Full-Service Event Coordinator

Catering by Michaels•Morton Grove, IL

153d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join Our Sales and Event Planning Team At Catering by Michaels, we believe an event is more than food on a plate. It is an opportunity to build a relationship, understand what matters to a client, and bring their vision to life through thoughtful planning and strong execution. Founded in 1980, Catering by Michaels is a full-service catering and events company based in Morton Grove, Illinois. We produce events throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, ranging from intimate private gatherings to large-scale galas, corporate events, weddings, festivals, and major sporting and cultural events. We are looking for an experienced Event Coordinator who combines strong sales ability with hospitality, organization, and attention to detail. This person will own the client relationship from the initial inquiry through the planning process and, ultimately, the successful execution of the event. This is a position for someone who enjoys selling, building relationships, solving problems, and being involved in the details that make an event successful. About Catering by Michaels For more than four decades, we have built our reputation as one of Chicago's leading catering and events companies through quality, creativity, strong relationships, and consistent execution. Scratch kitchen with a commitment to culinary excellence Sustainability leader, certified by both Green Restaurant and Green Seal Experience executing major events including Lollapalooza, the NFL Draft, the Black Creativity Gala, premier golf tournaments, and the University of Chicago Alumni Weekend Member of the prestigious Leading Caterers of America organization Full-service and drop-off catering solutions serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs Our business is built on relationships. Our clients trust us with weddings, corporate events, celebrations, and major occasions that often take months of planning. The Event Coordinator plays an important role in earning that trust and delivering on it. Why This Role Matters The Event Coordinator is the primary point of contact for clients throughout the sales and planning process. You will listen to what a client is trying to accomplish, understand their priorities and budget, present the right catering and event solutions, and guide them through the decisions required to bring the event together. The job does not end when the contract is signed. You will continue working with the client, our culinary team, operations team, venues, planners, and other partners to ensure that the details are understood and the event is executed according to plan. Our Event Coordinators are also onsite for their clients' events. You will see the planning process through to execution and have the opportunity to build relationships with clients in person while ensuring their expectations are met.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of successful off-premise catering sales experience with a proven record of results
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or 4 or more years of relevant experience in hospitality, catering, event planning, or culinary sales
Demonstrated ability to sell and manage events ranging from 10 to 1,000+ guests
Strong understanding of the off-premise catering and events business
Strong relationship-building and client service skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong sales ability and confidence presenting proposals and pricing to clients
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple events, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously
Strong business judgment, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail
Passion for food, beverage, hospitality, and live events
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook
Professional appearance and demeanor
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with culinary, operations, sales, and event teams

Nice To Haves

Experience with Caterease or similar event management software preferred
Knowledge of wine, spirits, and beer preferred
Active involvement in professional catering, hospitality, or related organizations preferred

Responsibilities

Generate new business through inbound inquiries, prospecting, networking, referrals, venue relationships, and industry connections
Develop and maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing clients
Build relationships with event venues, meeting planners, corporate contacts, event professionals, and industry partners
Conduct client consultations and understand event objectives, priorities, guest expectations, and budgets
Develop customized catering and event proposals that meet client needs while supporting company goals
Present menus, services, event concepts, and pricing to clients
Guide clients through the sales process from initial inquiry through signed contract and deposit
Identify opportunities to increase event revenue through additional services, menu enhancements, beverage, rentals, and other event needs
Maintain an active sales pipeline and follow up consistently with prospective clients
Serve as the primary client contact throughout the planning process
Prepare proposals, contracts, invoices, timelines, and other event documentation
Develop a detailed understanding of each client's event, including menu, guest count, schedule, venue requirements, rentals, staffing, and special requests
Coordinate menu meetings, tastings, planning meetings, and other client appointments
Work closely with culinary, operations, staffing, and event teams to communicate client expectations and event details
Attend sales, menu, production, and planning meetings as required
Identify potential challenges before the event and work with the appropriate teams to develop solutions
Monitor account balances and manage accounts receivable, including timely collection of outstanding payments
Attend venue visits and client meetings as needed
Attend and oversee assigned client events to support successful execution and strengthen client relationships
Participate in networking events, trade shows, venue open houses, and industry associations
Represent Catering by Michaels professionally at community, hospitality, and business events
Develop and maintain relationships that generate future business opportunities
Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and opportunities within the Chicago catering and events market
Stay current on Catering by Michaels menus, services, capabilities, and event offerings