We are seeking a highly organized and experienced Catering & Event Manager to plan, organize and oversee our food catering services for on and off site events in the downtown Indianapolis area. The Catering & Event Manager's responsibilities include handling customer inquiries and complaints, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, coordinating the delivery of food supplies for off site events, and working with the banquets sales manager and community coordinator for smooth and seamless execution of onsite events. Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of customer service, excellent leadership abilities, and a passion for the food and beverage industry. Ultimately, the role of the Catering & Event Manager is to ensure a high-quality, cost-effective and consistent service that exceeds customer expectations.

The ideal candidate should have a strong sales background, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of the catering & event industry.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities through proactive sales efforts working with our banquet sales manager
• Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, event planners, and other potential customers for offsite catering
• Respond to inquiries, provide quotes, and negotiate contracts for off site catering services
• Collaborate with culinary and operations teams to ensure successful event execution
• Conduct site visits and tastings for potential clients
• Stay informed about industry trends, competitors, and market conditions
• Create and deliver compelling sales presentations to showcase catering services
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely sales reports
• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop promotional materials and campaigns
• Meeting with clients to understand and document their catering needs and preferences
• Developing menus in collaboration with the chef, considering factors such as the type of event and the client’s budget
• Organizing and supervising the work of the catering team to ensure that food is prepared and served in a timely manner
• Manage schedules for the off site catering staff
• Recruit and train catering staff
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations in the kitchen and other food preparation areas
• Controlling budgets and minimizing expenditure by efficiently managing resources
• Handling customer inquiries and complaints professionally and promptly
• Conducting regular inventory checks and ordering supplies as necessary
• Recruiting, training, and managing staff to provide high-quality service
• Planning and executing marketing strategies to promote the catering business
  
  
  

Requirements And Skills

• Proven experience in catering sales or a related sales role
• Strong sales and negotiation skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Knowledge of catering industry trends, pricing, and customer preferences
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Results-driven with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets
• Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) software
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, or a related field is a plus
• Creativity and problem-solving skills to tailor offerings to client needs