Catering Sales Manager

Job Title: Catering Sales Manager
Location: Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, 100 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Department: Sales & Marketing / Catering & Events
Reports To: Director of Catering (or Director of Sales, Marketing & Events)
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Property Overview: The Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort is a premier full-service beachfront destination with 744 rooms and suites, direct Atlantic Ocean access, and exceptional event venues including grand ballrooms, flexible breakout spaces, oceanfront terraces, beach setups, and proximity to the Ocean Center convention facility. It attracts corporate meetings, conventions, association events, weddings, social functions, and local catering opportunities in a high-energy coastal market.

Position Summary:

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for proactively soliciting, booking, negotiating, and securing catering and banquet business to achieve or exceed assigned revenue goals. This role focuses on generating sales for corporate, social, wedding, local, and non-room group events while delivering exceptional Hilton service and building long-term client relationships. You will collaborate closely with the Director of Catering, Event Managers, culinary team, and operations to ensure seamless proposal-to-execution processes in a dynamic oceanfront resort setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Proactively solicit and develop new and repeat catering business through targeted sales efforts, including outbound calls, site tours, networking, industry events, and lead follow-up.
• Respond promptly to inquiries, RFPs, and leads for catering events (breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, receptions, weddings, beach events, and off-site catering as applicable).
• Prepare and present customized proposals, contracts, menus, and pricing that align with client needs, hotel brand standards, and revenue maximization strategies.
• Negotiate terms, including menus, pricing, guarantees, attrition, concessions, and add-ons (e.g., audiovisual, décor, upgraded F&B, beach setups, or spa packages).
• Achieve or exceed monthly/annual catering revenue targets, banquet food & beverage goals, and contribution to overall hotel profitability.
• Conduct site inspections and client presentations, highlighting the resort's unique oceanfront advantages, beachfront event capabilities, and proximity to attractions like the Daytona International Speedway and Ocean Center.
• Maintain accurate booking records, forecasts, and pipeline in hotel systems (e.g., Delphi FDC, Opera, or similar CRM tools).
• Upsell additional revenue opportunities such as enhanced menus, beverage packages, AV services, room blocks, and ancillary resort amenities.
• Transition booked events smoothly to the Event Meeting Manager / Conference Services team via detailed handoffs, ensuring client expectations are met during execution.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts, local businesses, wedding planners, DMOs, and event professionals to drive repeat and referral business.
• Participate in revenue strategy meetings, sales blitzes, trade shows, and community events to promote the property.
• Ensure compliance with Hilton brand standards, health/safety regulations, food & beverage guidelines, and resort policies.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and pricing in the Daytona Beach catering/event landscape to maintain competitive positioning.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Experience: 2–5+ years of catering sales, banquet sales, or hotel group sales experience in a full-service hotel, resort, or convention property. Hilton brand experience preferred.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Marketing, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Skills:
  • Proven track record of meeting/exceeding sales targets and generating revenue.
  • Excellent negotiation, presentation, and closing skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication abilities (verbal and written).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and hotel sales/event systems (Delphi, Opera, Cvent, etc.).
  • Knowledge of food & beverage costing, menu planning, banquet operations, and event logistics.
  • Customer-focused with the ability to build rapport and handle objections effectively.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to conduct site tours (including outdoor/beach areas), stand/walk for extended periods, and lift up to 25 lbs occasionally. Must work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for client meetings and events.
• Other: Valid driver's license and reliable transportation; ability to thrive in a seasonal, high-volume beachfront environment.

Why Join Our Team?

• Competitive base salary with aggressive commission/incentive structure tied to catering revenue performance.
• Full benefits package, including Go Hilton travel program (worldwide hotel stays), health/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with match, paid time off.
• Opportunity to sell in one of Florida's top oceanfront meeting and event destinations, with stunning Atlantic views and unique beachfront catering possibilities.
• Collaborative, energetic team environment focused on creating memorable experiences for clients steps from the World's Most Famous Beach.