Job Details | Catering Sales Associate

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Chicago Zoological Society

Location: BrookfieldIL 60513 Document ID: AA013-0AR4 Posted on: 2016-08-2308/23/2016 Job Type: Regular

Job Schedule:Full-time
2016-09-22
 

Catering Sales Associate

Visualize developing and promoting custom event packages including all the special details for a guest's dream wedding being held at Brookfield Zoo. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in a room filled with elegant wedding decorations and colorful fresh flowers followed by an exquisite plated dinner prepared by our world-class culinary team and ending with ballroom dancing in a beautiful outdoor pavilion. It truly is an exotic venue where guests may visit amazing animals from around the world or simply stroll through our beautifully landscaped grounds. Our top-notch catering and culinary team offer the highest quality of service to our guests for various events from weddings, birthday parties, business meetings, black-tie events, fundraisers, ceremonies, picnics and countless others.

The Catering Sales Associate is responsible for cultivating new business for the Catered Events Department to contribute to the Society's financial sustainability and goal of providing extraordinary guest experiences.

The primary duties and responsibilities for this position include:
  • Works under the supervision of the Director of Catered Events to implement sales strategies and develop and promote custom event packages for prospective clients. Works with clients to determine what services or menu items are available and at what cost. Performs cost/benefit analyses of custom event packages. Encourages use of facilities and promotes full range of services available with a focus on optimal revenue generation and exceptional customer service.
  • Researches customer inquiries. Seeks out potential new clients, develops priority lists and initiates contacts. Under the direction of the Director of Catered Events, works to aggressively and systematically pursue external groups and audiences to utilize facilities for picnics, corporate meetings, picnics, weddings, and other social events including birthday parties, if needed. Represents the Society and Catered Events Department to external audiences in an enthusiastic, persuasive, and professional manner at all times.
  • Communicates client specifications, needs, event details, and customer/department expectations to events planning and logistical staff. Coordinates with events planning staff to assure optimal customer satisfaction. Conducts proper follow-up with clients upon completion of their events.
  • Works with Director of Catered Events on developing new markets and effective/relevant sales tools and techniques. Pursues designated groups to increase facility usage by targeted markets.
  • In collaboration with the Director of Catered Events and other Sales Managers, develops marketing, advertising publication, etc., to effectively represent programs and services to the public. Assists Marketing staff in understanding and communicating customer needs and expectations.
  • Other related duties as assigned to assure successful achievement of Society and department goals and objectives.


Position Requirements and Specifications
This position includes the following requirements:
  • Associates degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Hospitality or related field, or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.
  • Minimum of one year relevant sales and customer service experience in a hotel, banquet, special events or similar venue required.
  • Must have some level of experience with effective sales techniques.
  • Must have computer proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
  • Must possess excellent communications and interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with all levels of staff and audiences.
  • Strong customer services skills are required.
  • Must possess strong organizational skills. Attention to detail and accuracy is a must.
  • Must have a safe and reliable transportation for local travel.
  • Demonstrated experience successfully coordinating multiple projects and activities.
  • Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
  • A valid driver's license is required on date of hire. If you are an Illinois resident, you must possess a valid Illinois driver's license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required at time of hire if the employee is an out-of-state resident.

The desirable qualifications include:
  • Experience in a non-profit organization a plus.
  • Experience with catering software preferred.
  • Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint a plus.
  • Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information: This is an entry level sales position that requires a motivated, energetic, and creative sales professional who is committed to the growth of events sales program. This position is incentive bonus eligible. Incumbent must have a polished, professional appearance and demeanor, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Incumbent must be available to travel locally and work evenings and weekends.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.

The Chicago Zoological Society is a VEVRAA federal contractor. We desire priority referrals of protected veterans. The Chicago Zoological Society located at 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513 is the hiring location for the organization. The Human Resources contact person for the organization is Wendy Larsen, Director of Talent Acquisition, email: wendy.larsen@czs.org .

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer
     
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