Senior Catering Sales Manager

Shedd Aquarium; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision care and Welln

401(k) Plan with Matching Contrib

Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL is seeking a Senior Catering Sales Manager to drive growth and create memorable dining experiences with clients, culinary teams and operations. You will lead teams, set direction, and negotiate to deliver events while shaping strategies for revenue and loyalty.

This role requires 3–5 years of management and 5–7 years related catering sales experience. You'll network at industry events, mentor a growing team, and stay ahead of trends in food, beverage, and events.

Qualifications

• Experience leading catering sales with revenue growth and client satisfaction.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; 3–5 years of management experience.
• 5–7 years related experience in catering sales or events.

Responsibilities

• Lead catering sales strategy and team to drive revenue growth.
• Collaborate with clients, culinary and operations teams to plan and execute events.
• Influence and negotiate with internal stakeholders to deliver memorable dining experiences.

Skills

Sales leadership

Client relationships

P&L management

Event planning

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Catering Sales Manager for Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL!

About the job

This role is all about driving growth while creating unforgettable dining experiences. You’ll work with clients, culinary teams, and operations to bring events to life, while shaping strategies that fuel both business development and customer loyalty. It’s a dynamic position where creativity, leadership, and execution all come together.

Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.

What’s in it for you

• The chance to create unique, high-impact experiences that clients will remember and talk about.
• A visible role where your ideas and strategies directly influence revenue and business growth.
• Daily collaboration with passionate culinary and operations professionals who share your drive for excellence.
• Opportunities to network and represent the brand at industry events and trade shows.
• A leadership platform to mentor, guide, and inspire a growing team.
• Exposure to the latest trends in food, beverage, and events, keeping your work innovative and exciting.
• Recognition for achieving goals while building lasting client relationships and driving repeat business.

What you’ll bring

• A record of success in catering sales with experience in leadership roles driving revenue and client satisfaction.
• Business acumen, including P&L management, financial forecasting, and the skillset to translate strategy into results.
• Expertise in food, beverage, and menu development, paired with a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to influence at all levels and represent the brand externally.
• Comfortability juggling multiple projects, leading teams, and staying ahead of industry trends.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Management Experience: 3-5 years
• Related Experience: 5-7 years

What we offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Who we are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Source: Hospitality Online