Catering Sales Manager | Full-Time | Gaillard Center

Oak View Group•Charleston, SC

4d•$70,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The Catering Sales Manager at the Gaillard Center is responsible for generating, managing, and coordinating outside catering sales, as well as initiating, managing, and implementing marketing functions in the Catering Department. The role independently oversees full group operations, from reservation through contract negotiation and finalization to group reception and event catering. The manager maintains positive, professional relationships with internal and external clients and handles sales and customer-service issues, including resolving invoice questions and advising clients on menu selections. The position facilitates information flow among staff, guests, and vendors and assists with general catering operations as needed. The position is full-time, with a base pay range of $70,000–$75,000 and eligibility for a commission bonus. It will remain open until December 31, 2026. The role may require a varied schedule, including evenings and weekends, and travel to outside sales calls or events.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.).
3–5+ years in a hospitality-industry sales role, with verifiable sales success.
Demonstrated proficiency and successful experience in catering sales generation, contract negotiation and pricing, event scheduling, training, catering, banquets, and menu development.
Ability to work independently on and off venue property with little supervision or oversight.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly creating Word documents and Excel spreadsheets and using email.
Working knowledge of POS systems.
Ability to maintain professional business etiquette and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to represent the company in a professional, positive, and knowledgeable manner.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
Demonstrated ability to produce detailed, accurate work.
Ability to work a varied schedule that may include weekends and evenings, as required.
Ability to travel to outside sales calls and/or events.
Proven ability to make sound, appropriate, and independent decisions.

Responsibilities

Build relationships by networking and prospecting with key decision makers and developing relationships with influencers through professional, courteous, and ethical interactions.
Create and deliver effective sales presentations.
Source, identify, and pursue outside networking opportunities through industry resources and community or special events attended by prospects.
Negotiate, author, and submit finalized contracts and BEOs to clients and internal staff.
Address or coordinate catering requirements and requests in a timely and helpful manner.
Maintain accurate records of catering sales activities.
Communicate daily with the Food & Beverage Manager, culinary staff, catering staff, and Operations Staff about guest needs and expectations.
Maintain a client database for follow-up sales calls and contact by in-person visits, phone, email, or mail.
Follow up on guests’ experiences and help ensure issues have been addressed.
Assist with planning and coordinating catered events as directed.
Serve as the primary group and convention contact after a contract is signed.
Approve inventory or other changes and respond to questions or concerns in a timely manner.
Assist with oversight of accounts receivable for assigned events.
Handle sales and customer-service issues, including researching, resolving, and clarifying invoice questions and providing menu suggestions.
Facilitate information flow internally and communicate with guests and vendors.
Assist with general catering operations as needed.