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Sonesta Hotels

Catering Sales Manager

Sonesta Hotels, Lihue, Hawaii, United States, 96766

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Job Description Summary The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for generating, coordinating, and managing catering and banquet business for the resort. This position is a property based role that combines sales, event coordination, and hands‑on banquet support to ensure seamless service execution and guest satisfaction. The manager will work closely with clients, the sales team, culinary, and banquet departments to ensure successful events from contract to completion. The Catering Sales Manager works in a fast‑paced, guest‑focused, and highly collaborative environment that bridges both sales administration and event operations. The role requires adaptability, professionalism, and a strong presence across multiple departments within the resort.

Job Description Principle duties and responsibilities (Essential Functions) include: Sales & Client Relations

Solicit, negotiate, and book new catering business through prospecting, networking, and client referrals.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, wedding planners, social groups, and meeting planners.

Conduct site inspections, menu tastings, and detailed event consultations with clients.

Prepare proposals, contracts, banquet event orders (BEOs), and billing summaries accurately and timely.

Achieve or exceed individual and departmental sales goals.

Event Planning & Coordination

Serve as the main point of contact for assigned events from planning through execution.

Work with culinary and banquet teams to design menus that meet guest expectations and budget parameters.

Coordinate room setup diagrams, timelines, and audiovisual requirements.

Attend and lead pre‑convention and pre‑event meetings to ensure operational readiness.

Provide on‑site support during high‑profile or large‑scale events to ensure flawless service delivery.

Banquet Operations Support

Assist banquet management during event setup, service, and breakdown when required.

Collaborate with banquet staff to ensure events are executed per BEO specifications.

Support communication between the kitchen, banquet service, and sales to resolve last‑minute adjustments or guest requests.

Ensure compliance with safety, sanitation, and brand service standards during events.

Administrative & Financial

Maintain accurate event files, trace systems, and post‑event feedback.

Track revenues, forecast catering business, and assist with budgeting and reporting.

Review banquet checks for accuracy before final billing and follow up on client payments.

Ensure uniform and personal appearance are clean and professional; maintain confidentiality of proprietary information; protect company assets.

Display daily professional, courteous, attentive, helpful, and positive attitude towards all guests, fellow employees, and managers.

Ability to work cohesively with co‑workers as part of a team to reach common goals.

Perform other job duties as requested by supervisors/managers as other job duties may be assigned as needed.

Understanding Sonesta’s company and safety policies and maintain compliance with OSHA and the health department requirements.

Qualifications and Skills:

Minimum of 2–3 years of catering sales or event planning experience in a

full‑service hotel or resort

environment.

Strong knowledge of food & beverage operations and banquet event management.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Delphi, Opera, or other hotel CRM systems.

Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving skills.

Customer‑focused with a commitment to creating memorable guest experiences.

Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands.

Ability to provide and maintain a valid driver’s license as the position may require the operation of motorized and electric vehicles.

Work Environment:

Office Environment:

Most of the planning, client communication, and administrative tasks occur in an office setting. This includes preparing contracts, proposals, banquet event orders (BEOs), budgets, and reports, as well as meeting with clients or vendors. The environment is typically professional and business‑oriented, requiring strong organization and attention to detail.

On‑Property & Banquet Floors:

During event setup, execution, or inspections, the manager works closely with banquet, culinary, and operations teams on the event floor, in meeting spaces, and occasionally outdoors (for weddings, receptions, or corporate events). This involves walking, observing setups, assisting with last‑minute changes, and ensuring quality and guest satisfaction.

Physical Demands:

Combination of

desk work (computer use, paperwork)

and

active floor presence

during events.

May involve

standing or walking for extended periods , inspecting setups, and occasionally assisting with décor or materials.

Exposure to varying temperatures during outdoor or beachfront functions.

The work environment emphasizes

professional presentation ,

guest service , and

attention to operational details .

Expected Hours of Work:

Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the hotel.

Must be flexible to work various days and various shifts of the week to include weekends, holidays, days, nights and overnight to support weddings, special events, and high‑volume periods.

Regular attendance in conformance with the standards which have been established by the hotel from time to time is essential to the successful performance of this position.

Ten‑to‑twelve‑hour shifts are sometimes required, and flexibility is essential.

The position is fast‑paced and deadline‑driven, balancing multiple events and clients at various stages of planning.

Travel:

Some travel may be required to and from event sites.

Additional Job Information/Anticipated Pay Range $29.30‑38.30 - Base pay offered may vary depending on various factors including but not limited to job related knowledge, skills, and job specific/overall experience.

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 or protected veteran status.

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

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