Dynamic Event Sales & Planning Coordinator

Catering by Michaels; Morton Grove (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation

PTO

Job summary

Catering by Michaels, based in Morton Grove, IL, seeks an experienced Event Coordinator who blends sales with hospitality and meticulous planning to own client relationships from inquiry to execution. You will sell, plan, coordinate with culinary and operations teams, and oversee onsite events, building lasting client partnerships across Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

The role requires strong communication, multi-event management, and the ability to manage budgets, timelines, and vendor

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of successful off-premise catering sales experience with a proven record of results
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or 4 or more years of relevant experience in hospitality, catering, event planning, or culinary sales
• Demonstrated ability to sell and manage events ranging from 10 to 1,000+ guests
• Strong understanding of the off-premise catering and events business
• Experience with Caterease or similar event management software preferred
• Strong relationship-building and client service skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong sales ability and confidence presenting proposals and pricing to clients
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple events, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously
• Strong business judgment, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail
• Passion for food, beverage, hospitality, and live events
• Knowledge of wine, spirits, and beer preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with culinary, operations, sales, and event teams
• Active involvement in professional catering, hospitality, or related organizations preferred
• Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays based on client and event needs

Responsibilities

• Generate new business through inbound inquiries, prospecting, networking, referrals, venue relationships, and industry connections
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing clients
• Build relationships with event venues, meeting planners, corporate contacts, event professionals, and industry partners
• Conduct client consultations and understand event objectives, priorities, guest expectations, and budgets
• Develop customized catering and event proposals that meet client needs while supporting company goals
• Present menus, services, event concepts, and pricing to clients
• Guide clients through the sales process from initial inquiry through signed contract and deposit
• Identify opportunities to increase event revenue through additional services, menu enhancements, beverage, rentals, and other event needs
• Maintain an active sales pipeline and follow up consistently with prospective clients
• Serve as the primary client contact throughout the planning process
• Prepare proposals, contracts, invoices, timelines, and other event documentation
• Develop a detailed understanding of each client's event, including menu, guest count, schedule, venue requirements, rentals, staffing, and special requests
• Coordinate menu meetings, tastings, planning meetings, and other client appointments
• Work closely with culinary, operations, staffing, and event teams to communicate client expectations and event details
• Attend sales, menu, production, and planning meetings as required
• Identify potential challenges before the event and work with the appropriate teams to develop solutions
• Monitor account balances and manage accounts receivable, including timely collection of outstanding payments
• Attend venue visits and client meetings as needed
• Attend and oversee assigned client events to support successful execution and strengthen client relationships
• Participate in networking events, trade shows, venue open houses, and industry associations
• Represent Catering by Michaels professionally at community, hospitality, and business events
• Develop and maintain relationships that generate future business opportunities
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and opportunities within the Chicago catering and events market
• Stay current on Catering by Michaels menus, services, capabilities, and event offerings

Skills

Catering sales

Client relationships

Event planning

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree / hospitality

4+ years relevant experience

Tools

Caterease

Job description

Catering by Michaels, based in Morton Grove, IL, seeks an experienced Event Coordinator who blends sales with hospitality and meticulous planning to own client relationships from inquiry to execution. You will sell, plan, coordinate with culinary and operations teams, and oversee onsite events, building lasting client partnerships across Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

The role requires strong communication, multi-event management, and the ability to manage budgets, timelines, and vendor