Catering Area Sales Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Area Catering Sales Manager is responsible for driving catering and private dining revenue by prospecting, negotiating, and securing new client partnerships while maintaining and growing existing accounts. This role also supports national account initiatives within an assigned territory and collaborates closely with restaurant leadership to execute local marketing strategies.

This position operates remotely and requires regular travel within the assigned territory to meet with potential catering customers, build relationships, drive revenue growth and ensure a sound catering department with the restaurants.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

• Generate new catering and private dining business through proactive outreach and networking
• Ensure all marketing tools, including menus, business cards, signs and banners are installed on all promotional packages
• Communicate specialty and large events with the Catering Support Center for booking and logistics
• Act as a brand ambassador at large events, expos, tradeshows, and tastings
• Attend events to build relationships and generate additional sales
• Coordinate large and specialty events including off-site catering and private dining functions
• Maintain accurate records of leads, client interactions, and sales activities in CRM
• Track and manage qualified leads and follow-up processes
• Monitor local market trends and identify target industries for growth
• Maintain contact with all General Managers and Area Directors to ensure strong communication of sales initiatives.

Sales Objectives

• Produce new business through catering-related activities through local business, planning groups and associations while maintaining a professional relationship with existing accounts.
• Conduct in-person meetings and presentations at customers' locations, as well as local marketing initiatives within the market.
• Maintain and increase catering and banquet room sales.
• Work directly with catering customers during the quote and booking process.
• Implement by working with GM on local catering restaurant marketing plans for restaurants.
• Maintain accurate customer records with detailed contacts and account activity throughout the sales order process utilizing the company's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) application
• Maintain qualified leads and follow up process utilizing the company's CRM application
• Meet assigned Revenue Target for your sales area through new business accounts while maintaining current customer sales
• Seek potential venues for catering while obtaining solid return
• Travel regularly within assigned market to maintain relationships and expand market presence

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Windows 11, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and working with databases
• Self-managed
• Home-office isolated from distractions when not in the field or restaurants.
• Work a variable and flexible schedule which includes Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and nights, weekends and holidays based on event demands
• Strong knowledge of demographics in assigned market
• Proven sales track record

Work Experience:

• 3 - 5 years Sales experience required
• Catering, Event planning and/ or Banquet experience preferred
• Experience in CRM software

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Communication---excellent verbal communication skills
• Manage multiple priorities -Must be able to handle multiple events and a fast-paced work environment.
• Adaptability-able to respond when business needs or priorities change
• Travel required within assigned market.

We are an equal opportunity employer.