Event Sales & Catering Manager

Job Summary

• Develop and expand network to build niche market awareness to position the Arena as a unique special events destination


• Receive, respond and manage all special event inquiries associated with Arena


• Serve as the primary and/or sole event manager for select events


• Solicit new special event opportunities using a variety of sales methods including extensive networking, prospecting, cold calling, telephone solicitation, direct mail, social media, etc.


• Create a database to keep in touch with past clients through phone calls, emails, letters and personal meetings


• Work with clients in all aspects of event planning, as well as, onsite coordination for upcoming events, to include the preparation and distribution of all necessary paperwork


• Have knowledge of special event related fees and available services, inclusive of catering menu/ options, etc.


• Have knowledge of all building related safety and security requirements, inclusive of food safety and sanitation


• Draft proposals and conduct tours of the facility


• Partner with the F&B Leadership team to create menus, conduct tastings, etc.


• Be fiscally responsible and accountable to budget goals for operations and food & beverage


• Support the hiring, training, staffing and scheduling of all special event related team members


• Execute all follow-up touch points; thank you messages, etc.


• Maintain a list of preferred vendors for flowers, music, audio/visual, lighting, etc.


• Leverage internal resources including, Marketing, Graphic Design, Public Relations and Premium departments to create marketing campaigns associated with special events


• Be the event host liaison throughout the planning process and ensure client comfort with event management team


• Develop and distribute event notes to all Arena Departments 


• Orchestrate and facilitate special event related meetings


• Ensure that all payment processing is completed in accordance with Arena payment terms and that all final payments reflect any and all services rendered on behalf of the client. He/she is the liaison between the client and the billing department


• Capitalize on the unique experiences that could be created when hosting an event at Arena that tie the guest experience to our core business by leveraging building facilities


• Work with the Director of Food and Beverage and Director of Finance on the creation of an annual catering budget


• Prepare regular reports on catering sales and submit to the Director of Food and Beverage


• Work closely with Event and Operations Managers to understand and help manage (inventory and ordering needs) all conference services materials; podiums, tables, chairs, A/V, etc…


• Thoroughly and accurately use all selected systems as appropriate for position (Purchasing, Point-of-sale, Work Force Management and more)


• Complete and provide daily/ event financial updates as requested/ determined


• Prepare, implement and compile data for strategic sales plan, annual goals, forecasts and other reports as directed and/or required


• Oversee and support the mentorship and development of all catering managers, operations managers, supervisors and team members daily


• Engage with venue guests, as well as, team members to ensure exceptional hospitality is always received 


• Work closely with Arena Senior Leadership to ensure effective coordination/ scheduling of special events in conjunction with and/or around all other arena events


• Partner with Arena Senior Leadership to ensure a successful operation


• Other responsibilities and tasks as deemed appropriate by the Arena Leadership Team

• Successful track record for 5+ years as an Event Sales and/ or Sales & Catering Manager in a full-service resort, hotel, or convention center securing and overseeing every type of event


• Experience in a sports and/or entertainment multi-use venue strongly preferred  


• Experience working with professional sports teams, major award shows and large-scale conventions preferred


• Track record of organizing and planning events that serve a wide range of guests


• Robust understanding of Operations, as well as, Food & Beverage and each departments relationship to large scale events (A/V, set ups, costings, planning, etc.)


• Current membership in industry specific associations preferred


• Attention to detail


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Working knowledge of Catering Software


• Working knowledge of basic PC applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) 


• Experience, implementing and operating Point of Sale, On-line Ordering and purchasing related technology


• Experience with computerized work force management software strongly preferred


• Solid organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple projects at one time


• Must be able to work extended shifts of 10 hours or more as business dictates


• Must be flexible with schedule and able to work different shifts


• Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays 


• Must be able to work in fluctuating temperatures


• English reading, writing, comprehension, math and computer skills required


• Ability to taste and evaluate food and beverage products


• Must be able to reach, lift, stoop, bend and perform extensive standing and walking (including stairs) throughout shift


• Ability to use hands in using office equipment, including the computer system


• Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly


• Ability to perceive the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.  Ability to talk and hear to conduct phone and radio correspondence 


• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned; visual inspection involving small errors and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly parts at distances close to the eyes