Catering Sales Manager – Confidential Venue

Esteemed chef-driven catering company is seeking a standout Catering Sales Manager for a high-profile client and new venue project in Los Angeles. This person will be responsible for contracting events, communicating with internal and external clientele, coordinating with outside vendors, and supporting clients with the event planning and preparation process every step of the way. The ideal candidate is an energetic, outgoing self-starter who is closely connected with the local LA community, and can preferably bring with them well-established relationships with vendors and clients. Candidates must come from a proven background in high-end venue and/or offsite catering and event sales, preferably with some fine dining or luxury hotel experience.

This is a primarily Monday-Friday role that will be based onsite (no remote work), however candidates should have flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed in order to maintain a strong presence for their clients during events. The Catering Sales Manager will work in tandem with the Operations team who will handle event logistics, staffing, scheduling, and execution, while this role will be responsible for selling and booking events, meeting with clients, and solidifying every detail needed to make each event a success. This is an amazing opportunity for a passionate catering/events professional to hit the ground running and add immediate value to an amazing team!

Catering Sales Manager Responsibilities:

• Receiving all event inquiries and conducting all correspondence with prospective and confirmed clients
• Responsible for booking events, coordinating with vendors, and closing out event contracts
• Proactively solicits and manages event/catering opportunities with high revenue potential
• Meeting with clients to determine needs, meeting those needs, and exceeding their expectations through detailed communication
• Acting as liaison between client and staff to accurately communicate all pertinent information and details correlating to each event
• Networking internally and externally to obtain leads and build relationships with new and existing clients
• Work with the Operations and other onsite Management teams to create profitable and competitive private event menus that meet clients’ needs
• Create a positive, supportive, and efficient work environment for the sales and operations team
• Develop effective catering sales plans and long-term operational strategies
• Maximizes revenue through expert promotion and relatability  
• Create, update and print event materials to include menus, place cards, directional signs, and other materials as requested
• Draft banquet event orders and execute floorplans as requested for each event
• Effectively manages complex business with significant revenue potential and high customer expectations simultaneously
• Build and strengthen relationships with new and existing clientele
• Attend events and other off-site functions as needed
• Respond promptly to inquiries from internal and external clientele
• Maintain communication with the client throughout the event process (pre-event, event, post-event)
• Participates in client site inspections
• Maintain professionalism when managing expectations and negotiating with clients, ensuring their vision is met while respecting the venue’s standards

Catering Sales Manager Requirements:

• 3-4 years of experience as an Event Sales Manager, Catering Sales Manager, Event/Catering Operations Manager, or comparable role within a premium catering, event venue, fine dining restaurant, or luxury hotel environment
• Off-site catering and event experience is required
• High-volume, premium, large scale event experience highly preferred
• Catering/Banquet sales experience ideal
• Candidates that are local to the Los Angeles area are preferred
• Solid understanding of event revenue generation
• Familiarity with event management software, systems, and ability to handle administrative event planning duties independently
• Strong understanding of the Los Angeles events market – competitor’s strengths and weaknesses, economic trends, supply and demand, etc.
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Inherent passion for high-quality food, beverage, and service
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to build and foster lasting working relationships
• Proven track record of sales performance along with marketing/prospecting programs that drive event revenue
• Proven ability in leadership, communication, and negotiation skills
• Creative selling ability to close on business and negotiate contracts
• High energy and outgoing personality
• Proactive and able to work well under pressure while maintaining composure in high-stress situations
• Impeccable organizational skills and operational efficiency
• Strong emotional intelligence, able to deal with difficult or demanding clients in a calm, professional manner
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the demands of the event schedule, with a willingness to work varied hours
• Must be highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Word, and Excel
• Diplomatic team player able to foster relationships with FOH and BOH team, VIP clientele, and vendors
• Knowledge of basic safety, health and sanitation standards
• Flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays is required
• Ability to work onsite in Los Angeles day to day

Compensation Includes:

• Base Salary in the $90-95k range DOE + Tiered Commission Structure
• Medical Insurance
• 401k with Matching
• 2 Weeks PTO