Social Catering Manager

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

 Recognized as a Conde Nast Traveler's Choice hotel and the city's only AAA Four-Diamond property, Avenue of the Arts Hotel Costa Mesa is in search of an enthusiastic Social Catering Manager. As a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa is an eclectic, music-inspired luxury hotel located in the heart of Orange County. Elevating the guest experience, the hotel is across from the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and only 2.5 miles from SNA Airport. Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa Hotel is by no means your average hotel in Southern California. From the moment you arrive with a grandiose double -door entrance, you step into another world - an eclectic, creative world inspired by the glamour and style of Orange County. Beyond captivating design, enjoy social scenes and first- class hospitality dedicated to helping you make the most of every moment. 

WORK REQUIREMENTS: 

The Social Catering Manager will collaborate with the Sales, Catering, and Banquet teams to create unique and memorable events. This position will utilize the ballroom, meeting rooms and outdoor space to maximize Food & Beverage revenue. Responsibilities include establishing new accounts, building relationships with event planners, and increasing weddings and social event bookings for the hotel. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
• Ability to stand during shift
• Able to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 20 pounds of force constantly

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

•  Must be able to convey information and ideas clearly.
•  Must be able to evaluate and select among alternative courses of action quickly and accurately. Must work well in stressful, high pressure situations.
•  Must be effective in handling problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary. 
• Must be effective at listening to, understanding and clarifying the issues raised by co-workers and guests. 
• Must be able to work with and understand financial information and data and basic arithmetic functions. 
• Must maintain composure and objectivity under pressure.

WORK REQUIREMENTS: 

• Meet and exceed pre-determined Catering booking goals for food, beverage, rental and AV. 
• Responsible for prospecting and responding to all leads, walk-ins and regular scheduled appointments within a reasonable time.
•  Work with banquets, F&B and culinary staff to ensure accurate and timely communication 
• Ensure wedding and social lead sources are maintained and updated. 
• Utilize CI/TY to check inventory, block space and create bookings. 
• Conduct site inspections and schedule client lunches to showcase the property. 
• Monitor industry pricing, service levels, facilities and function activities to ensure the Hotel remains in a competitive position.
•  Evaluate a potential piece of business for profitability and overall benefit to the Hotel. 
• Have acquired knowledge with the ability to upsell to clients, while promoting a level of service parallel to the luxury stature of the facility. 
• Complete coordination of the Sales group functions acting as Convention Services. Accurate and timely preparation of detailed Resumes and clients billing. Review function contracts prior to distribution to client and hotel staff. 
• Follows up on the progress of groups booked, such as room night pick up, rooming lists, cut off dates, etc. with the Group Reservations Coordinator to ensure maximum revenues. 
• Follow up on bookings and solicit repeat business
•  Represent hotel in community affairs and industry related events. 
• Work very closely with Catering Coordinator on the daily flow of work processes - BEO preparation, inquiry follow up, maintain a thorough and detailed spreadsheet of all incoming business opportunities as well as detailed information on the definite and actualized business information sheet.
•  Continue to evolve and enhance property events through industry updates and trainings.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

•  High School Diploma - College preferred or experience
• Speaks English