Catering Sales Manager

Catering Sales Manager

Wolfgang Puck Catering is seeking a Catering Sales Manager to lead the sales, planning, and execution of exceptional catering experiences at the Harper Center in Chicago. This role blends relationship-driven sales, strategic prospecting, and hands-on event execution, partnering closely with culinary and operations teams to deliver memorable events for corporate and social clients.

The Catering Sales Manager plays a key role in growing the catering business, managing client relationships from initial inquiry through successful event delivery, and ensuring financial and service excellence. The schedule is primarily Monday–Friday, with occasional weekend events based on business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive catering sales through active prospecting, client outreach, and relationship building
• Manage the full lifecycle of catering events, from inquiry and proposal through execution and post-event follow-up
• Create customized menus and pricing in collaboration with culinary leadership, ensuring alignment with client needs and budget goals
• Prepare proposals, contracts, and Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) with strong attention to detail
• Plan, book, and coordinate catering functions, ensuring seamless communication across sales, culinary, and operations teams
• Develop and manage catering budgets, forecasts, and financial targets
• Monitor labor and food costs to support profitability while maintaining service excellence
• Build and maintain a local client database and cultivate strong relationships with vendors and partners
• Oversee on-site event execution, including setup, service, and breakdown, as needed
• Hire, train, and support managers and team members, contributing to a collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Ensure compliance with all safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards
• Prepare operational reports and assist with receivables and financial tracking
• Support special projects and additional responsibilities as business needs evolve

What We're Looking For

• Experience in catering sales, hospitality sales, or event management, with demonstrated success meeting or exceeding sales goals
• Ability to prospect, develop new business, and grow existing client relationships
• Knowledge of current food, beverage, and hospitality trends, including fine-dining service standards
• Experience developing menu proposals in partnership with chefs
• Comfort supervising or supporting food preparation, service, and event execution
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to remain adaptable and calm in a fast-paced, event-driven environment
• Experience leading, training, or coaching team members
• Working knowledge of A/V equipment setup and breakdown for events
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with overall strong computer skills
• A proactive, client-focused mindset with a high level of integrity and professionalism
• At least three years of experience in the hospitality industry, including catering or event sales experience

Wolfgang Puck Catering maintains a drug-free workplace. Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Req ID: 1521517

Wolfgang Puck Catering

Michael Abbey

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