Catering Sales Manager
At Sodexo Live!, we take pride in crafting exceptional events at the most prestigious venues on the planet and creating lasting memories for fans, visitors, guests and team members. Working with Sodexo Live! is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. Here, you'll build a career where 'everyday' is anything but normal.
Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring your personality, your background and your desire to delight others. In return, we'll give you all you need to thrive. After giving it all, you'll return home knowing that you've played your part in creating a truly unforgettable moment.
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Location: We are seeking an experienced Catering Sales Manager for our Sodexo Live! team located at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Sodexo Live! is the Official Supplier of Food and Beverage Services to the Vancouver Convention Centre. Located on Vancouver’s waterfront with a dramatic mountain backdrop, the award-winning Vancouver Convention Centre offers one of the most beautiful settings in the world. As British Columbia’s flagship convention centre, the facility hosts more than 500 events and welcomes hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, while generating significant economic activity for the Province.
Principal Function:
The Catering Sales Manager will be directly responsible for creating unique dining experiences by directing, selling, up-selling and actively participating in the planning and production of catered functions. Working closely with clients, as well as with the sales, culinary and operations staff, they are responsible for ensuring that events are coordinated and executed smoothly and in accordance with all client expectations and specifications.
The Catering Sales Manager will support the planning of and preparation for events according to anticipated attendance, and will provide oversight in the areas of service and F&B operations during events.
Essential Responsibilities:
Manage all food and beverage aspects of assigned convention or meeting events, including menu planning, budget proposals, revenue forecasting, food and beverage logistics planning, detail finalization and confirmation.
Manage the complete event cycle for Banquet events, from inquiry, site inspection, proposal, sales contract, first deposit to production logistics and final food and beverage program.
Understand client’s overall event program, objectives, needs and expectations. Monitor client’s plan and budgets and customize our service deliveries accordingly.
Assist the Sales Department in client site inspections and Fam trips, including organizing and co-hosting Chef’s Tables and designing themed events, to promote food and beverage at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Maximize Sodexo Live!'s catering revenue through creative sales techniques and customer focus.
Promote and maintain a focus on health and safety requirements, staying informed and complying with government and regulatory policies, including WorkSafe BC and the Provincial health and liquor authorities.
Support the Purpose, Values, Service Process and Standards of our client and as established by the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Maintain up-to-date information in our event database, EBMS in order to generate Service Orders or Event Resumes with accurate and complete details, meeting deadlines for weekly operations meetings.
Clearly communicate client’s requirements and expectations with Executive Chef and other senior Chefs, the F&B management team and other relevant department leaders, to ensure successful execution of all food and beverage functions.
Attend and effectively contribute to all weekly operations and management meetings.
Maintain up to date knowledge of industry trends; be involved in community/business groups, promoting, and enhancing the image of the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Assist in various projects as assigned by Director of Catering.
Contribute to goal of 100% customer satisfaction through personal commitment to teamwork and service.
Qualifications/Skills:
Bachelor’s degree in business, hotel/restaurant management or a related field, and/or appropriate combination of education and experience.
3-5 years of catering sales experience, with experience in a management role.
Prior experience in a similar venue with more than $5M in food and beverage sales.
Must possess strong knowledge of food and wine for menu development.
Must possess strong knowledge of food and beverage financials, operations procedures, controls and administration, as well as awareness and ability to perform all sales-related functions.
Solid and proven track record for sales and leadership success.
Must be highly organized and detail-oriented to effectively manage time and coordinate various activities in a complex environment.
Strong computer skills, with high proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs and experience working with an event database; EBMS (Momentus) is an asset.
Demonstrated success in interfacing with a variety of organizational functions and divisions to accomplish tasks.
Proven ability to work effectively with all levels of employees and management; Ability to promote and participate in team environment concepts.
Self-starter who can work independently and on several tasks/projects simultaneously.
Excellent ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, with strong English fluency.
Initiative in identifying and resolving problems timely and effectively.
Hours may be extended or irregular to include nights, weekends and holidays.
Great news! You will receive:
100% Company paid health and dental benefits (after wait period).
Opportunities for skills development and career progression.
Tuition reimbursement for educational and professional development.
Employee meals provided.
Access to free on-site gym facilities.
Compensation: $33.60 - $36.00 per hour