Job Description

Come be a part of something bigger!

More than 10,000 dedicated employees around the world bring their unique talents, expertise and experiences to work every day with Benchmark. Our strength lies in our diversity, positive service attitude and determination to succeed.  Come be a part of our “Be the Difference” culture, where every employee, at every level, in every job strives to capture moments when they can provide memorable, personalized service to our guests, coworkers, and communities.

We are a strong believer in offering our employees Work-Life Effectiveness through, practices, policies, and programs to help our employees achieve success at both work and home.  Here are just some of the great benefits we offer:

• Full Time employees have access to Medical and Dental insurance to fit your needs
• Benchmark University (You can grow both personally and professionally through on-line webinars and self-study courses) 
• 401K match (Let us help you build your financial future)
• Companywide Hotel Room Discounts (Who doesn’t love to get away)
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program (We are here to support you)
• Employee family events (bring the kids!)
• Partnerships and discounts with major retailers such as AT&T, Verizon and Dish to name a few
• Many more, please inquire for more details

Are you looking to work at an exciting, iconic Lake Geneva area resort that has mastered the art of guest service? Then The Abbey Resort is The Lake Geneva Experience you are looking for! We aim to hire individuals who are ready and committed to Be The Difference by creating memorable experiences in the lives of all we serve.

As part of the Benchmark global hospitality and Abbey Resort family you are considered to be a ‘transformational agent’ for our guests and ‘the best of the best’! You will have the opportunity to join an incredibly talented team at an all service resort situated on the beautiful shores of Geneva Lake. Our property mission is to exceed guests’ expectations by genuinely creating lasting memories through our commitment to maintaining positive attitudes, providing outstanding service and superior accommodations.

Every Guest, Every Employee, Every Time!

We offer an array of great benefits for all Abbey employees including on property discounts in the Waterfront Shop, Waterfront and 240 West Restaurants, Café Latte, Avani Spa and Salon, as well as discounted room rates for friends and family. Benchmark also offers all team members discounts on travel, electronics, appliances, cell phones and service, rental cars, dining, movies, sporting events, theme parks and more. Hotel room discounts are available to employees and immediate family members at Benchmark properties. We also offer on the job training, uniforms, recognition programs, free parking, and free employee meals through our Employee Galley. For our full-time employees, we offer competitive and comprehensive medical, dental, life, disability, retirement and 401K benefits.

If you are ready to come Be The Difference – apply now!

What you will have an opportunity to do:

The Wedding – Catering Sales Manager is responsible for solicitations of new accounts, and maintaining relationships with existing accounts, to meet and/or exceed all budgeted revenue goals. Focus is on the wedding market and business: at times will also service and solicit business from non-wedding markets based on Resort’s needs, or in conjunction with corporate general Catering campaigns and initiatives.

Be an ambassador of The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa, and maximize networking opportunities, by maintaining active membership in area wedding and special event trade associations, and participate in applicable exhibits and trade shows whenever possible.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Wedding – Catering Sales Manager must execute detailed sales contracts, and successfully manage all aspects of event planning and coordination with both external vendors and internal operating departments. Effective communicate event details to all operating departments via banquet Event Orders, Group Resumes and regularly scheduled internal meetings. Work with the Director of Catering & Conference Services to ensure administrative duties are being carried out based on schedule of due dates and needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Solicit new and existing accounts to meet or exceed budgeted revenue goals through telephone solicitation, outside sales calls, site-inspections, written communication, and on-going innovation in weddings market offerings in conjunction with Director of Catering & Conference Services and Director of Sales & Marketing.

• Receive visitors, guests and clients various times of the day and/or evening, any day of the week, including holidays and weekends.
• Answer questions and concerns in a timely manner, follow through either to resolution or refer to the appropriate manager.
• Prepare accurate correspondence to customers, and maintain internal booking reports and file maintenance (Delphi).  Stay current with Delphi and update account data as necessary.
• Respond and sell to all telephone and walk-in inquiries.
• Follow-up on all function details with Banquet Manager, Executive Chef, Audio-Visual Technicians, Equipment Rentals, etc.
• Work with other departments within the hotel to provide quality service to customers both in the pre-planning stage as well as day of event.
• Develop/maintain knowledge of market trends, competition and customers.
• Produce accurate client BEOs and Group Resumes, and communicate any changes/updates to all resort departments.
• Supervise the accurate recording and compiling of information.  Correctly retaining records, files and logs in accordance with established procedures.
• Recommend profit improvements to Director of Catering.
• Attend community/social events and industry meetings.
• Accurately forecast catering food, beverage, room rental and miscellaneous revenue within      a +/_ 5%
• Participate in site-visits, planning meetings and menu tastings as required.
• Verify and manage credit information and deposit schedules.
• Participate in business review meetings (e.g. Banquet Event Order, Resume).
• Participate in Pre/Post-Event meetings. Review estimates and final bills with clients.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Required to perform other tasks and duties as assigned.
• Scheduled hours may vary on business needs and may or may not include holidays, weekends, various shifts, overtime or reduced hours.
• Interface positively and assist with other departments as required.
• Respond to any reasonable task as assigned by Director and/or Senior Leadership and/or Executive Team.

ENVIRONMENT:  Office setting, hard surfaces with overhead artificial lighting and comfortable regulated ventilation.  Property venue touring and event oversight will include both indoor and outdoor venues, and all-weather conditions.   

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

M/F/D/V

What are we looking for?

QUALIFICATIONS:  EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING, & WORK EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Four-year college degree, preferably in the hospitality industry or equivalent work experience.
• Working knowledge of a hotel.
• 1 – 2 years previous experience in the hospitality industry.
• CMP certificate desirable, but not necessary.
• Requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written of the English language.
• Must possess excellent inter-personal and sales-related skills.
• Must have excellent computational and analytical abilities, exceptional organizational skills with keen attention to detail.  
• Must have strong computer skills and detailed knowledge of various computer programs, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Able to quickly learn and function in the Delphi system.
• Extensive knowledge of food and beverage products, proper preparation and presentation of food and beverage items.
• Extensive knowledge of meeting room capacities, banquet set-up, audio-visual and any other pertinent details as they relate to function room set-up.
• Ability to act independently with minimal or no supervision.
• Desire to participate as part of a team.

Benchmark Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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