The Role at a glance:

We are looking to add an experienced, enthusiastic catering sales manager to our Design Cuisine team in Arlington, VA. As a catering sales manager, you will have the opportunity to work independently to sell and produce events for a variety of market segments. 

The Regional Catering Sales Manager is responsible for the sales and logistics planning of units within Dining and Events, including sales coverage for multiple accounts, with assignments shifting as business needs change. Their primary responsibilities include overseeing the entire event planning process, from initial inquiry through event execution. As part of this responsibility, this position is expected to actively network, build relationships with unit stakeholders and customers, and consistently identify new client opportunities to drive revenue growth. The Regional Catering Sales Manager plays a key role in ensuring the success of their events, while maintaining a strong focus on profitability and client satisfaction. They are also tasked with cultivating and sustaining venue and external client relationships while fostering excellent collaboration with the operations team. A core responsibility of the Regional Catering Sales Manager is to uphold the client's vision and brand standards at all off-premise venues and events, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience that aligns with organizational goals. The Regional Catering Sales Manager fosters a collaborative environment on all levels.

What you'll be doing:

Catering Sales and Event Execution

• Collaborate with the Regional Director of Sales to establish account and venue sales objectives, develop annual sales plans, and track performance against departmental KPIs
• Serve as the primary point of contact throughout the client journey, ensuring a high level of service and responsiveness from inquiry through post-event follow-up
• Conduct all sales functions including but not limited to; field incoming inquiries, conduct discovery calls, collaborate with key operations and venue stakeholders, develop proposals, process contracts and payments, follow unit and segment SOPs
• Respond to all inquiries within established company response-time standards.
• Utilize catering software to create and price client proposals, including managing revisions. Proposals are comprised of four major areas: menu, beverage, staff and equipment rental
• Ensure all contracts, event orders, and financial documentation are accurate and compliant with company policies and venue requirements.
• Escalate contract exceptions and risk-related issues to leadership as appropriate.
• Identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities to maximize event revenue and profitability.
• Ensure timely follow-up on proposals, contracts, and client communications throughout the sales cycle.
• Responsible for client management, event sales, contracting, event planning, and communication of event requirements
• Develop all pre-event paperwork, including equipment orders, Supervisor Worksheets, diagrams, event signage, etc in designated software
• Partner with Operations to ensure successful event execution; direct management of event staffing, labor deployment, food production, and operational opening and closing duties remain the responsibility of Operations leadership unless otherwise assigned

Participate in regular operations meetings to review upcoming events and service delivery standards

What we're looking for:

• 2+ years of experience in a food and beverage/catering or venue operation either within a hotel, cultural institution, or premier catering company
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or relevant experience in high volume catering
• Must have experience in corporate business environment with an entrepreneurial spirit
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
• Hardworking nature, hands-on approach, and a passion for business
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, management, vendors, and clients
• Able to work a flexible schedule to accommodate business levels
• Advanced knowledge of current technology and MS Office suite, with catering software experience

Compensation Range

Base: $80,000 - $90,000 plus commission

Our Benefits:

• Medical (FT Employees)
• Dental
• Vision
• Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
• Discount Program
• Commuter Benefits (Parking and Transit) 
• EAP
• 401k
• Sick Time
• Holiday Pay (9 paid holidays)
• Tuition Reimbursement (FT Employees)
• Paid Time Off 

#boost #LI-MA1 #indeedelior