Catering Sales Manager| Full-Time | McCormick Place Convention Center

Oak View Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic Catering Sales Manager to lead sales and marketing efforts in the live event sector. This role involves building relationships with clients, coordinating catering operations, and ensuring exceptional service delivery. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in sales and customer service, with the ability to negotiate contracts and manage events effectively. Join a forward-thinking organization that values diversity and inclusivity, and play a key role in shaping memorable experiences for guests. If you're passionate about hospitality and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

401(k) matching

Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• 6 months of hospitality experience required, with 3-5 years in a sales role.
• Proficiency in catering sales, contract negotiation, and event scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Generate and manage catering sales, ensuring client satisfaction.
• Negotiate contracts and maintain relationships with clients and vendors.
• Coordinate catering operations and assist in event planning.

Skills

Sales Skills

Customer Service

Contract Negotiation

Event Coordination

Networking

Detail-oriented

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

POS systems

Job description

Oak View Group

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

Overview

The Catering Sales Manager has a primary duty of making sales and obtaining orders or contracts for the venue. This position is responsible for generating, managing, and coordinating outside catering sales, as well as initiating, directing, and implementing marketing functions in the Catering Department. The Sales Manager will independently manage and oversee all aspects of full group operations from reservation through contract negotiation and finalization to group reception and event catering.

The Catering Sales Manager maintains a consistently positive and professional relationship with internal and external clients. The Sales Manager will handle sales and customer service issues including providing outstanding customer service; researching, resolving, and clarifying invoice questions; and providing knowledgeable and appropriate suggestions regarding menu selections. The Sales Manager will facilitate the flow of information internally, as well as communicate with all guests and vendors. Must be available to assist with general catering operations as needed.

This role will pay an annual rate of $65,000.00-$70,000.00.

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).

Responsibilities

• Build relationships by networking and prospecting with key decision makers, establishing and developing strong and effective relationships with influencers through the use of professional, courteous, and ethical interpersonal interaction.
• Coordinate and deliver effective sales presentations.
• Independently source, identify, and pursue outside networking opportunities through professional industry resources and community events, or special events attended by prospects.
• Responsible for negotiating, authoring, and submitting finalized contracts and BEOs to clients and internal staff.
• Address or coordinate all catering requirements and requests in a timely and helpful manner.
• Maintain accurate records for all catering sales activities.
• Communicate daily with Food & Beverage Manager, culinary staff, catering staff, and operations staff about the needs of our guests and their expectations.
• Maintain an extensive client database for follow-up sales calls and contact (in person, phone, email, mail, etc).
• Assist with follow-up of guests’ experience at the venue, ensuring that all issues have been addressed.
• Assist in the planning and coordination of catered events as directed.
• Serve as primary group and convention contact once the contract is signed; approve any inventory or other changes, respond to questions or concerns in a timely manner.
• Assist with oversight of accounts receivable in conjunction with assigned events.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.), plus minimum 6 months related hospitality industry experience and/or training.
• 3 to 5 years in a sales role, with verifiable sales success.
• Demonstrated proficiency and successful experience in catering sales generation, contract negotiation and pricing, event scheduling, training, catering, banquets, and menu development.
• Ability to work independently both on and off venue property with little supervision or oversight.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications (Microsoft Office programs with an emphasis on creating word documents, Excel spreadsheets, email); working knowledge of POS systems.
• Ability to adhere to high standards of business etiquette, professional verbal and written communication.
• Ability to consistently represent the company in a professional, positive, and knowledgeable manner.
• Ability to adhere to the highest standard of confidentiality and discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to produce detail-oriented, accurate work.
• Ability to work a varied schedule, which may include weekends and evenings, as required to ensure outcome.
• Ability to travel to outside sales calls and/or events.
• Proven ability to make solid, appropriate, and independent decisions.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.