Catering/Event Sales Manager Position Available In [Unknown county], Louisiana

Catering/Event Sales Manager

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Catering/Event Sales Manager 
Salary $40,809.60 Annually Location

LA 70807, LA

Job Type Full Time Non-Exempt Job Number

CESM2025

Department Zoo Opening Date 05/02/2025 Closing Date 5/16/2025 4:59 PM Central FLSA Exempt

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS
QUESTIONS
General Summary The Catering/Event Sales Manager is responsible for maintaining sales and outside calls quota as well as developing and maintaining relationships with local companies, groups, and organizations to increase the Zoo’s catering/event sales business. Sales techniques will include personal appointments, outbound telemarketing, and onsite FAM tours. It is expected that the Manger will spend at least 50% of their time meeting with clients to sell product and grow and maintain relationships. The Catering/Event Sales Manager works closely with the Guest Services and Education Department staff to successfully fulfill sales as needed. The Catering/Event Sales Manager works with Zoo management to ensure services rendered, products sold, and price points are attractive and in line with our local market offerings. This position also contributes to positive guest experiences and performs other duties as required.

Requirements and Job Specifications Education Required:

Graduate from an accredited four (4) year university or college with a Bachelor Degree Area of Study (major)

Preferred:

Coursework in business, hospitality, public relations, or a related field is preferred. License(s)

Required:

Valid Driver’s License.

Years Relevant Work Experience:

Minimum two (2) years of experience in catering/event sales, service, development, or related field is required.

Preferred:

Four years of experience in catering /event sales, service, development, or related field is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Duties include sales of Facility Rental/Catering, Birthday Parties, Twilight Tours and Safari Nights program
Knowledge of menu planning, menu design, and the ability to guide a planner or customer toward meals most conducive to the size of their groups and the space allotted. Professionally represents the Zoo in all sales transactions and at related industry functions & meetings.
Where practical and feasible, ties other Zoo programs into the selling of value-add packages
Actively works to develop new leads and works professionally with clients to develop and maintain relationships and records. Minimum prospecting levels will be set throughout the year.
Insures smooth transition between each signed client contract and Guest Service Department personnel once a contract is signed. Strong organizational skills, customer service orientation and communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively and work closely with staff involved in fulfillment of sales and events. Ability to work flexible schedule to include weekends and holidays.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, other employees, volunteers and zoo guests.

Functions and Duties Essential Functions and Duties:

Develops and implements the annual private events sales plan that will meet the established Zoo’s goals annually
Develop relationships in the local corporate market, creating a client base in our local market
Participates in the local hospitality and tourism industry to strengthen the familiarity and position of the Baton Rouge Zoo in the community
Consistently works with local and state Destination Marketing Organizations to provide the Zoo with a strong position in the market Meets all Zoo established goals for revenue and attendance
Works with the Zoo’s Guest Services Department and Marketing Department to create compelling sales materials, packages, and price points that will increase sales annually
Conducts tours & site visits as required by customers
Generates proposals and contracts from sales calls in order to meet sales goal
Conducts site inspections, venue tours, and hosts familiarization trips Negotiate sales contracts maximizing the benefit to the Zoo and keeping within department guidelines
Develops and maintains communication through all internal departments to maintain effective working relationships among Zoo team members
Prepare and submit sales status reports, lead generation reports, and revenue summaries to the Assistant Director weekly.
Analyzes industry reports and trends to make recommendations to Zoo management
Works with the Zoo’s Marketing Department to increase awareness of the Baton Rouge Zoo in target markets through printed and electronic media Remains abreast of industry trends and competitive information/programs
Obtain AAZA membership within 12 months of hire.
Actively contributes to positive guest experiences Cross trains on other office functions as needed Accepts other projects and duties as assigned by management
Establishes and maintains positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow employees
Evaluates organization and processes in area and initiates improvements
Evaluates facilities in area and participates in planning improvements Delivers extraordinary customer service to all Zoo guests and internal customers
Ability to travel frequently to attend travel shows and sales calls Familiarity with the Zoo’s purpose, vision, mission, and values
Attends meetings of the Community, Advisory Committees, as well as professional conferences, as a representative of the department This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. He or she will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties as requested by his or her supervisor.

Environment:

This position will include exposure to year-round outdoor environment, fumes/odors, dirt, and dust.

Mental Involvement:

 This position requires the ability to withstand moderate amount of mental strain since it involves all aspects of sales to clients and presenting positive public relations for the Zoo.

Language Skills:

 The individual must have a very strong command of the English language

• both written and spoken
• and be able to give clear information, understand and follow moderately complex instructions
• either written or verbal.

In addition, the individual must be able to write and deliver sales presentations, interact with individuals at all levels and be able to present differing points of view in a tactful manner and to confront others in a positive way. It is also necessary to read and understand financial information.

Supplemental Information Hours Worked:

 Full time position, minimum of 40 hours per week. Some evening and weekend hours as required. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. If you do not complete each section of this application (i.e. work experience, education, or etc.) to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements described in this announcement, your application will be deemed incomplete and you will be ineligible for further consideration for this vacancy. An offer of employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment criminal background check, Motor Vehicle Records check, drug screen and physical. If you have any questions or concerns, please email HAdmin@brec.org or call (225) 273-6430. Employer
BREC Recreation And Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge
Address
6201 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70806
Phone
(225) 273-6430