Assistant Sales Manager

Catering Collective; Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Catering Collective in Mumbai seeks an aggressive, results-driven Sales & Events Lead for diverse catering projects. You will convert leads, conduct menu tastings, and upsell services while coordinating with the kitchen and operations to ensure flawless delivery.

Fluency in Gujarati/Hindi and strong English, plus deep understanding of regional cuisines and Jain dietary guidelines, are preferred. This role demands high ownership and a proactive, client-facing approach.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in catering sales with targets.
• Excellent client-facing and negotiation skills.
• Experience in event operations and kitchen coordination.

Responsibilities

• Convert incoming leads for weddings, community gatherings, corporate luncheons, and social events.
• Lead client meetings, menu tastings, and upsell services (live counters, premium dessert displays, themed presentation set-ups).
• Coordinate between client and central kitchen/operations team; translate expectations into BEOs.
• Maintain ownership of client accounts through billing, milestones, and post-event feedback.

Skills

Lead conversion

Sales pipeline

CRM familiarity

Negotiation

Renewals

Client meetings

Menu consultations

Upselling

Tools

CRM software

Excel

Google Workspace

Job description

Key Responsibilities

1. Sales, Target Achievement & Lead Conversion (Aggressive & Numbers-Driven)

• Actively convert incoming leads for weddings, community gatherings, corporate luncheons, and social events.
• Conduct client meetings, menu consultations, and tasting sessions with prospective hosts and event planners.
• Proactively upsell and cross-sell services (live counters, premium dessert displays, themed presentation set-ups).
• Maintain a pipeline of opportunities, meet monthly revenue targets, and prepare regular pipeline/conversion reports.

2. Community & Cultural Expertise (Gujarati / Marwadi Market)

• Converse fluently and naturally in Gujarati with elders, hosts, and decision-makers to build rapport and trust.
• Advise clients confidently on traditional and modern menu curationsincluding authentic Gujarati, Marwadi, Kathiyawadi, Rajasthani, and 100% pure Jain culinary guidelines (zero root vegetables, night-time eating norms, separate prep areas).
• Anticipate palate preferences, portion sizes, service pacing, and presentation standards specific to high-profile community events.

3. Operational Coordination & Ownership

• Act as the bridge between the client and the central kitchen/operations team.
• Translate client expectations into clear Function Sheets / Event Orders (BEOs) specifying guest counts, timelines, live station setups, and ingredient restrictions.
• Conduct pre-event site visits to assess venue layouts, service flow, setup logistics, and kitchen access.
• Maintain complete ownership of the client account through billing, milestone collections, and post-event feedback.

4. Tech & Systems Adoption

• Log, update, and manage all leads, quotations, and client interactions in the company CRM/event management software.
• Generate accurate menu proposals, cost sheets, and invoices using digital tools and spreadsheets.
• Leverage digital tools to streamline quote turnaround times and improve lead response speed.

Preferred candidate profile

• Language Skills: Fluent in Gujarati, Hindi, and good English. Ability to switch naturally between formal hospitality language and culturally resonant communication.
• Cultural Fluency: Deep understanding of Gujarati and Marwadi traditions, festive calendars (Diwali, Paryushan, wedding seasons), and regional/Jain dietary sensibilities.
• Sales Mindset: Proven track record in hitting revenue targets, chasing leads with urgency, closing negotiations, and driving renewals/referrals.
• Operational Grounding: At least 13 years of prior experience in catering sales, banquet sales, hotel events, or central kitchen coordination. Knows how service runs on the event floor.
• Tech-Savvy: Comfortable navigating CRM platforms, Google Workspace/MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and mobile messaging/billing tools.
• Personality: High personal ownership, proactive problem-solver, presentable, polite, and hospitable under high-pressure event timelines.