Catering Sales Job Description

Catering sales managers sell events to the public.

Across the country there are thousands of special events where individuals or businesses bring people together at a hotel or conference space. If any of those events come with a meal, a catering sales manager was involved. A catering sales manager is responsible for the sale and delivery of menus for large groups of people. However, the manager's duties go beyond the scope of just selling food.

Food Sales

The catering sales manager is responsible for achieving for a financial sales goal. This sales goal is made up of food sales and beverage sales and met by convincing clients that their company's meeting spaces and menus are the best ones for the price. Usually, catering managers have pre-set menus to choose from, but are allowed to work with a client's needs if they think it will make a sale.

Clients

A catering sales manager must retain good working relationships with their clients to ensure repeat business. Also, the manager must reach out to new clients to keep the business growing and the sales pipeline full. Existing clients must feel like their needs are being taken care of and that their events are consistently executed properly and with care. The manager must reach out to potential clients by cold-calling businesses and quickly setting up appointments with clients who contact them. Both new and existing clients must be communicated with clearly so they know what is happening with their event.

Planning

Once the client has booked the event, the catering sales manager plans the event from start to finish. She must work with her clients on the look and timing of their events. She must meet with her clients for food tastings and to choose linen colors. The catering sales manager may need to rent chairs, tables, flatware, tablecloths and coordinate flowers, entertainment, and any special deliveries for the event.

Execution

Once the event has been planned, the catering sales manager must be on site to execute the event on the day it is scheduled. She must be one of the first ones there to help check in equipment and staff. She will be guiding the set-up staff to make sure everything is in its proper place. When the client arrives, she must do a walk-through to gain approval of the event's itinerary.

Salary

A catering sales manager can make anywhere from the $35,000 to $55,000 per year, according to PayScale. This salary may include bonuses for hitting sales goals.

References

• CrestlLine Hotels & Resorts: Catering Sales Manager
• Starwood Hotels: Catering Sales Manager
• PayScale: Catering Sales Manager