Catering Sales Manager l Full-Time l Kentucky Exposition Center

Oak View Group•Louisville, KY

5d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for overall booking of food & beverage services within the venue as well as creating unique dining experiences by directing, selling, up-selling and actively participating in the planning and production of catered functions. Working closely with clients, as well as with the banquets, culinary, concessions, beverage and operations staff, they are responsible for ensuring that events are coordinated and executed smoothly and in accordance with client expectations and specifications. The Catering Sales Manager will focus on the development, implementation and measurement of the revenue objectives and metrics communicated by the General Manager. The Catering Sales Manager will also support the planning of and preparation for events according to anticipated attendance, and will provide hands-on management and oversight in the areas of service and F&B operations during events. This role pays an annual salary of $60,000-$70,000. Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays). This position will remain open until July 3, 2026.

Requirements

Minimum of 3-5+ years of increasingly responsible sales experience for an arena, convention center, sports franchise, hotel or other similar public assembly or hospitality facility, including supervisory responsibility.
Associate’s degree or better from an accredited college or university with major course works in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
Ability to work event nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
Has a strong track record of building relationships and generating new business.
Excellent organizational skills, leadership skills, customer service skills.
Strong PC and data processing skills; working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, as well as database management software.
Proven track record of exceeding sales targets and building successful sales teams.
Deep understanding of the off-premise catering industry and event sales cycle.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Possess strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to manage this diverse team; must support and advance a culture of committed action, excellence, and respect.
Self-disciplined, shows initiative, possess leadership ability and is outgoing.
Experience with sales matrix controls and resource development.
Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
Proficiency in CRM systems and sales / BEO software.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the prospecting, selling, cultivating and maintaining of sales accounts.
Coordinate all aspects of sales solicitation process including account lists and tracking calls.
Responsible for creation/implementation of new ideas/opportunities that drive incremental revenue.
Primary sales contact for all groups.
Prepare event contracts, sales folders, sales kits and correspondence to clients.
Responsible for achieving established sales goals and objectives for venue by answering questions and providing information regarding food & beverage services, policies and procedures; and assists clients in finalizing booking arrangements.
Enter and maintain complete and accurate information into the booking system.
Help in creation and development of sales presentation materials and menus.
Maximize OVG's catering revenue through creative sales techniques and customer focus.
Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities of all Sales programs and activities.
Participate in the development and administration of the annual budget.
Prepare written proposals; reevaluate potential business value of various events and clients; initiate contractual arrangements.
Meets with General Manager on a regular basis to discuss all matters pertaining to sales operations.
Responsible for all revenue generation opportunities.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies to achieve revenue targets and business growth.
Analyze market trends and competitor activity to adapt pricing strategies and menu development initiatives.
Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development for team members.
Build and nurture strong relationships with key accounts, event planners, venue partners, and vendors.
Oversee the sales process from inquiry through booking, ensuring client needs are met with professionalism and creativity.
Create menu packages in collaboration with culinary leadership.
Establish pricing guides based on competitive analysis of market rates.
Define service levels according to a variety of event types and menu formats.
Constantly refine design of catering presentation in collaboration with culinary and marketing leadership.
Work closely with the culinary, operations, and marketing teams to ensure alignment on client expectations and company goals.
Provide regular reports to executive leadership on sales performance, forecasts, and pipeline status.
Support the development of marketing materials and campaigns to generate leads and brand awareness.
Manage new menu roll out to develop sales tools and train on menu proficiency.
Communicate and promote OVG's culture and values; Provide hands-on leadership and direction to Catering Sales staff.
Contribute to the efficient operation of assigned unit by partnering with operations in providing support, information, insight, analysis and recommendations in matters pertaining guest service, menu development, creative event planning, revenue generation and other functions pertaining to Catering Sales.
Participate in special projects related to the development and implementation of organizational, HR and general business strategies.