Events Coordinator

The Catering Buffet Company; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 40,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

The Catering Buffet Company in Thomastown, VIC is seeking a casual Sales & Events Coordinator to drive lead generation, convert enquiries into bookings, and manage events from initial contact to completion.

You will work with the Venue Manager and Events Team to grow our functions and events business, deliver exceptional client experiences, and coordinate on-the-day supervision.

Qualifications

• Proven sales experience with a track record in lead conversion.
• Experience generating business via outbound calls, emails and networking.
• RSA certificate preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Generate new leads, follow up and convert opportunities into bookings.
• Develop promotional campaigns and send quotes to clients.
• Oversee event coordination, rostering and onsite supervision.

Skills

Lead generation

Sales

Prospecting

Follow-up

Relationship building

Negotiation

Communication

Time management

Event coordination

Education

RSA certificate

Job description

The Catering Buffet Company – Thomastown VIC

Casual Sales & Events Coordinator

Are you a confident, proactive salesperson who knows how to generate leads, build relationships and turn opportunities into confirmed bookings?

The Catering Buffet Co & Cucina 5 are catering and events businesses based in Thomastown, combining our catering business with unique event spaces to create memorable experiences for our clients.

We are looking for a Casual Sales & Events Coordinator to join our team.

This is a hands-on, sales-focused casual position suited to someone who enjoys finding new business, following up leads, communicating with clients and seeing an event through from the initial enquiry right through to the day of the event.

We are looking for someone who doesn’t wait for the phone to ring. You will be expected to actively generate business through our client database, promotional email campaigns, outbound calls, networking, referrals and other sales initiatives.

About the Role

Working closely with the Venue Manager and Events Team, you will be responsible for helping grow our functions and events business while ensuring clients receive an exceptional experience.

Your responsibilities will include:

Sales & Lead Generation

• Proactively generate new leads and sales opportunities.

• Contact previous clients and database contacts to generate repeat business.

• Develop and send promotional email campaigns to prospective and previous clients.

• Follow up promotional campaigns and convert interest into bookings.

• Make outbound calls to prospective clients and businesses.

• Identify corporate, community, private and other event opportunities.

• Build relationships with local businesses and industry contacts.

• Respond to inbound enquiries and actively work those leads through to conversion.

• Qualify leads and understand client requirements, budgets and expectations.

• Conduct venue tours and site inspections.

• Prepare proposals, packages and quotes.

• Follow up quotes and enquiries with the goal of securing the booking.

• Handle objections, negotiate where appropriate and confidently ask for the sale.

• Identify opportunities to upsell catering, packages and additional services.

• Build repeat business and generate referrals from existing clients.

Event Coordination

• Manage the event and function calendar.

• Confirm all event details with clients and ensure information is communicated to the relevant departments.

• Liaise with the Venue Manager, Head Chef and department heads regarding upcoming events.

• Assist with planning and coordinating events from booking through to completion.

• Ensure the agreed event requirements are communicated clearly to the team.

• Assist with event rostering and staffing requirements.

On-the-Day Event Supervision

• Supervise the setup of the event floor prior to guests arriving.

• Ensure tables, chairs, linen, decorations, food stations and other event requirements are set up correctly.

• Coordinate with floor staff and other departments to ensure the event is ready to commence.

• Conduct a final room and setup check before guests arrive.

• Oversee the floor during events when required.

• Act as a point of contact for the client on the day.

• Ensure the event runs smoothly and presentation and service standards are maintained.

• Deal with last-minute changes or issues in a calm and solution-focused manner.

• Supervise pack-down and ensure the venue is left organised.

• Close off the shift when required.

About You

This is a sales-focused position, and proven sales experience is important.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate experience in lead generation, prospecting, follow-up and converting opportunities into sales.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience in sales and lead conversion.

• Experience generating business through outbound calls, email campaigns, databases, networking or business development.

• Confidence speaking with potential clients and businesses.

• A natural ability to build rapport and establish relationships.

• Strong follow-up skills and the persistence to turn opportunities into bookings.

• Confidence handling objections and closing sales.

• A commercially minded approach and motivation to achieve revenue targets.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

• Strong organisation and time management.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• The ability to manage multiple leads and events at different stages.

• Good computer skills.

• A professional and well-presented manner.

• A proactive attitude - someone who sees an opportunity and acts on it.

• The ability to remain calm under pressure and find solutions quickly.

• The ability to lead by example and confidently supervise staff when required.

• A willingness to roll up your sleeves and get involved in the setup and running of events.

Previous experience in event sales, venue sales, catering, hospitality, weddings, corporate events, property or another relationship-based sales environment will be highly regarded.

An RSA certificate is preferred but not essential.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will be someone who can take an opportunity through the complete sales journey:

Generate the Lead -> Make Contact -> Follow Up -> Build the Relationship -> Quote -> Close the Sale -> Secure the Booking -> Help Deliver the Event, where required.

You will play an important role in growing our event revenue while ensuring the client receives a professional and memorable experience.

The Position

• Casual position

• Based in Thomastown

• Hours will vary according to business and event requirements.

• Availability across weekdays and weekends will be required depending on events.

• This role combines sales, business development, client relationships and hands-on event coordination.