Catering Sales Manager - Yakima Convention Center

Sodexo Live! (Salary)

1d•Onsite

About The Position

At Sodexo Live!, we take pride in crafting exceptional events at the most prestigious venues on the planet and creating lasting memories for fans, visitors, guests and team members. Working with Sodexo Live! is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. Here, you'll build a career where 'everyday' is anything but normal. Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring your personality, your background and your desire to delight others. In return, we'll give you all you need to thrive. After giving it all, you'll return home knowing that you've played your part in creating a truly unforgettable moment. We are seeking an experienced Catering Sales Manager for the Yakima Convention Center located in Yakima, WA. With a new 18,000 square foot addition, the Yakima Convention & Event Center is now 89,000 square feet in size, making it the fourth largest convention and event center in Washington state. The Yakima Convention & Event Center is conveniently located. Driving distance is less than 200 miles from Seattle, Portland, and Spokane so we're accessible for attendees from all corners of the Northwest. In addition to location, our outstanding facilities, community hospitality and the exceptional team make Yakima the ideal location for events. The Catering Sales Manager is the primary lead for assigned conference, meeting, and event clients driving seamless execution from contract turnover through final billing. You will liaise between clients, internal departments, service partners and vendors, and ensure that the venue delivers world-class service in line with Sodexo Live!'s standards.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Experience in large volume and banquet events of 3,000 plus attendees.
3+ years of experience in catering or event sales.
Strong knowledge of food, beverage, and catering service operations.
Excellent communication and client service skills.
Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple events simultaneously.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems.

Responsibilities

Serve as the main contact for assigned groups to lead pre-planning site visits, pre-conference meetings, and post-event debriefs.
Prepare and distribute banquet event orders, floorplans and diagrams.
Coordinate across departments and with external contractors/vendors to ensure event requirements are met and executed smoothly.
Maintain a visible onsite presence during event move-in, show days and move-out.
Manage financial aspects of billing, change orders, and reconciliation with Finance.
Train, mentor and coordinate with event coordinators.
Act as the venue liaison during major events and peak periods.