Catering Sales & Events Manager

Catering Sales & Events Manager

Balboa Bay Resort, nestled in picturesque Newport Beach, California, is a luxurious waterfront haven celebrated for its exceptional service and captivating ambiance. Our commitment lies in curating unforgettable experiences and events for our guests.

Position Overview

Balboa Bay Resort is seeking an experienced and dynamic Catering Sales & Events Manager to join our team, and play a pivotal role in selling and servicing weddings, corporate and social events. The ideal candidate will cultivate relationships with clients, vendors, and internal departments to ensure every event from weddings and milestone celebrations to galas and corporate functions are flawlessly executed.

We're looking for someone who is creative, organized, and passionate about hospitality, with strong communication and sales skills. Previous experience in catering or event management within a luxury or resort environment is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of catering sales including prospecting, qualifying leads, securing new business, and nurturing long-term client relationships.
• Conduct site tours, planning meetings, and detailed consultations to ensure each event reflects the client's vision and the resort's standards.
• Create customized proposals, contracts, and event packages that align with client preferences and budget.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and banquet team to design and execute creative, personalized menus and event experiences.
• Oversee event execution of weddings from initial inquiry through post-event follow-up, ensuring seamless communication, accurate event documentation, and flawless delivery.
• Maintain detailed records of client correspondence, contracts, and financials in the designated systems.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and client feedback to identify opportunities for growth and innovation within the wedding and social markets.
• Represent the Resort at industry events and professional organizations to strengthen the resort's visibility and drive new business.
• Meet or exceed individual and departmental sales goals through effective pipeline management and consistent client engagement.
• Collaborate closely with the broader Sales and Event Services team to support other resort functions and ensure cohesive service delivery across all events.
• Uphold the resort's standards of hospitality, professionalism, and attention to detail in every client interaction.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or general education degree (GED), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of catering sales or event services experience in a club, hotel, or private venue with a strong focus on large scale social and corporate events.
• Proven ability to meet and exceed financial sales goals.
• Knowledge of food and beverage products, proper preparation and presentation of food and beverage items.
• Knowledge of meeting room setups and procedures.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with all business contacts.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, Team Members may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs. Work schedules will include working on holidays, weekends and alternate shifts.
• Required to travel periodically throughout year.
• Proficient knowledge of computers, Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Ability to learn computer systems used at the Resort.
• Excellent communications skills and effectively interact with all levels of employees, guests and vendors.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English, in both oral and written forms.
• Ability to work under pressure; must be able to multi-task and possess excellent follow-up skills.
• Proven ability to work independently, as well as a part of a team.
• Must maintain a clean and appearance and professional demeanor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management.
• Previous experience working in a similar setting.
• Proficient in Delphi FDC, Opera, Social Tables.
• Knowledge of current Audio/Visual equipment and setups.
• Established network within the wedding and social events community is a plus.