Full job description

Overview
Join the dynamic team at The Westin Cleveland as our Catering Sales and Event Manager, where your passion for hospitality and event planning will shine! In this energetic role, you will lead the development and execution of memorable events, drive sales growth through strategic marketing and upselling, and deliver exceptional customer service. Your expertise will ensure seamless coordination from initial inquiry to event completion, creating unforgettable experiences that delight clients and elevate our venue’s reputation. This position offers a vibrant environment where your organizational skills and hospitality background can truly thrive. In May 2026, we will complete our full renovation of all group space and our 484 guest rooms, making the Westin the newest product in Cleveland!

Responsibilities

• Maximize revenue by selling all facets of the hotel to previous, current and potential clients, including room rental, A/V and other revenue generation opportunities.
• Solicit new and existing accounts to meet and exceed revenue goals through telephone prospecting, outside sales calls, site inspections and written communication.
• Understanding of both monthly forecasting and the annual budget process, as well as pace and productivity.
• Understanding of yield management skills and the use of historical data.
• Experience evaluating every catering business opportunity to maximize revenue and profitability while achieving customer expectations.
• Participate in the research of the competition’s products, services and pricing and use it to develop strategic business plans.
• Experience selling to a variety of market segments.
• Consistently book repeat business by having a track record of long-term client relationships.
• Actively participate in industry related organizations (NACE, MPI). Actively participate in community/civic activities to maintain awareness within community and to create booking opportunities.
• Knowledge of sales techniques including closing skills as well as negotiating skills.
• Comfortable with hotel site inspections and client presentations.
• Participate in trade shows and sales blitzes.
• Some experience utilizing creative skills to provide innovative set-ups, menus, and functions for groups. Ability to generate creative and innovative menus while working closely with Chef on pricing specialty menus.
• Work closely with banquet department on operations and event execution, ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Provide overall direction, coordination, and ongoing evaluation of operations of catering events sold. Detailed execution of all banquet event orders generated by the associate.
• Experience providing A/V equipment and operating A/V as a profit center.
• Effective use and teaching of computers, specifically Delphi, Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of market trends, competition, and key hotel customers.
• Ability to work with outside vendors to ensure client satisfaction for all events/groups.
• Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis.
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 1+ year in catering sales required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Proven experience in catering sales, event management, or hospitality roles such as restaurant or hotel experience with a focus on banquet services.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to upsell effectively while maintaining positive client relationships.
• Knowledge of event marketing strategies alongside expertise in event planning and coordination.
• Exceptional customer service skills paired with excellent communication and organizational abilities.
• Familiarity with budgeting processes, contracts management, and event logistics.
• Experience in banquet operations or large-scale events management is highly desirable.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines through effective time management. Join us in creating extraordinary events that leave lasting impressions! We’re dedicated to fostering a lively workplace where your enthusiasm for hospitality can make a real difference in guests’ experiences.