Catering Sales Coordinator

SSA Group USA; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join SSA Group at Dallas Zoo as a Catering Sales Coordinator, responsible for driving sales and ensuring exceptional client experiences. The role requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to manage catering contracts and build relationships. This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic team while contributing to the success of events at one of the leading cultural attractions.

Benefits

Eligible for overtime pay

Vacation plan: up to 144 hours based on tenure

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401(k) program with 15% company match

Tuition Discount through Partnership College

On-Demand Pay Program

Qualifications

• No prior experience required; knowledge of catering and event planning is preferred.
• Candidates with 1+ years of experience will be considered more favorably.
• All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales and revenue growth for catering services.
• Negotiate contracts and develop strategies to increase sales.
• Maintain positive client relationships and ensure event execution.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Negotiation

Financial management

Tools

Tripleseat

Job description

Dallas Zoo, Dallas, Texas, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 4:00 AM | Expires Monday, June 9, 2025 at 3:59 AM

SSA Group at Dallas Zoo is looking for a talented Catering Sales Coordinator to join our team!

Job Title: Coordinator, Catering Sales

Location: Onsite

Department: Catering & Events

Reports to: (Sr.) Director, Catering Sales/(Sr.) Manager Catering Sales/ (Sr.) Assistant Manager, Catering Sales, General Manager/Assistant General Manager

Number of Direct Reports: 0

Revenue Responsibility: $100,000+

WHO ARE WE

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry.

SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love anddedication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve,deserve it.

JOB SUMMARY

The Coordinator, Event Sales is responsible for driving sales and revenue growth by promoting and selling the catering services. This role requires fundamental knowledge of catering sales strategies, building strong client relationships, and ensuring the successful execution of events. This position requires a dynamic individual with communication, negotiation, and organizational skills, dedicated to delivering exceptional client experiences.

QUALIFICATIONS

Job Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of an organization.
• Fundamental leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
• Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
• Demonstrates financial management, analytical, and planning skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

Previous Experience

• No prior experience is required, however knowledge of catering sales, operations and/or event planning management in off-site catering, hotel or cultural attraction catering venue preferred.
  • Although no prior work experience is required for this position candidates with 1 or more years of experience will be given stronger consideration.
• Working knowledge of Tripleseat is a plus.
• All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Negotiate catering contracts and secure signed agreements to align with company policies.
• Accompany venue sales team on site tours and conduct menu tastings to showcase event capabilities.
• Develop and implement strategies to sell, and upsell, catering services to new and returning clients.
• Plan and upsell functions with clients, including space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes, and decorations.
• Respond to client requests promptly and ensure client satisfaction.
• Develop seasonal promotions or packages to increase sales.

Client Relationship Management

• Prepare and manage catering contracts, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), diagrams, and other necessary documents.
• Maintain strong, positive relationships with internal and external clients to encourage repeat business.
• Proactively and transparently communicate with clients throughout the sales and detailing process.
• Drive strong partnership with venue sales and operational departments
• Conduct post-event follow-ups to engage clients and foster continued development.
• Work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions.

Vendor and Resource Management

• Maintain communication with vendors, including pricing knowledge and negotiation.
• Uphold an active list of resources for client and internal operational use.

Event Coordination

• Walk event spaces before events to ensure everything is in working order and address any issues promptly.
• Manage last-minute changes and adjustments with a solution-focused approach.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with the Partner Sales Team, Catering Operations, Culinary Team, and other departments involved in events, developing and implementing new strategies and procedures where necessary to ensure events are executed flawlessly.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure all client contracts, BEOs (Banquet Event Orders), and event details are accurately documented.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Maintain accurate records of event details and outcomes.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
• Attendance at event start to ensure seamless execution of client’s vision and smooth transfer of authority to the operations team when appropriate.
• Collect and process payments, including deposits, in accordance with company policies and contractual payment schedules.
• Develop, meet, and exceed monthly and annual catering sales budgets and plans.
• Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities.
• Review all invoices, bills, and accounting-related documents for accuracy and communicate necessary changes to Accounts Receivable.
• Thorough understanding of menu and event offering cost structure to meet profitability guidelines

Reporting and Analysis

• Report weekly and monthly sales through Tripleseat to appropriate stakeholders.
• Analyze sales trends and client feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Use data to adjust sales strategies and increase conversion rate.

Social Responsibility

• Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the unit.
• Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application.
• Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus on opportunities of giving back.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)

Don't meet every requirement? At SSA we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Compensation and Benefits

• Eligible for overtime pay.

• Vacation or Time Away From Work (TAFW) plan: up to 144 hours based on tenure.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee

• Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (eligible after one year of employment).

• Up to 120 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying reasons including Parental Leave and yours or your families

• Up to 40 hours Paid Bereavement.

• Tuition Discount through Partnership College

• On-Demand Pay Program.

• Accrued paid sick leave provided in accordance with state law, state/location confirmed in job posting

SSA Group, LLC and its family of companies — including SSA Holdings, A&F Souvenir, and Behavioral Essentials — are equal opportunity employers. Employment for each position is offered through the specific affiliated entity that aligns with the business operation and location of the role. We are committed

to diversity and inclusion in all hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, recognizing that a diverse team strengthens our impact.

All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").

San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.

We accept applications for this position on a rolling basis. Apply anytime at thessagroup.com. Applications are reviewed as received, and the position remains open until filled

Dallas Zoo, Dallas, Texas, United States of America