Catering Sales Manager - Branson Convention Center

ASM Global•Branson, MO

About The Position

The Catering Sales Manager at the Branson Convention Center markets and sells catering, concessions, bar, and other food and beverage services, while providing logistical support and serving as a client liaison for events. The role is responsible for achieving sales goals set by the Director of Sales and supporting the food and beverage department. It requires a professional demeanor, strong interpersonal skills, self-direction, and availability for a variable, event-driven schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays. The manager works with clients to select menus and coordinate event requirements, prepares estimates and proposals, produces and distributes Banquet Event Orders, coordinates food and beverage logistics with internal teams, and ensures event spaces meet client specifications. The role also identifies upselling and off-site catering opportunities, builds relationships with local organizations and venues, tracks event information and costs, supports purchasing as needed, and may serve as manager on duty. The position has no supervisory responsibilities and may involve extended or irregular hours.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
At least 1 year of related experience and/or training, or equivalent work experience.
Customer service experience required.
Knowledge of event management, planning, and logistics.
Knowledge of event safety, including life safety, fire code, first aid, and best practices, or ability to learn.
Knowledge of event management programs, event diagramming software, and other event- and venue-related computer applications, or ability to learn.
Ability to learn industry terminology, event services, venue capabilities, and logistical requirements for anticipated event types.
Ability to manage multiple events, projects, tasks, and deadlines simultaneously.
Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment, problem-solving, and initiative.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with clients, vendors, employees, exhibitors, patrons, and others.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions, communicate effectively in oral and written form, and provide oral and written instructions to staff, clients, and contractors.
Ability to organize and prioritize work, meet deadlines, work under pressure, produce accurate results, and adjust to changing circumstances.
Must meet the physical demands of the job.
Must be licensed and insured to operate a motor vehicle in the United States.
Must obtain Trained Crowd Manager certification within 90 days of hire if not already certified.
Must obtain First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications within 90 days of hire if not already certified.
Must be able to operate a personal computer using Windows, Mac, Microsoft Office, and standard office equipment.
Must have strong computer skills and the ability to learn new software and hardware.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in event management, hospitality, sports management, tourism, arts administration, or a related field.
Licenses, certificates, or training related to event planning, venue management, or related fields.
Event, venue, or hospitality industry designations.

Responsibilities

Market, sell, and provide logistical support for catering, concessions, bars, and other food and beverage services for events.
Work with clients to sell services and select appropriate menus, maintaining contact with clients, vendors, and staff to support high service standards.
Meet with clients, external vendors, and internal event teams to facilitate food and beverage logistics.
Provide estimates and proposals to the Sales team for potential events and RFPs, and attend site visits and walkthroughs with prospective clients.
Coordinate and conduct tastings as needed for large-spend events.
Prepare Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) for assigned food and beverage functions, obtain client approval and final guarantees, and distribute BEOs to internal staff in time for ordering and scheduling.
Identify opportunities to upsell food and beverage services, such as enhanced menus, premium beverage packages, specialty stations, and additional catering experiences.
Explain BEOs and building policies to clients as they prepare for events.
Keep clients informed about deadlines and requirements, including menu selections, timelines, and guarantees.
Prepare food and beverage cost estimates for Event Manager estimates and invoices, and provide accurate final costs and consumption for post-event invoicing.
Coordinate setup timelines and food and beverage logistics with Banquets, Event Services, Operations, and Production.
Communicate detailed event requirements clearly, concisely, and promptly to internal departments.
Verify that areas requiring food and beverage service are set according to client specifications.
Serve as the primary liaison between clients and internal departments as needed.
Identify potential challenges and recommend solutions to support smooth food and beverage execution and guest experiences.
Use knowledge of client preferences, historical spending, and event trends to personalize service and strengthen relationships.
Coordinate with Culinary and Banquets leadership to document and communicate dietary restrictions, food allergies, and special meal requests.
Follow up on client requests, concerns, and issues during events and ensure they are resolved.
Maintain event-related information, documents, and files for archival and historical purposes.
Attend internal staff and client meetings and maintain effective working relationships with clients, vendors, contractors, departments, and other event stakeholders.
Identify, develop, and secure off-site catering opportunities to grow food and beverage revenue and the Convention Center's community presence.
Build relationships with local businesses, organizations, and event venues to promote off-site catering and generate repeat business.
Assist with purchasing when necessary and contribute to department goals.
Maintain a professional image, generate positive public relations, and provide excellent customer service to clients, guests, and facility staff.
Serve as manager on duty as required.
Provide support to Legends Global as needed.
Work extended or irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.