Catering Sales Manager

Compass Group, North America; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Commuter Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

FSAs

Paid Parental Leave

Personal Leave

Job summary

Join Culinaire, a Compass Group USA partner in Detroit, as a Catering Sales Manager responsible for growing catering and event sales from inquiry through post-event follow-up. The role requires a highly organized, client-focused professional who coordinates with culinary and operations teams to ensure flawless event execution.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in catering or hospitality sales, proven full-cycle experience, and strong CRM/office skills to drive revenue and client relationships.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in catering, hospitality, or event sales.
• Proven ability to manage full sales cycles from inquiry to event.
• Strong administrative skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Drive catering and event sales through prospecting and referrals.
• Manage inquiries, site tours, proposals, contracts, and planning.
• Be primary client contact throughout the planning process.
• Collaborate with culinary/ops teams for seamless events.
• Prepare orders, contracts, and admin docs accurately and on time.
• Maintain client records, sales reports, and forecasts.
• Monitor event details to exceed client expectations.
• Conduct post-event follow-up to secure repeat business.
• Meet and exceed sales goals and revenue targets.

Skills

Catering sales

Hospitality sales

Event sales

Strong communication

Tools

CRM software

Event management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Culinaire

Position Title: Catering Sales Manager

Salary: $55,000 to $65,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Eligible for a 3% commission

CULINAIRE provides upscale food and beverage management services to a very diverse collection of national accounts to include art museums, cultural landmarks, hotels, performing arts centers, restaurants, and special event venues. While our portfolio is diverse, the one constant in every operation that we manage is our total commitment to our associates to put their career path, safety and success as our top priority, as well as to provide sophisticated, delicious food and warm service to our guests.

www.culinaireintl.com

Job Summary

The Catering Sales Manager is responsible for generating and growing catering and event sales while managing the full event lifecycle, from initial inquiry through post-event follow-up. This role requires a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who can build strong client relationships, coordinate with operational teams, and ensure exceptional event execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive catering and event sales through proactive prospecting, networking, referrals, and lead management.

• Manage the complete sales cycle, including inquiries, site tours, proposals, contract negotiations, and event planning.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the planning process.

• Collaborate with culinary, operations, and event teams to ensure seamless event execution.

• Prepare event orders, contracts, and related administrative documentation accurately and on time.

• Maintain client records, sales reports, and forecasting data within company systems.

• Monitor event details to ensure all client expectations are exceeded.

• Conduct post-event follow-up to evaluate guest satisfaction, secure repeat business, and generate referrals.

• Consistently meet and exceed sales goals and revenue targets.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of catering sales, hospitality sales, event sales, or related experience.

• Proven success managing the full sales process from inquiry through event completion and follow-up.

• Strong administrative and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and client relationships simultaneously.

• Proven ability to drive sales growth and achieve revenue goals.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM or event management software.

• Experience with large-scale catering operations, event venues, hotels, cultural attractions, museums, or leading catering companies strongly preferred.

Preferred Background

Candidates with experience from major catering organizations, hotels, convention centers, museums, sports and entertainment venues, or large hospitality groups are highly encouraged to apply. Experience working for high-volume catering companies and managing multiple events simultaneously is highly desirable.

What You’ll Bring

• A sales-focused mindset with a passion for creating memorable events.

• Excellent relationship-building and customer service skills.

• Strong problem-solving abilities and professionalism under pressure.

• A self-starter mentality with the drive to exceed goals and deliver results.

• Exceptional organizational and administrative capabilities.

Join our team at the Detroit Institute of Arts and play a key role in growing one of Detroit's most iconic event destinations while creating unforgettable experiences for guests and clients alike.

Culinaire is a member of Compass Group USA

Associates at Culinaire are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• Life Insurance/ AD

• Disability Insurance

• Retirement Plan

• Paid Time Off

• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)

• Associate Shopping Program

• Health and Wellness Programs

• Discount Marketplace

• Identity Theft Protection

• Pet Insurance

• Commuter Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• Paid Parental Leave

• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here (https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Culinaire-Landing-Page_Feb2026.pdf) or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-ua.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Culinaire-Landing-Page_Feb2026.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Culinaire maintains a drug-free workplace.