Catering Coordinator

Nestled in the heart of Sonoma and mere steps from the unique charm and history of its Plaza, The Lodge brings this enchanting town to life in an authentic and nuanced way. Hand-crafted touches pay homage to centuries of local craftspeople. Programming emphasizes the process, resulting in a deeper appreciation for the finished product — be it wine, art, or olive oil. Welcoming associates display pride and love for the region…a sentiment that is all but infectious. And tightly woven community connections ensure our Sonoma resort guests feel like locals, and locals feel like friends.

The Catering Coordinator assist sales and catering managers in achieving customer satisfaction by performing administrative duties relating to guests, hotel communications and sales. Responds to telephone and in-person inquiries regarding reservations, hotel information and guest concerns.

• Answer sales office phones when sales staff not available. Respond to all sales inquiries accurately, timely and in a professional manner.
• Type correspondence, reports and necessary forms i.e. contracts, as well as prepare proposals or other letters as directed.
• Coordination of all group and wedding business as contracted by the catering and sales manager/DOS. Contact and provide appropriate follow-up on all signed/contracted business within five (5) working days. Determine and coordinate all needs of the customer.
• Responsible for effectively communicating with the various departments to ensure that the meeting and related functions are executed to exceed the client’s expectations.
• Account Service and Management: Maintains well documented, accurate, organized and up-to-date file management in order to serve client and employer in the most expedient, organized and knowledgeable manner.
• Develops strong customer relationships through appropriate client communication and the use of professional, courteous and ethical interpersonal interaction.
• Work with sales personnel to achieve required sales team goals.
• Have current knowledge of hotel rates, strategies, discounts and promotions.
• Assist with completing any required sales reports.
• Develop and effective communication and information system with the hotel team to disseminate details of upcoming group, meeting events and special events in the primary marketing area.
• Assist hotel with implementing hotel specific selling strategies.
• Promptly, the same day or by 10am the next business day, follows-up on all customers’ needs and inquires in an efficient and expedient manner
• Represents themselves and the hotel with the highest level of integrity and professionalism, a service focused approach and a caring, sincere attitude at all times.
• Exhibits a positive and involved team attitude to all hotel departments and maintains open communication with all co-workers for the best overall performance of the hotel.
• Display a neat, clean and business-like appearance at all times.
• Creates monthly social hour calendar with the Director of Sales.
• Assists the Sales department with monthly luncheons, client events, etc.
• Conduct walk-in tours
• Create gift bags for guest traces, VIP’s, Hug’s, etc. Keep supplies stocked and on hand.
• Work with EBC on all group turnover and proper execution of the groups.

Education/Formal Training

High school diploma or vocational secretarial.

Experience

Previous sales, hospitality, and secretarial experience preferred.

Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to type 60 WPM, Microsoft Word applications: Word, Excel, Publisher and Powerpoint.
• Alphabetizing, grammar and punctuation skills. Standard business letter formats.
• Strong editing skills.
• Excellent hearing required for telephone inquiries and client and associate handling.
• Excellent vision required as contracts and letters are hand written, filing, using computer, checking diary.
• Excellent speech communication skills necessary to communicate clearly with customers and other departments.
• Excellent comprehension and literacy required to read manager's letters, help prepare contracts and proposals.
• Excellent attention to detail and multi tasking skills

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bending/kneeling - repeated bending and kneeling required while filing.
• Mobility - must be able to reach all areas of hotel to assist clients.
• Occasional standing.
• Occasional carrying and lifting of files and office items up to 25 lbs.

Environment

General office and hotel environment