Catering & Conference Sales Manager

Job description

Company Description

Fairmont The Palm is a luxury, world-class resort located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah Island in Dubai. The hotel features 391 guest rooms and suites with dedicated Fairmont Gold rooms and lounge. A total of 11 food and beverage outlets on property offer international dining options including Michelin Guide recommended 2022 and 2023 Little Miss India, Frevo - Brazilian Churrasco experience, Seagrill Bistro, Ba Restaurant and Lounge, Blowfish, Flow Kitchen, The Cigar Room, Vuvuzela and others. Fairmont The Palm also features an expansive pool and beach area with a health club, Serenity Spa Dubai - The Art Of Well Being and the Fairmont Falcons Kids’ Club.

Job Description

·  Focus on selling both Conference Space and Outlets including Food & Beverage, AV and all Hotel Services to secure residential & non-residential catering as well as social events and weddings.
·  Solicit, negotiate, and book new and repeat business through various efforts (prospect calls, referrals, etc.) to maximize catering revenues to meet/exceed the goals and budgeted revenues.
·  Plan, up-sell, and detail the meeting/function with the client including space requirements, times, equipment, menus, etc.
·  Coordinate payment procedure to include: credit, prepayment, and billing instructions, etc. 
·  Complete the contracts, prepare the appropriate paperwork, coordinate with the appropriate areas in the hotel, and resolve any issues, complaints, and/or problems to ensure quality product delivery and customer satisfaction.
·  Manage event from beginning to end, processing all the information pertaining to the booking to include but not limited to:
· 
·  Preparation of creative menus while always keeping in mind food cost, labor cost and facilities of the kitchen. 
·  Confirm electrical, internet, telecommunication, audio-visual and where appropriate Exhibit requirements
·  Obtain guarantees of food and beverage events for Banquets and kitchen.
·  Maintain accurate, legible records, and files to provide group history, ensure future and current quality service and enhance future prospects
·  Exceed personal sales calls and activities goals, monthly, quarterly, and annually.
·  Utilize Opera Sales & Catering System to track, solicit, book, and follow-up accounts
·  Conduct site inspections with prospective and existing clients.
·  Be knowledgeable of and enforce local and state laws and regulations, with specific reference to health and safety
·  Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports as required. Assist with compilation of competitive intelligence information.
·  Responsible for dissemination of group/ event information to the appropriate departments via memos, emails, banquet event orders, directives, resumes and rooming lists in a professional and timely manner. 
·  Able to conduct the daily BEO meeting to review event details and to ensure last minute changes are communicated accordingly to the operation team.
·  Send out the BEO Meeting Change log & Updates email on a daily basis.
·  Attend daily /weekly / monthly meetings were your presence is required (Groups operational meeting,  sales meeting, leaders meeting …)
·  Establish good business and social relationships with the industry and participate in activities related to public relations in order to further increase sales leads for department as well as Hotel.
·  To control function space maximization and ensure Opera Sales & Catering standards are met.
·  To work closely with the Assistant Director of Sales to prepare monthly forecasts, as well as month end reports.
·  To coordinate trainings to Conference Services & Catering Coordinators and/or interns & trainees for best carrying out their responsibilities and duties.
·  Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

·  Minimum High School Diploma, Business School and/or Hotel School Diploma preferred.
·  Minimum three years experience in Catering, exposure to Banquet operation is a must.
·  Minimum three years experience in a luxury Hotel environment, resort experience preferred.
·  Candidate must have flexible schedule and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
·  Must be results oriented, enthusiastic and a strong team player
·  Must be able to prioritize, organize and be self-efficient.
·  Computer experience at intermediate to advanced level is mandatory with knowledge of Windows 2003 (Excel, PowerPoint and Word, Access) Opera Sales & Catering and Meeting Matrix
·  Must be flexible in terms of working hours especially during peak periods.
·  Must possess good Sales skills, guest service skills, professional presentation and sophisticated communication skills.
·  Proficient in English language (Verbal and written), second language is an asset.