Great Careers - A Hotel Catering Manager

Aug. 3, 2013 - PRLog -- A typical day:

I start the day by meeting with customers that are having events in my hotel.  I like to  greet them and make sure they have everything they need to ensure they have a successful meeting.  If the customer needs anything, I call the banquet events department and make sure the client gets what they need.  This is a great time to get to know the client and be sure to capture referrals and repeat business.

Then I am back to my office to return customer inquiries for events, banquets and conferences.  I'll close some sales and have my event coordinator block space and draw up agreements.

I'll put aside an hour to call on some key accounts and prospects and develop new business.

Next I typically have a luncheon appointment with a key customer to review their event or close a sale.

In the afternoon I typically have a few site inspections to show the hotel to prospective customers, and again, hopefully close a sale or two.  We typically have coffee or a beverage in our hotel restaurant.  It's important to get comfortable with the client and get to know them to ensure you have a successful business relationship.

Later in the afternoon I'll have some internal hotel meetings to attend.  One of the meetings could be a banquet event order meeting where we review upcoming groups and events and ensure everyone understands the customer's needs.  Our goal is always to prepare for an event that exceeds our customer's expectations.  I also attend staff meetings where managers update each other on key information and upcoming groups.

At the end of the day I again follow up with customer inquiries and wrap things up with a business review meeting.  This is where my team members get together to discuss business opportunities and exchange ideas on how to close business.

What do I like about my job?

I like meeting new and interesting people and help them plan successful events, banquets and conferences.  It's fun to get creative and plan unique menus and themed events.

What I don't like"

There is always a revenue goal, and I always have to strive to meet it.  Sometimes that can be stressful.

How did I get started as a hotel catering manager?

I took hospitality courses at college and found it interesting.  I worked as a hotel front desk and then applied for the catering manager position when it became available.  I changed hotels a few times to advance my salary.  I worked with Doubletree, Hilton, and Marriott.

How to get started in a career in hotels?

Start at a front desk and get some experience and apply for higher level positions.

or

Get an on-line certificate at PDQedge (http://www.aprinda.com)  or Ecornell

or

Or Get a hospitality degree at a 4 year college or take some classes at local junior college.

And

Look for jobs online at sites like hcareers.com