This position serves as the primary contact for clients from the time the contract is signed through event completion. The Senior Social Catering & Event Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all event details, including timelines, floor plans, menus, room setups, décor coordination, vendor communications, guest room blocks, and special requests. This role works closely with clients and all hotel departments to ensure
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, sales-driven, customer-focused, and passionate about creating memorable events. Flexible scheduling, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, is required based on business demands and event schedules.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage weddings, galas, reunions, religious events, quinceañeras, celebrations of life, holiday parties, and other social events from contract turnover through event completion.
- Generate catering revenue through prospecting, responding to inquiries, conducting site tours, and closing social event business.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the planning process.
- Conduct detailed planning meetings with clients to determine event requirements and expectations.
- Coordinate wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, farewell brunches, engagement parties, and related wedding functions.
- Assist couples and families with event design, timelines, menu selections, room layouts, and event flow.
- Coordinate vendor activities including florists, decorators, DJs, bands, photographers, officiants, rental companies, and other event professionals.
- Conduct property tours and participate in bridal shows, wedding expos, and community networking events.
- Create Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), Group Resumes, floor plans, and other event documentation.
- Distribute event information to all hotel departments and ensure accurate communication of client expectations.
- Attend and lead BEO and pre-convention meetings as required.
- Work with clients regarding room blocks, guest accommodations, VIP amenities, and special requests.
- Ensure all event details, guarantees, rooming lists, and billing information are accurate and submitted by required deadlines.
- Provide clients with banquet menus, credit card authorization forms, direct bill applications, and other required documents.
- Collaborate with culinary and banquet teams to customize menus and enhance the guest experience.
- Upsell food and beverage offerings, upgraded event enhancements, décor options, audio-visual services, specialty linens, and other revenue-generating opportunities.
- Create and maintain detailed event timelines and ensure all departments are aligned on event execution.
- Conduct final event walkthroughs with clients prior to event dates.
- Inspect banquet rooms and event spaces before guest arrival to ensure quality standards are met.
- Welcome clients upon arrival and remain accessible throughout events to address questions and concerns.
- Monitor event execution and respond quickly to client requests to ensure guest satisfaction.
- Resolve customer concerns professionally and effectively to maintain a positive experience.
- Review post-event billing for accuracy and coordinate revisions with the Accounting Department when necessary.
- Conduct post-event follow-up with clients, including thank-you communications and solicitation of feedback.
- Maintain organized and accurate client files, contracts, correspondence, BEOs, and event records.
- Partner with Sales, Front Office, Banquets, Culinary, Housekeeping, Engineering, and Accounting teams to ensure successful event execution.
- Stay current with wedding and social event trends to enhance the hotel's offerings and competitive position.
- Assist with developing new menus, event packages, promotions, and social event marketing initiatives.
- Meet or exceed catering sales goals and revenue objectives established by hotel leadership.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Sales & Marketing.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum of 3 years of catering, wedding, event planning, in hospitality setting.
- Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Marketing, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- Strong sales, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Exceptional organizational and time management abilities with a high attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with banquet event orders, room diagrams, catering software, and hotel sales systems preferred.
- Knowledge of food and beverage operations and banquet service standards.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules and business needs.
- Professional appearance and customer service orientation.
- Must possess a valid New Mexico Driver's License and maintain an acceptable driving record.
- Must have reliable transportation and current automobile insurance.
- Wedding Planning Certification and/or Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation preferred.
- Experience with Marriott systems including CI/TY, Marsha, Delphi, or similar event management systems preferred.
- Established relationships within the local wedding and event community a plus.
The Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown provides equal employment and affirmative action opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. If you need accommodation for any part of the employment process because of a medical condition or disability, please send me an e-mail or call 505-349-8024 to let us know the nature of your request.
Required
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3 year(s): Relevant experience servicing groups and/or detailing events
Preferred
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Bachelors or better in Hospitality Management or related field
Preferred
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Decision Making
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Multi-Tasking
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Detail Oriented
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
