.
• Creates and designs floor plans, custom menus and run of shows.
• Assist in building inventory and overall aesthetic plan for current menu and station presentations and planning for new formats and options.
• Ensures that all safety and sanitation standards are in compliance with local/state health department regulations.
• Schedule meetings with clients to present events locations, assist in tastings and client meetings for large events.
• Support and implements events standards, all policies & procedures for the department.
• Ensures all legal requirements are adhered to (i.e., Wage and Hour/Breaks, Health and Safety, etc.)
• Coordinate with operations managers to organize necessary kitchen, room layout and service staff and arrangements for each event.
• Document and review all records for each event and inquiry, analyzing what can be done to improve processes, communication and sales.
Qualifications:
• A minimum of 4 years event management experience in a full-service, high-volume restaurant, hotel, or other food and beverage unit with a similar capacity and clientele. Restaurant experience preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years in catering or event sales coordinator role.
• Excellent Knowledge of food, wine, and spirits
• Degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business, Marketing, Event Planning or applicable specializations a plus.
• Existing book of business is a must
• High-level understanding and expertise in the sales process.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.
• Excellent work habits and organizational skills to conduct detailed follow-through with clients and event staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong computer skills required; familiarity with TripleSeat, Social Tables and Toast a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays in addition to normal business hours, as needed.
Administrative:
• Maintaining and updating client database
• Weekly report of sales activities.
• Finding and vetting new systems, platforms, and vendors
• Attend all necessary meetings scheduled by the Operations Department and ownership.
• Attend Events department’s meetings.
Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to seize, grasp, turn and hold objects with hands
• Must be able to work on your feet as well as stationary for at least 10 hours daily
• Fast paced movements are required to go from one part of the club to others
• Must be able to move, pull, carry or lift at least 20 pounds
• Occasionally kneel, bend, crouch and climb is required
• This role will offer a base salary + commission. Base salary will start at $85K and above based on experience.
Self-Development
It is understood that as Event Manager you are responsible to maintain current knowledge of the world of food and beverage products and current trends in the industry as well as monitoring current and new venues and restaurant locations. You will be required to continually develop this knowledge on your own time. Your progress in education will be evaluated on ongoing basis. Likewise, the company will assist in any way possible with any educational goals that relate to your duties as Event Sales Manager (with prior management approval
