Event Planner Job at D'Amico Catering in Minneapolis

D'Amico Catering is a renowned hospitality company with a strong presence in the Twin Cities area. Our commitment to delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences sets us apart in the industry. We cater to a diverse range of events, from weddings and corporate functions to social gatherings and private parties. We are seeking a talented and experienced Event Planner to join our team.

The Event Planner is responsible for promoting and selling all D’Amico Catering products, services, and catering venues, while also developing and implementing new food and beverage menus. Leveraging creativity, talent, and industry knowledge to attract event business for the company, this position coordinates, plans, and executes event details with a strong emphasis on customer service and profitability. The Event Planner ensures a positive client experience, contributing to the company's reputation through client-focused approaches and successful event outcomes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Generate new catering sales by acquiring leads, establishing contacts, and fostering relationships through outside calls and presentations. This includes cold calling generated leads, responding to customer inquiries, following up on leads from trade shows, wedding fairs, and other events, conducting research, and qualifying leads to ensure productivity.
2. Maintain a consistent schedule and respond to all incoming inquiry calls in a timely, polite and professional manner.
3. Ensure the financial performance of the operations by following all company guidelines on sales, pricing and credit.
4. Consult and suggestively sell when appropriate to enhance both the customer experience and profitability of events.
5. Collect deposits and prepayment on all events that do not have billing privileges according to company policy.
6. Maintain relationships with new and repeat business, industry, trade and community groups by participating in broader sales efforts or networking events designed to re-enforce the company, its brand and reputation.
7. Communicate with clients via phone, email, virtual meetings, and in-person interactions.
8. Employ various sales techniques to ensure a steady stream of business, encourage repeat business, and capitalize on re-booking opportunities.
9. Organize tastings, make space design recommendations, plan menus, and coordinate accommodations for successful and profitable events, focusing on client satisfaction from initial contact to execution.
10. Handle client complaints diplomatically and propose resolutions to senior management when necessary.
11. Conduct site previews for off-premise events to ensure operational readiness.
12. Demonstrate expertise on catering venues, floor plans, capabilities, and logistics to secure event business and meet D’Amico standards.
13. Possess comprehensive knowledge of D’Amico offerings, service standards, and industry trends in event and menu design.
14. Attend key events as needed to offer services and introduce management to clients.
15. Promote teamwork, professionalism, and ethics by cultivating effective working relationships with all departments.
16. Provide mentorship and development opportunities for Catering Coordinators.
17. Actively participate in regular sales and production meetings, as well as other meetings as requested.
18. Manage time effectively to tour facilities, complete event orders, floor plans, and guarantees following established procedures.
19. Utilize CaterEase software and other internal tools required by the Sales Department.
20. Prepare and submit all required reports and projects accurately and on time.
21. Perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be able to speak clearly and listen attentively to all staff and clients by phone and in person; most of whom speak English.
2. Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process.
3. Must have manual finger dexterity and be computer literate.
4. Must be able to remain stationary for long periods of time, up to at least eight hours in length.
5. Must be able to bend, lift, and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
6. Must be able to drive to facility tours, off-premise event site visits, and attend meetings (networking events, sales meetings, etc.) at various locations.
7. Must have the ability to consistently arrive at work for all scheduled shifts as assigned.
8. Must demonstrate computer literacy, including proficiency in managing email communications and using software such as Excel for data management and analysis.

To Apply: If you are interested in this position and believe you have the qualifications and passion to excel as an Event Planner, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant supporting documents.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the selection process. We appreciate your interest in joining our team at D'Amico Catering.