Catering Manager

Oliverbonacini; Toronto; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver & Bonacini is seeking a Catering Manager to drive new business, nurture client relationships and oversee events from inquiry through contracting and planning. Working with our Culinary and Operations teams, you will translate client objectives into compelling proposals.

The role blends sales, hospitality and creativity to deliver memorable events while contributing to annual sales goals. You will prospect, present and coordinate with venues and suppliers to ensure flawless execution.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in catering, event sales, hospitality sales or event management.
• Sales experience converting event opportunities into bookings.
• Strong understanding of the event planning process; knowledge of event logistics, staffing, equipment and rentals is asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the confidence to lead client conversations and present event recommendations.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with ability to manage multiple clients, opportunities and events simultaneously.
• Legally eligible to work in Canada.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of corporate and social catering opportunities from initial inquiry through contracting and event planning.
• Develop creative and compelling proposals that are on brand, on budget and tailored to the client and event.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and venue partners, identifying opportunities for repeat and year-over-year business.
• Collaborate with Culinary and Operations teams to develop menus, service plans and event experiences that are creative and operationally sound.
• Coordinate with external vendors including rental companies, florists, décor partners and other event suppliers as required.
• Attend client meetings, tastings, site visits and venue walkthroughs as required.
• Maintain understanding of event pricing and client budgets when developing proposals and recommendations.
• Contribute to bi-weekly sales forecasting and maintain an accurate understanding of opportunities within your portfolio.
• Follow up with past and current clients to encourage repeat bookings, gather feedback and identify future opportunities.
• Ensure event details, contracts, payments, invoicing and internal documentation are accurate, complete and communicated within established timelines.
• Work toward individual and departmental annual sales goals while contributing positively to the overall success of the Catering team.
• Represent O&B with professionalism, creativity, urgency and a genuine commitment to hospitality in all client and partner interactions.

Skills

Sales

Event planning

Communication skills

Organization

Time management

Team collaboration

Self-motivation

Job description

The Catering Manager is an integral member of the O&B Catering team, responsible for developing new business, building strong client relationships and managing events from initial inquiry through contracting and event planning. Combining sales, creativity and exceptional hospitality, the Catering Manager works closely with clients to understand their objectives, budget and vision and translate them into thoughtful, compelling event proposals. Working collaboratively with O&B's Culinary and Operations teams, they ensure each event is creatively developed, operationally sound and positioned for successful execution. As O&B continues to grow its Catering division, the Catering Manager will actively seek new business while developing lasting relationships with clients and venue partners, contributing to both individual and departmental sales goals.

The day to day:

• Manage a portfolio of corporate and social catering opportunities from initial inquiry through contracting and event planning.
• Actively seek new business through prospecting, outreach, referrals, networking and relationship development.
• Conduct client discovery calls and meetings to understand event objectives, budget, preferences and priorities.
• Develop creative and compelling proposals that are on brand, on budget and tailored to the individual client and event.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and venue partners, identifying opportunities for repeat and year-over-year business.
• Collaborate closely with Culinary and Operations teams to develop menus, service plans and event experiences that are creative and operationally sound.
• Coordinate with external vendors including rental companies, florists, décor partners and other event suppliers as required.
• Attend client meetings, tastings, site visits and venue walkthroughs as required.
• Maintain an understanding of event pricing and client budgets when developing proposals and recommendations.
• Contribute to bi-weekly sales forecasting and maintain an accurate understanding of opportunities within your portfolio.
• Follow up with past and current clients to encourage repeat bookings, gather feedback and identify future opportunities.
• Ensure event details, contracts, payments, invoicing and internal documentation are accurate, complete and communicated within established timelines.
• Work toward individual and departmental annual sales goals while contributing positively to the overall success of the Catering team.
• Represent O&B with professionalism, creativity, urgency and a genuine commitment to hospitality in all client and partner interactions.

Minimum 2 years of experience in catering, event sales, hospitality sales or event management, with experience coordinating a variety of corporate and/or social events.

• Demonstrated sales ability with experience developing client relationships and converting event opportunities into confirmed business.
• Strong understanding of the event planning process; knowledge of event logistics, staffing, equipment and rentals is considered an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the confidence to lead client conversations and present event recommendations.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple clients, opportunities and events simultaneously.
• Creative and solutions-oriented, with the ability to translate client objectives and budgets into thoughtful event proposals.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize effectively and maintain professional urgency in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative working style with the ability to build strong relationships across Sales, Culinary, Operations and external partners.
• Self-motivated and accountable, with the ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Legally eligible to work in Canada.

This is a current vacancy.

Salary: $65,000.00-$86,000.00 base salary + estimated $15,000-$30,000 commission

AI Disclosure

To ensure a fair and efficient recruitment process, some aspects of candidate screening may be conducted using AI software. All assessments and outcomes are reviewed by our hiring team to provide thoughtful, personalized consideration. We are committed to transparency and respect, ensuring a welcoming experience for every candidate.

Accessibility & Accommodation

Oliver & Bonacini is committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. If you require accommodation or support during any stage of the hiring process, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met in a respectful and timely manner.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

We value and embrace diversity in all forms and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Our recruitment practices are designed to ensure fairness, equity, and opportunity for every candidate.