Catering & Event Sales Executive

Eaton Workshop is a purpose-driven global hospitality company dedicated to shaping a better world based on values of inclusivity, integrity, and imagination and driven by a triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. Founded by Hong Kong-born Asian-American Katherine Lo in 2018, she started Eaton to reimagine how we could build physical and digital spaces as platforms for creativity and collective change with an eye towards a more fair world. Eaton Workshop’s physical and digital spaces are a place for kindred spirits to commune, collaborate, and make an impact. Our properties, Eaton DC in Washington DC and Eaton HK in Hong Kong, champion our brand pillars: Impact (social and environmental impact), Culture (the arts, literature, theater, music), Media (radio, film), Wellness (holistic mind-body-spirit healing), and House (purpose-driven members workspace), as well as beautifully designed, ethical hotel and F&B offerings.

We encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply to work with us at Eaton Workshop – BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA, international citizens, and more. We welcome professionals who strongly believe in our mission and can demonstrate parallel or applicable experience and skills to help us achieve it.

We are looking for people who embody integrity, compassion, humility, an open mind, and a collaborative spirit. We are not looking for people who pursue ego, who put self gain and profit above all else, and who don’t truly support our mission. Ultimately, we are looking for people who carry an adaptive growth mindset, can build on their expertise, collaborate across disciplines, and see the higher purpose in going beyond the status quo.

POSITION OVERVIEW.

As a Catering & Event Sales Executive, you will play a crucial role in driving our catering and event sales initiatives. You will be responsible for generating new business, managing client relationships, and ensuring the seamless execution of events. This role requires a blend of sales experience, event planning expertise, and exceptional customer service skills.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages all aspects of small groups in all market segments on behalf of the hotel. Responsible for groups with 30 guest rooms (on peak) or less, and/or events with 30 attendees or less.
• Coordinates the following functions for clients including but not limited to site inspections, pre-planning, arrival experience, transportation, guest rooms, amenities, meeting logistics, production and audio-visual requirement, etc.
• Works directly with clients on room set-up, décor, cost and billing details and other requirements pertinent to their program.
• Maintain high level of knowledge in reference to Eaton brand and philosophy.
• Maintain high level of knowledge of the competition's product.
• Maintain good relationships with counterparts at competing hotels; promote all North America Langham Hotels whenever possible
• Manages revenue and profitability associated with their assigned event and ensures accurate billing.
• Meet solicitation and maintenance call requirements; make outside sales calls, handle all incoming inquiries.
• Answer incoming phone calls in a pleasant manner, within two rings, using correct salutations and Eaton telephone etiquette.
• Anticipate and respond to all customer needs within a timely manner, acknowledge all customers, however busy and whatever time of day.
• Follow-up with in-house guest to ensure on-going service to the guest.
• Work directly with Banquets & Culinary teams on event details.
• Attend designated trade show.
• Attend departmental and hotel meetings as required.
• Always book "smart" in respect to patterns.
• Ensure financial successes of hotel by overseeing all bookings are profitable for entire hotel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Lifting 30 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 10 lbs.
• Talking and hearing.
• Requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Ability to perform job function with minimal supervision even under pressure.
• Ability to ensure security and confidentiality of guests and hotel data.
• Ability to enforce hotel's quality procedures, etc.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision or as a cohesive team.
• Ability to be a clear thinker, analyze and resolve problems exercising good judgment.
• Ability to input and access information into computer.
• Ability to remain calm and courteous with demanding/difficult situations.
• Work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Desirable to have previous guest relations training.
• Ability to do basic arithmetic.
• Ability to formulate strategic action plan(s) to target need periods and markets.

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

• College degree preferred
• Minimum 2 years college

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Previous event management and sales experience preferably of similar size and quality
• Past hotel experience preferred

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES:

• No special license required.