Director of Outside Sales

Compass Group USA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Associate Shopping Program

Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

FSAs

Personal Leave

Job summary

Culinaire, a member of Compass Group USA, seeks a Director of Outside Sales to drive catering and event business in the Chicago area. This hunter role focuses on acquiring new corporate, social, and nonprofit clients, while building a robust pipeline and closing high-value events.

The position emphasizes proactive prospecting, strategic partnerships, and strong negotiation to meet revenue goals and expand the venue's market presence.

Qualifications

• Experience generating new catering and event business.
• Proven outside sales hunter with prospecting skills.
• Ability to build relationships with businesses and planners.
• Strong contract negotiation and closing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic outside sales plan.
• Prospect and secure new clients through cold calling and networking.
• Build relationships with hospitals, associations, and communities.
• Represent the venue at industry events and site visits.
• Manage a robust sales pipeline and forecast revenue.
• Close sales and achieve revenue targets.

Skills

Outside sales

Prospecting

Relationship building

Negotiation

Cold calling

Job description

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Position Title: Director of Outside Sales

Salary: $75,000 to $85,000

Other Forms of Compensation: 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.

The Director of Catering (Outside Sales) is responsible for generating new event and catering business for the Museum through proactive outside sales efforts. This position serves as the primary business development professional for social events, corporate functions, weddings, meetings, and community gatherings. Success in this role is measured by the ability to identify prospects, build relationships, create new opportunities, and convert those opportunities into booked events.

This is a hunter sales position focused on developing new business. The Director will spend the majority of their time in the community networking, prospecting, conducting sales calls, attending industry events, and building strategic partnerships. This role is not responsible for managing inbound event inquiries generated by the Museum.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic outside sales plan to generate new catering and event business.
• Prospect and secure new clients through cold calling, networking, referrals, site visits, trade shows, and community engagement.
• Build relationships with local businesses, wedding planners, event planners, nonprofit organizations, convention and visitor bureaus, chambers of commerce, and community leaders.
• Develop and implement a Hospital Network Partnership Program focused on building relationships with hospital department leaders, administrators, and key decision-makers. Position the venue as the preferred destination for meetings, training sessions, employee recognition events, fundraising functions, holiday parties, and special events.
• Represent the Museum at industry functions, networking events, and community activities to promote the venue and catering services.
• Conduct sales presentations, client meetings, and venue tours for self-generated prospects.
• Develop and maintain a robust sales pipeline and accurately track activities, opportunities, and revenue forecasts.
• Identify new market segments and revenue opportunities to increase event sales.
• Collaborate with Museum and culinary leadership to create compelling event experiences that meet client needs.
• Negotiate contracts and close sales while achieving established revenue goals.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients to encourage repeat business and referrals.

Culinaire is a member of Compass Group USA

Associates at Culinaire are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• 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 or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

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.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Culinaire maintains a drug-free workplace.

Nearest Major Market: Chicago

Job Segment: Event Planning, Chef, Culinary, Hospitality