Paramount Events - Catering Coordinator (Drop Off Catering)

Paramount Events; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vacation and sick days

401(k) plan

Free parking

Daily lunch provided

Snacks and beverages

Job summary

Paramount Events is seeking a Catering Coordinator to join the Drop-Off Catering Sales Team. You will drive sales, perform proactive client outreach, follow-ups, and entry of orders while coordinating with multiple departments to ensure timely deliveries and accurate billing.

The role emphasizes relationship-building, hands-on execution, and a strong focus on meeting and exceeding sales goals through effective communication and organization.

Qualifications

• Customer-centered hospitality approach and positive attitude.
• Sales-driven mindset with goal orientation.
• Comfort with cold calling, prospecting, networking, and starting conversations with new clients.
• Strong follow-through to convert leads into sales.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively and solve problems proactively.

Responsibilities

• Generate new business and convert opportunities to orders for the Drop-Off Catering team.
• Outreach to prospective clients, follow-up on inquiries, and maintain a sales pipeline.
• Understand client needs and recommend catering solutions; close sales.
• Manage client relationships to generate repeat business and referrals.
• Coordinate with operations and accounting to process orders and payments.

Skills

Cold calling

Networking

Sales

Customer service

Time management

Communication

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Do you thrive in a warm and positive environment where there is a clearly defined process, and your role requires someone with a friendly and approachable style? Are you naturally efficient and able to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining high standards for accuracy and follow-through? Are you motivated by sales, enjoy building relationships, and energized by the opportunity to turn conversations and leads into new business? If these questions resonate with you, please keep reading.

Paramount Events is looking to hire a Catering Coordinator to join our dynamic Drop-Off Catering Sales Team. The Catering Coordinator plays an active role in driving sales and ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the Drop-Off Catering Sales Team. This position supports sales through proactive client outreach, lead follow-up, relationship building, and a variety of administrative and client-facing duties. This includes logging and following up with inquiries, making outbound calls, entering orders, tracking payments, networking with prospective clients, and assisting with deliveries as needed.

The successful candidate consistently delivers exceptional service while actively identifying opportunities to generate new business, increase sales, and strengthen client relationships. This role is expected to take ownership of follow-up and contribute directly to achieving the Drop-Off Catering Team’s sales goals. The ideal candidate is confident initiating conversations with prospective and existing clients, comfortable making cold calls, persistent with follow-up, and motivated by measurable sales results. The role requires strong multitasking abilities and a collaborative spirit to partner with multiple departments in a shared commitment to achieving and exceeding goals.

Sales & Business Development

• Achieve the established Drop-Off Catering sales goal by consistently generating new business and converting sales opportunities into confirmed orders.
• Conduct cold calls, outbound prospecting, networking, and follow-up with prospective and existing clients to create new sales opportunities.
• Own the sales process from initial inquiry through conversion, including identifying client needs, recommending catering solutions, following up, and closing the sale.
• Maintain and grow client relationships to generate repeat business, referrals, and additional sales while actively managing a pipeline of opportunities.

Client Communication & Event Guidance

• Communicate with clients to understand their vision, then provide expertise to create successful catered experiences.
• Offer thoughtful suggestions to help clients feel prepared, for example, on quantities, varieties, format, and timing.
• Provide hospitable, reassuring communication so clients feel cared for and confident in our services.
• Build strong client relationships that encourage repeat business and long-term loyalty.
• Identify opportunities to recommend additional services, menu options, and catering solutions that increase the value of each order.

Operational Coordination

• Clearly communicate key information, order changes, and potential roadblocks to the appropriate colleagues, ensuring the seamless success of each operation.
• Answer phone calls and emails, providing excellent customer service by describing menu items and accurately answering questions.
• Enter and process drop-off catering orders in the catering system and confirm all details for accuracy and timeliness.
• Distribute paperwork to operations departments and prepare Event Manager binders as needed.
• Assist with daily tasks such as printing tent cards, boxed lunch labels, and distributing orders.
• Coordinate order payments with clients and Accounting Department

Compensation and Benefits

• Employment type: Full-time, salary, exempt, plus commissions
• Daily lunch provided
• Free parking
• Vacation and sick days
• Health insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Snack and beverage bar

Requirements

• A customer-centered approach to hospitality with a positive attitude.
• A sales-driven, self-motivated approach with a genuine desire to achieve and exceed goals.
• Comfort and confidence with cold calling, prospecting, networking, and initiating conversations with new clients.
• Persistence and strong follow-through when converting leads and develop new business.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliable follow-through.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively and solve problems proactively.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to turn client interactions into sales opportunities.
• A team player who is receptive to feedback and willing to learn.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.