Catering Sales Manager
About The Position
CULINAIRE provides upscale food and beverage management services to national accounts, including art museums, cultural landmarks, hotels, performing arts centers, restaurants, and special event venues. The company emphasizes associates’ career paths, safety, and success, as well as sophisticated food and warm service for guests. The Catering Sales Manager generates and grows catering and event sales while managing the full event lifecycle, from the initial inquiry through post-event follow-up. The role involves building client relationships, coordinating with operational teams, and ensuring exceptional event execution. The manager will join the team at the Detroit Institute of Arts and help grow its event business and create memorable experiences for guests and clients.
Requirements
- At least 3 years of catering sales, hospitality sales, event sales, or related experience.
- Proven success managing the full sales process from inquiry through event completion and follow-up.
- Strong administrative and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and client relationships simultaneously.
- Proven ability to drive sales growth and achieve revenue goals.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM or event management software.
- Sales-focused mindset and passion for creating memorable events.
- Excellent relationship-building and customer service skills.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and professionalism under pressure.
- Self-starter mentality with drive to exceed goals and deliver results.
- Exceptional organizational and administrative capabilities.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with large-scale catering operations, event venues, hotels, cultural attractions, museums, or leading catering companies is strongly preferred.
- Experience with major catering organizations, hotels, convention centers, museums, sports and entertainment venues, or large hospitality groups is highly encouraged.
- Experience working for high-volume catering companies and managing multiple events simultaneously is highly desirable.
Responsibilities
- Drive catering and event sales through proactive prospecting, networking, referrals, and lead management.
- Manage the complete sales cycle, including inquiries, site tours, proposals, contract negotiations, and event planning.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the planning process.
- Collaborate with culinary, operations, and event teams to ensure seamless event execution.
- Prepare event orders, contracts, and related administrative documentation accurately and on time.
- Maintain client records, sales reports, and forecasting data within company systems.
- Monitor event details to ensure client expectations are exceeded.
- Conduct post-event follow-up to evaluate guest satisfaction, secure repeat business, and generate referrals.
- Meet and exceed sales goals and revenue targets.
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life insurance and AD&D
- Disability insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Holiday time off (varies by site and state)
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Personal Leave
- Eligible for a 3% commission
- May be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
